About
Inspiring Connection Through Adaptive Athletics & Real Stories
Our Story
The idea for Blind Endeavors began with Steve’s journey after losing his eyesight while serving in Iraq. Determined to continue exploring the world and to share that spirit with others, Steve began speaking in schools, community groups, and veteran organizations about resilience, problem-solving, and the power of adaptive athletics. In 2015, Steve and Vic officially established Blind Endeavors Foundation as a 501(c)(3) to build a broader platform for education and adventure.
Traveling across the country, we visited classrooms and gave students a hands-on understanding of accessibility by introducing adaptive athletic equipment. These interactive programs helped young people learn how blind athletes ski, kayak, climb, and navigate outdoor environments—opening up conversations about inclusion, teamwork, and innovation.
Expanding Adaptive Adventure & Media Storytelling
Beyond education, Blind Endeavors has partnered with leading adaptive recreation organizations such as Team River Runner, World TEAM Sports, and others. Through storytelling, photography, and media coverage, we have helped highlight the experiences of blind and visually impaired athletes while supporting programs that make outdoor adventure more accessible.
Like many nonprofits, Blind Endeavors paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the mission never faded. Today, we’re returning with a renewed focus: media-driven storytelling that elevates adaptive sports, showcases lived experiences, and increases public understanding of accessibility and blindness.
Our Vision Moving Forward
Blind Endeavors Foundation is committed to:
– Empowering blind and visually impaired adventurers
– Increasing access to inclusive outdoor recreation
– Supporting education about blindness and adaptive technology
– Sharing authentic stories that challenge assumptions
– Building community connections through podcasts, video, and media
– Advancing representation in the adaptive athletics space
As we grow, we’re developing new programs, new collaborations, and new ways to connect people with resources, knowledge, and real-world experiences within the blind and visually impaired community.
What’s Next
We’re expanding our storytelling platforms, building immersive media projects, and strengthening partnerships in the adaptive adventure world. Whether you’re an educator, athlete, nonprofit partner, student, donor, or community member—we welcome you to be part of our next chapter.
Blind Endeavors Foundation:
Where adaptive adventure, accessibility, and powerful storytelling meet.
Our Mission
“Empowering the blind and visually impaired through inspiring storytelling and immersive media to build awareness, deepen knowledge, and encourage meaningful action.”
The Leadership Guiding Blind Endeavors Forward
Steve Baskis
Michael Lassig
Daniel Wallace
Shirley Appler
Anthony (Tony) Nasharr
Victor Henderson
Mike Milano
Pete Whinfrey
Meet the Founder
Steve Baskis — Adventurer, Veteran, Storyteller, Innovator
Steve Baskis is a blind U.S. Army veteran, accomplished adventurer, and passionate storyteller whose life’s work centers on exploration, curiosity, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. After losing his eyesight in 2008 while serving in Iraq, Steve chose a path defined not by limitation, but by opportunity—pursuing mountaineering, skiing, rock and ice climbing, whitewater paddling, and other adaptive adventures that continue to inspire people around the world.
Driven by a deep desire to understand the world through every remaining sense, Steve has climbed mountains on multiple continents, completed demanding endurance events, and collaborated with adaptive sports organizations to expand access to outdoor recreation for blind and visually impaired athletes. His approach to exploration is rooted in precision, trust, and teamwork—skills he developed both in the military and through years of navigating challenging environments without sight.
Beyond adventure, Steve is a dedicated educator and speaker. He has presented in schools, universities, and community organizations across the United States, sharing insights on resilience, problem-solving, adaptability, and the lived experience of blindness. His message encourages people to rethink perception, embrace curiosity, and find strength in the unknown.
Steve co-founded Blind Endeavors Foundation in 2015 with Vic Henderson to elevate the stories and experiences of the blind and visually impaired community through media, education, and immersive adventure. Today, he continues to lead the organization’s mission with authenticity, humility, and an explorer’s mindset—showing that adventure is not about eyesight, but about perspective.
A Few of Steve’s Endeavors & Passions
– Mountaineering expeditions on multiple continents
– Technical rock, ice, and alpine climbing
– Whitewater kayaking expeditions
– Backcountry skiing and Nordic travel
– Photography, audio engineering, and immersive storytelling
– Public speaking and education in schools and universities
– Advocacy for accessibility, adaptive technology, and inclusive outdoor spaces
Steve’s Guiding Philosophy
“Adventure is not about seeing the world—it’s about experiencing it.”
