SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Adam Webster Fund

Adam Webster was a young boy with special needs who loved dolphins, the beach, and being out on his family’s sailboat. With Adam’s passing at the age of 22 in 1999, O’Neill Sea Odyssey developed the Adam Webster Fund in collaboration with his parents, Tom and Judy Webster. 

The special needs program is part of OSO’s wider vision to eliminate obstacles and to open doors that allow every person access to the rich environmental resources in our backyard, regardless of physical, social, intellectual and emotional barriers. It’s often hard to tell what experience will create a new learning opportunity and intellectual or social milestone in an individual’s journey. That’s part of the magic of OSO – every person leaves with their own unique memory of the program. In 2009, the O’Neill Sea Odyssey received the Special Parents Information Network’s “Community Spinners” Award, acknowledging the efforts to serve a traditionally overlooked segment of our population.

How to Apply

Trip leaders can apply to our special needs program during the open application period in early May. More information about the application process can be found on the Trip Request page. The Adam Webster Fund supports four to six special needs trips annually. OSO staff works with trip leaders to ensure that their outing is customized to meet the specific needs of that particular class.

Trip Planning

Please notify our staff of the number of wheelchairs, the spectrum of student needs, and any special requests. There is a maximum capacity of 12 students per trip and we kindly request that each student bring their one-on-one aid. It is also helpful for group leaders to break students up by cognitive level/function and our educators will adjust their instruction accordingly. Our education center is accessible by elevator. Wheelchairs can remain dockside or be brought onboard and our Captain and crew are prepared to assist. In the event of an unlikely emergency, once boarded onto the boat, aids will need to unclip students from their wheelchairs.

Support

To make a contribution in support of the Adam Webster Fund, please contact Executive Director, Tracey Weiss at (831)475-1561 or by email.