Many of us take for granted that we can go anywhere or do anything we want, but some people, like those with disabilities, are limited in what they can do.

That’s why William Bowman, president of Visually Impaired People Organization, Inc., wants to change the stigma. He took nearly 30 special education children from Selma High School and Selma Middle CHAT Academy on a field trip to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, April 21.  Bowman also plans to take students from Cedar Park Elementary to the Montgomery Zoo in early May.

“Most of these students come from low-income families and don’t get to go anywhere outside of Selma because of that reason or their disabilities,” Bowman said. “These students deserve an opportunity to see a world beyond Selma and eat at places other than their cafeteria at school.”

With the help of a grant from the Black Belt Community Foundation, Bowman and his students were able to tour Alabama’s campus, the Paul W. Bryant Museum and Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Bowman said he remembers how one little boy was so excited to see the massive stadium he only saw on television.

“It made me glad to see that this kid got to see, touch and feel the place in person,” Bowman said.

Bowman said he wanted to do something special for the schools that made an impact on his life as a student. In times past, Bowman and students have taken trips to the Lowndes County Interpretive Center, the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery and the Birmingham Museum of Art.

“I wanted to provide educational and recreational activities for students who may not be able to do them with or without their families,” Bowman said. “We’ve been providing field trips for the past six years and it’s important for me to do this for those schools.”

Just like what Bear Bryant taught his teammates at Alabama about being a winner, Bowman encouraged his students to do the same.

“I told them to do what they have to do personally to be a success,” Bowman said.

Bowman, who also plans to do anti-bullying campaigns in area schools beginning in May and will take students to the Epcot Theme Park in Orlando, Fla., in the future.

For more information on how your donations can help special needs children go on future field trips, call 354-4015 or visit www.visuallyimpairedpeople.org.