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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Peak performance

Miriam Richards shown here at the summit of Mount Hood, has climbed the highest peak in 49 states. She has been deaf since birth and has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.Courtesy of Miriam Richards (Courtesy of Miriam Richards / The Spokesman-Review)
Rich Landers Outdoors editor
Miriam Richards shown here at the summit of Mount Hood, has climbed the highest peak in 49 states. She has been deaf since birth and has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.Courtesy of Miriam Richards (Courtesy of Miriam Richards / The Spokesman-Review)

While actress Marlee Matlin is swinging with her hearing disability on Dancing with the Stars, Miriam Richards has put her disabilities to the test of ascending to the heights of all 50 states.

And at least a few Spokane-area youths are taking note with hopeful attention.

Richards, a mountain climber and motivational speaker, will make a presentation on her almost fully achieved goal to climb the highest point in every state on Saturday, 6 p.m. at REI, 1125 N. Monroe.

Born deaf in Victoria, British Columbia, Richards graduated from Gallaudet University for the Deaf in Washington, D.C., earned a masters degree and became a U.S. citizen.

Part way through her goal to reach the summit of the highest mountain in every state of her new country, Richards was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. But she kept going up, reaching the summit of every peak, except McKinley, where weather forced her group off the mountain.

Richards teaches American Sign Language at Western Oregon University. She has written a book, “High Point of Persistence: the Miriam Richards Story.”

“She’s an inspiration,” said Kerry Whitsitt, spokeswoman for Project MOVE, the Spokane-based program that facilitates “Mentoring Opportunities for Vocation and Education.” The organization connects youths with disabilities with community mentors in one-on-one relationships to assist in transition from high school to higher education or the workforce.

Outdoors pursuits offer tremendous potential for building their skills and confidence, she said.

Project MOVE, which is working with REI and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest, has a waiting list of youth with disabilities in Spokane County, she said. They are anxious to be matched with adults (18 years and older) to spend a small amount of time helping the youth explore their interests and skills.