Teresa Kaufman Adaptive Sensory Walks in Chamonix

In 2012, the photographer/author Teresa Kaufman hosted her first group of autistic adolescents on a Discovery & Photo Walk in the valley of Chamonix. She is now introducing a 5 Senses Walk for disabled visitors - visually impaired, hard of hearing or autistic youngsters.

The 5 Senses Walk takes place in a preserved natural environment, silent and stress-free. The walk is not strenuous and is easily accessible on foot after a 10-15 minute walk on an uphill slope to get to the starting point of the itinerary.

The walk is run on a private basis for individuals or small groups (max 3 people) and will be tailored to each individual participant. Participants must be accompanied by a responsible educator or member of the family.

Nature’s language for each individual:

• Sounds: birds, insects, bubbling brooks, wind and breeze
• Smells: earthly aromas provoked by heat and humidity
• Cool temperatures: shaded forests or a mountain’s looming mass
• Caresses: sensations on the skin from a light breeze
• Proprioception: different terrains offering unique sensations underfoot; cool moss beds, bouncy heather fields, wet and warm peat bogs and dry pebbly paths.
• Taste: when possible, a burst of flavour from a wild raspberry…

Many and sometimes all of these sensory-charged locations can be felt and interpreted in different manners by disabled persons anxious to experience a part of Chamonix’s nature.

Participants are welcome to bring their favourite recording device to capture the experience: a camera, smart-phone, dictaphone, sketch-pad… Or simply their curiosity to discover and experience the tactile sensations.

Useful information:

• The walk takes approximately 3hrs, depending on the pace of the participant
• For details on prices and conditions you can contact Teresa. There is no charge for the educator or parent. Larger groups on request.
• The walks will be available during the summer and autumn season.

Why take part?

Teresa strongly believes in the benefit of an experience blending nature with photography or sound recordings as it provides a long-lasting souvenir of sensations for the participant. Capturing and recording the experience naturally engages the person’s attention to his immediate environment, sharpens his ability to see details, enhances his faculty to hear and stimulates his sense of smell and taste.