History

The concept of Space Camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children was pioneered in 1986 by Dr. John Tiffany, principal of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega, Al. The first group to attend Space Camp had 21 deaf and hard of hearing students from around the United States who participated. In the fall of 1997, Amy Newland, who teaches at the Western PA School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh PA, independently took over the direction of the program. The direction of this program has been on a volunteer basis since it’s conception.

Since 1987 there have been over 2,000 students and staff, from the United States and Internationally, who have attended the program Space Camp/Aviation Challenge for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

After taking over the program in 1997, Amy would receive many calls asking for scholarships or some kind of assistance for children/students to attend this program. In the fall of 1999 Amy Newland and James "Doc" Mendelson founded Space and Beyond, a competely volunteer organization. In 2000 the first annual Space and Beyond fund raiser was held at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh PA. Working with a team of dedicated volunteers (flight crew) and the Pittsburgh community the event has been a success. Since 2000, the fund raiser has become an annual event, raising money to provide deaf and hard of hearing children a full scholarship (travel and tuition) to attend Space Camp and Aviation Challenge in Huntsville, Alabama.

"Space Camp" celebrated it's 20th year of providing an enriching and challenging experiences for children that are deaf or hard of hearing in 2006.