Mountain Climbers

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, p...

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 ...

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...

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&mdas...

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...

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 t...

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 conversa...

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 ...

Monisha Perkash knows that loving someone means thinking not only about who they are today, but about the future you hope they’ll have.

In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Monisha shares her experience growing up alongside her sister, Minerva, and the questions that many siblings quietly carry as they think about long-term care, independence, and what happens as families grow older. While Monisha is known professionally as a...

Tina Underwood knows what it means to raise a child while navigating systems that don’t always come with a roadmap.

In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Tina shares her journey raising her son, Kevin, who has an intellectual and developmental disability, and the reality of working through schools, therapies, and service systems along the way. What begins as a parent trying to do what’s best for their child often becomes...

Meet Mimi Giannini, a mother navigating one of the most complex and deeply personal parts of parenting — guiding her daughter into adulthood.

In this episode of Mountain Climbers, Mimi reflects on what it means to raise her daughter, Morgan, who has an intellectual and developmental disability, while supporting her growth and independence in a world that doesn’t always make space for families like theirs. She shares the ...

Meet Ramaswamy “Ranga” Ranganathan, a father whose journey began with a moment many parents know all too well — the day his child received a diagnosis.

In this first episode of Mountain Climbers, Ranga reflects on what it means to be a literal mountain trekker and how that experience mirrors his family’s journey raising their daughter, Sitara, who has an intellectual and developmental disability. He shares th...

Before the interviews, before the stories.

Meet Hadiyah Fain, host of the Mountain Climbers Podcast and Vice President of Marketing & Development at Life Services Alternatives. Four years ago, Hadiyah gave birth to her son, Elijah Joshua Fain. He had I/DD. Three days later, he passed away.

Those three days changed everything.

In this short but powerful introduction, Hadiyah shares the personal story behind her mission — and ...

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...