Mountain Climbers

Life Services Alternatives

5.0 (4)
Non-Profit
Updated Biweekly

Mountain Climbers shares honest, hopeful stories from parents, siblings, and individuals in the I/DD community. Through real conversations, practical resources, and moments of connection, this podcast builds community and invites listeners to support inclusive housing and lifelong supports through Life Services Alternatives.

4d ago

Climbing Together Pt. 2 | Mountain Climbers Podcast

What happens when you're trying to advocate for your child while facing challenges of your own? In Part 2 of the Mountain Climbers season finale, Dana Hooper shares a more personal side of his journey as a parent, advocate, and leader in the I/DD community. Raising a child with an intellectual and developmental disability can bring questions and responsibilities that don't always have easy answers. Dana reflects on the uncertainty, personal challenges, and emotional weight that can come with thinking about your child's future while trying to navigate your own life at the same time. After more than 20 years of advocacy, Dana speaks honestly about what he's learned along the way—including the reality that being an advocate doesn't mean having everything figured out. Sometimes it means continuing to show up, asking difficult questions, and working toward a better future even when the path isn't clear. As we close the season, Dana's story brings us back to one of the central ideas of Mountain Climbers: meaningful change begins with real people and real stories. Thank you for climbing with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate
Aug 7

Climbing Together Pt. 1 | Mountain Climbers Podcast

What happens when a parent's personal experience becomes a call for systems change? In Part 1 of the Mountain Climbers season finale, Dana Hooper reflects on the experience that first changed the way he understood the disability system—and how it led him into more than two decades of advocacy. Dana is a parent, social entrepreneur, longtime disability advocate, and Executive Director of Life Services Alternatives. His work has focused on advancing quality, non-institutional services and creating inclusive housing where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live, grow, and remain connected to their communities. In this conversation, Dana shares how his son's diagnosis shaped his perspective, why housing is a critical civil rights issue, and what he has learned from years of working alongside families, self-advocates, service providers, and policymakers. As we close out the season, Dana's story brings together many of the themes we've explored throughout Mountain Climbers: family, identity, advocacy, responsibility, belonging, and the question of what kind of future we're willing to build together. This is Part 1 of our two-part season finale. In Part 2, we'll look ahead—at the future of inclusive housing, the challenges that remain, and what it will take for communities to create lasting change. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate
Jul 24

When the Roles Begin to Shift | Mountain Climbers Podcast

At some point, many siblings realize that the role they've always known is beginning to change. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Bruce Wolfe reflects on what it has meant to grow from being a brother into becoming an advocate, planner, and partner in shaping his sister Hillary's future. As families age and circumstances evolve, Bruce shares the conversations, decisions, and emotional complexity that come with preparing for what's ahead while protecting the sibling relationship at the heart of it all. Throughout the conversation, Bruce speaks honestly about responsibility, boundaries, and the importance of planning before a crisis forces difficult decisions. His story is a reminder that families shouldn't have to navigate the future alone—and that strong communities and long-term support systems make it possible for siblings to remain just that: siblings. This episode is for every family beginning to think about the future. Every sibling wondering what their role may become. Every person working to build a future rooted in dignity, stability, and shared responsibility. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate
Jul 17

Belonging Matters | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Everyone deserves a place where they feel they belong. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, David Pelzner reflects on what belonging means through the relationships, routines, and community that have shaped his life. As an autistic adult, David shares how family, friendship, and meaningful connection have helped him feel valued, respected, and at home. Throughout the conversation, David offers an honest perspective on inclusion—not as a concept, but as a lived experience. He reflects on the people who have supported him, the activities that bring him joy, and the everyday moments that remind him he is an important part of his community. This episode invites us to rethink what true inclusion looks like. Beyond access or participation, belonging is about creating spaces where every person is welcomed, respected, and able to be fully themselves. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wanted to feel accepted. Every family, educator, neighbor, and community leader working to build places where people don't just fit in—they truly belong. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate
Jul 3

This Is Who I Am | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Growing up, many of us are told who we should be. Todd Erickson reminds us why every person deserves the opportunity to define that for themselves. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Todd shares his story in his own words. As a filmmaker, self-advocate, Assistant Caregiver, and mentor, he reflects on identity, independence, communication, and the importance of being seen beyond assumptions. Throughout the conversation, Todd speaks about the passions that drive him, the experiences that have shaped him, and why having a voice—and being truly heard—can transform not only individual lives, but entire communities. His story is a powerful reminder that every person deserves the opportunity to express who they are and be valued for their strengths. This episode is for anyone who has ever wanted to be understood. Every family, educator, caregiver, and community member committed to creating spaces where people are heard, respected, and empowered to lead with their own voice. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate
Jun 26

Becoming Myself | Mountain Climbers Podcast

What does it mean to become yourself? In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Morgan O'Malley shares her journey of growing into adulthood with confidence, purpose, and independence. She reflects on the people who have shaped her, the challenges she has overcome, and the everyday experiences that have helped her discover who she is. As the conversation unfolds, Morgan speaks about resilience, self-belief, and the quiet milestones that often matter most. From volunteering in her community and competing in Special Olympics to building friendships and pursuing the things she loves, her story is a celebration of growth on her own terms. This episode is for every person learning to believe in themselves. Every family encouraging independence with love and trust. Every community working to create opportunities where adults with I/DD can thrive, contribute, and define success for themselves. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: lsahomes.org/donate
Jun 19

Work, Purpose, and Possibilities | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Ashley knows that meaningful work is about more than a paycheck. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Ashley reflects on what employment means to her—not simply as a job, but as a source of purpose, independence, confidence, and pride. Through her work, volunteerism, and commitment to lifelong learning, she has discovered the value of contributing to her community and continuing to grow through new experiences. As the conversation unfolds, Ashley shares what she enjoys most about working, the skills she has developed along the way, and how having meaningful responsibilities has strengthened her sense of self. Her story highlights the importance of routine, belonging, and being recognized for what you can do rather than being defined by limitations. Together, we explore why meaningful employment matters, what inclusive workplaces can look like, and how opportunities for contribution help create a fuller vision of adulthood for people of all abilities. This episode is for anyone who has ever found purpose through their work. Every employer looking to build a more inclusive workplace. Every person who believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and be valued. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate
Jun 12

Growing Up a Sibling | Mountain Climbers Podcast

Christine Wang understands that growing up with a sibling with I/DD can shape not only your childhood, but the person you become. In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Christine reflects on her relationship with her younger brother Didi, who was born with Down Syndrome, and what it meant to grow up beside him in a Chinese-American household navigating disability, cultural expectations, and family responsibility. While Christine has spent decades supporting young people as an educator and social emotional learning leader, many of her earliest lessons about empathy, resilience, and advocacy began within her own family. As the conversation unfolds, Christine shares memories of childhood, the unspoken dynamics siblings often absorb, and the emotional complexity of balancing protectiveness, independence, frustration, pride, and love. She speaks honestly about the ways growing up with Didi shaped her identity—from the responsibilities she quietly carried to the perspective she now brings into her work and relationships. Together, we explore how siblings are impacted by disability too: the roles they step into, the expectations families may never fully name, and the ways those experiences continue into adulthood. Christine also reflects on the cultural stigma surrounding developmental disabilities in some immigrant communities and the understanding she has gained over time about her family, her brother, and herself. This conversation is for every sibling who grew up learning how to care early. Every family navigating roles that evolve over time. Every person trying to understand how empathy, identity, and responsibility are shaped through love. Walk with us. 🎙️ Subscribe to Mountain Climbers so you never miss a story: https://linktr.ee/lifeservicesalternatives 🤝 Learn more about Life Services Alternatives: https://lsahomes.org 💛 Support our mission: https://lsahomes.org/donate

Trailer

Mountain Climbers Podcast – Official Trailer | Stories from the IDD Community

Welcome to the Mountain Climbers Podcast, a storytelling series from Life Services Alternatives. This trailer gives you a glimpse into the series, which shares real stories from parents, siblings, and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Each season, we explore the joys, challenges, and everyday experiences of the IDD community, offering practical resources, listener questions, and ways to support inclusion and lifelong supports. Subscribe now to hear inspiring stories, connect with a supportive community, and learn how you can make a difference through LSA.

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Mountain Climbers shares honest, hopeful stories from parents, siblings, and individuals in the I/DD community. Through real conversations, practical resources, and moments of connection, this podcast builds community and invites listeners to support inclusive housing and lifelong supports through Life Services Alternatives.

Creator

Life Services Alternatives
Years Active

2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Mountain Climbers