Environmental Traveling Companions believes that everyone, regardless of physical or financial limitations, should have the opportunity to experience the challenge and beauty of the wilderness. Through ETC's Sea Kayaking, River Rafting, Cross-Country Skiing and Youth Leadership School adventures people with disabilities and other special needs overcome perceived limitations, attain greater personal freedom and confidence, and better understand themselves in relation to others and the environment. Every year over 2000 people with special needs join us on outdoor adventures. These are people of all ages, people who have hearing impairments; people who have physical, emotional or developmental disabilities and people living with serious illness, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. ETC collaborates with over 80 social service agencies and schools who rely upon our programs to provide a vital extension of their own services. We also provide outdoor education programs for school groups and economically disadvantaged youth.