Author: Shannon Cherry

Become a Board Member of Las Trampas

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

Help guide the future of Las Trampas by joining a dedicated leadership team committed to long-term sustainability, strong governance, and meaningful community impact.

Lead With Purpose

Las Trampas is seeking a dedicated board member to help advance our mission, strengthen our leadership, and support the organization’s continued growth. As a board member, you will play an important role in shaping strategy, setting policy, and helping ensure Las Trampas remains sustainable for years to come.

Support Financial Sustainability

Board members provide essential oversight of Las Trampas’ financial health, including reviewing budgets, financial reports, audits, and major organizational decisions. Your leadership will help ensure responsible stewardship, legal compliance, and the resources needed to continue serving our community.

Champion Our Mission

As an ambassador for Las Trampas, you will help build relationships, support fundraising efforts, advocate for our programs, and represent the organization to key stakeholders. This is an opportunity to use your experience, connections, and passion to make a lasting difference.

Apply to become a Board Member

Inclusion in Action: Celebrating Las Trampas Volunteers This National Volunteer Month

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

Every April, National Volunteer Month shines a light on the people who make communities stronger through service. It is a time to celebrate compassion, generosity, and the everyday actions that help others feel supported, seen, and connected.

It is also a time to challenge the assumptions that still limit how society views contribution.

Too often, people underestimate who is able to give back in meaningful ways. There is a persistent and harmful belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities cannot contribute in ways that truly matter. But that belief does not hold up to reality.

At Las Trampas, people with IDD are not standing on the sidelines. They are active volunteers, generous neighbors, and valued members of the community. They are showing up, doing meaningful work, and making a real difference in the lives of others. Their service is powerful not only because of what gets done, but because of what it reveals: ability is far greater than the limits other people sometimes imagine.

Service That Challenges Stereotypes

One of the most powerful ways to break stereotypes is through action.

People can debate inclusion, talk about ability, or question what participation should look like. But when people with IDD volunteer in their communities, the conversation changes. Their work becomes visible proof of what has always been true: everyone has something valuable to offer.

At Las Trampas, volunteerism is not symbolic. It is real. It is practical. It is impactful. Every hour given, every task completed, and every act of service helps strengthen the community while also pushing back against outdated assumptions.

That matters because inclusion is not about lowering expectations. It is about recognizing strengths, creating opportunities, and giving every person the chance to contribute in ways that are meaningful and respected.

Caring for Community Spaces

Some Las Trampas volunteers help clean local hiking trails, taking care of outdoor spaces that the entire community can enjoy.

This kind of service reflects dedication, teamwork, and pride. It takes effort to show up consistently, work together, and help maintain places that bring people outdoors and bring communities together. A cleaner trail is more than just a tidier space. It becomes a safer, more welcoming place for families, neighbors, and visitors.

That impact is easy to overlook because it feels simple. But often, the most meaningful forms of service are built on simple actions done with care and consistency. Showing up, putting in the work, and making shared spaces better step by step is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate community pride.

Supporting Neighbors Through White Pony Express

Other volunteers support White Pony Express by helping clean, bundle food, and organize clothing for the people the organization serves.

These tasks are practical, but they also carry real human meaning. Organizing food and clothing helps create dignity, order, and access for individuals and families who need support. Behind every bundled item and every prepared donation is the effort of someone who chose to help.

That is what meaningful service looks like. It is not always public. It is not always glamorous. But it matters deeply.

This kind of volunteer work turns compassion into action. It transforms kindness into something people can rely on. When volunteers help prepare food and clothing for distribution, they are doing more than completing tasks. They are helping move care through the community in ways that are tangible and immediate.

Showing Leadership at Las Trampas Fundraisers

Some people supported by Las Trampas have also volunteered at Las Trampas fundraisers, helping make community events possible while supporting the organization’s mission.

That kind of participation reflects leadership, responsibility, and belonging. It shows that people with IDD are not just recipients of support. They are active participants in the success of the organization and in the broader life of the community.

Fundraisers do more than raise money. They bring people together. They build awareness. They strengthen relationships. And the volunteers who help make them successful play an important role in shaping how others understand inclusion, dignity, and capability.

Their presence at these events helps tell a bigger story, one that says community is strongest when everyone has the chance to take part and contribute their time, energy, and talents.

Offering Comfort Through Compassionate Service

The spirit of service at Las Trampas extends into many forms of care.

Some individuals have made blankets for unhoused shelters, creating something warm, practical, and deeply human for neighbors facing hardship. Others have provided support to animals in shelters, offering comfort and compassion to animals waiting for safety and a home.

These acts may look different from one another, but they are connected by the same truth: every person has something meaningful to give.

Service can look like physical work. It can look like organizing supplies. It can look like crafting something by hand. It can look like gentle care for a vulnerable animal. Every form of contribution matters because every form of contribution reflects heart, purpose, and humanity.

What National Volunteer Month Really Reminds Us

National Volunteer Month is about recognizing the people who show up for others. But it should also remind us to look more closely at the many ways people contribute, especially when those contributions are too often underestimated.

People with IDD can contribute. People with IDD do contribute. And communities are stronger, kinder, and more connected because of it.

That is the real lesson behind inclusive volunteerism. When communities make room for everyone’s strengths, everyone benefits. We do not build stronger communities by deciding who is worthy of participation. We build stronger communities by creating opportunities, removing barriers, and honoring the value each person brings.

Inclusion is not a favor. It is a commitment to seeing people clearly and valuing them fully.

Celebrating the Volunteers of Las Trampas

This National Volunteer Month, we celebrate the volunteers of Las Trampas and the example they set for all of us.

They remind us that service is not defined by stereotypes. It is defined by effort, compassion, and impact. They remind us that belonging grows when people are trusted with meaningful opportunities to contribute. And they remind us that a truly inclusive community is one where every person’s gifts are recognized and appreciated.

When we create communities that welcome everyone’s strengths, we do more than open doors. We build a culture where every contribution can shine.

Please join us in honoring the volunteers of Las Trampas, supporting the organization’s mission, and helping create a world where every act of service is seen, valued, and celebrated.

This St. Patrick’s Day, Let’s Retire One Harmful Idea About Disability

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

Every St. Patrick’s Day, people talk about luck. But one of the most harmful things a person can say is that they feel “lucky” no one in their family has a disability.

Maybe they do not mean it to sound cruel. Maybe they think they are simply expressing gratitude for an easier life. But underneath that thought is a message that deserves closer attention: the idea that disability automatically makes a life smaller, harder to value, or less worth celebrating.

At Las Trampas, we know that is not true.

For decades, families, staff, advocates, and community members have seen something very different. They have seen adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build lives full of growth, connection, contribution, joy, and purpose. They have seen that the real issue is not disability itself. The real issue is whether people are welcomed, supported, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

So this St. Patrick’s Day, it may be time to retire one harmful idea about disability and replace it with something better.

Why the “Lucky” Mindset Misses the Point

When someone says they are lucky not to have disability in their family, they are usually separating the world into two groups: families like theirs, who believe they have been spared, and other families, who are seen as carrying a burden.

That way of thinking is harmful because it turns disability into a symbol of misfortune instead of recognizing disabled people as full human beings with strengths, preferences, dreams, relationships, and gifts to share. It encourages pity where respect should be. It creates distance where there should be belonging.

It also ignores a deeper truth: a good life is not defined by whether it looks easy from the outside. A good life is defined by whether a person has the chance to make choices, build relationships, grow in confidence, participate in community, and be valued for who they are.

That is the kind of life Las Trampas has long worked to support. Not a life measured by narrow ideas of “normal,” but a full life shaped by dignity, independence, and community.

Disability Is Not Something That Only Happens to “Other People”

Another problem with the “lucky” mindset is that it is often based on a false assumption.

Many people think disability is always obvious. They assume they would know immediately if someone in their family had one. But life is rarely that simple. Some disabilities are visible. Many are not. Some people speak openly about their experiences. Others stay private because of stigma, fear, misunderstanding, or years of being treated differently.

That means many people who say, “No one in my family has a disability,” may simply not know the full story.

A relative may be living with a learning disability, autism, mental health condition, hearing loss, chronic illness, brain injury, or another disability that has never been named in family conversations. An older family member may have grown up without the language or support to describe their experience. Someone else may have decided that keeping it private felt safer than risking judgment.

So the issue is not only that the thought is hurtful. It is that the thought is often uninformed.

Disability is not rare. It is not a separate category of life reserved for strangers. It is part of the human experience, and it exists across families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities.

What Families and Communities Need Is Not Distance, But Inclusion

If disability is part of human life, then the goal should not be to feel relieved when we think it is far away from us.

The goal should be to build families and communities where people of all abilities belong.

That means asking different questions.

Not: “How lucky are we to avoid this?”

But: “How well do we welcome people?”
“How well do we listen?”
“How well do we support independence?”
“How well do we make room for different ways of living, learning, communicating, and participating?”

These are questions worth sitting with.

Because what truly strengthens a family or community is not the absence of disability. It is the presence of love without condescension, support without pity, opportunity without exclusion, and belonging without conditions.

At Las Trampas, that belief is central. Every person deserves the opportunity to discover their capabilities and lead a full life. Every person deserves to be seen for more than a label. Every person deserves a community that expects possibility, not limitation.

What to Think Instead

If “I’m lucky no one in my family has a disability” is the wrong thought, what should replace it?

A better thought might be this:

I hope every person in my family and community is valued, supported, and included.

That changes everything. It shifts the focus away from fear and toward responsibility. It leaves room for people to be exactly who they are, without being treated as a problem to avoid.

Another better thought is:

Disability is part of life, and every life has value.

That reflection is more honest and more humane. It does not deny that challenges exist. It simply refuses to reduce a person’s worth to those challenges.

And perhaps the most important thought is this:

Instead of asking whether disability touches my family, I should ask whether my family makes space for disabled people to belong.

That is the reflection that opens hearts. That is the reflection that changes communities. That is the reflection that moves us closer to a world where people are not judged by how closely they fit a narrow standard, but welcomed as full members of the community.

A Better St. Patrick’s Day Reflection

St. Patrick’s Day is often about good fortune, celebration, and cheerful traditions. There is nothing wrong with enjoying those things. But it is also a chance to think more carefully about what we call luck.

Is it luck to believe your family’s value depends on being untouched by disability?

Or is it better fortune to live in a community where people are respected, included, and empowered to live full lives?

The better answer is clear.

Real good fortune is not distance from disability. Real good fortune is being part of a world that recognizes human dignity in every person. Real good fortune is helping create homes, workplaces, and communities where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not underestimated, overlooked, or pitied, but known, welcomed, and supported.

That is the kind of vision worth carrying beyond a holiday.

So this St. Patrick’s Day, let’s retire one harmful idea about disability.

Let’s retire the belief that a family is “lucky” if disability is nowhere near it.

Because that thought is rude.
It is often wrong.
And it keeps us stuck in a narrow understanding of what makes a life meaningful.

Let’s think something better instead.

Let’s think about dignity.
Let’s think about inclusion.
Let’s think about friendship, opportunity, independence, and belonging.
Let’s think about the kind of community we are building together.

That is a better reflection for St. Patrick’s Day.

And for Las Trampas, it is a reminder of something worth saying all year long: every person has capabilities, every person deserves belonging, and every person should have the chance to lead a full life.

Making Holiday Gatherings Truly Inclusive for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it can also be one of the most overwhelming.

What looks festive to some—
🎵 Loud music
💡 Bright, flashing lights
👥 Crowded rooms
📅 Packed, unpredictable schedules

—can feel stressful, disorienting, or even physically uncomfortable to others.

At Las Trampas, we believe everyone deserves to experience celebrations where they feel safe, respected, and included. That’s why we created a new resource: the Inclusive Celebration Hosting Tip Sheet.

This one-page guide offers simple, practical ideas any host can use to make gatherings more welcoming for adults with developmental disabilities—without needing a big budget or a “perfect” home.

👉 Get the free tip sheet here: holidaytips.lastrampas.org

Why Inclusive Holiday Planning Matters

Holidays are more than dates on a calendar. They’re moments of connection—time spent with family, friends, coworkers, and community. But when celebrations are designed only for people who are comfortable with noise, crowds, and constant stimulation, others can be unintentionally left out.

For adults with developmental disabilities, common holiday environments can bring:

  • Sensory overload
  • Social anxiety or confusion
  • Fatigue from changes in routine
  • Pressure to participate in activities that don’t feel accessible

Inclusive planning helps reduce these barriers. It ensures that more people can enjoy the season instead of simply enduring it.

What’s Inside the Inclusive Celebration Hosting Tip Sheet

The Inclusive Celebration Hosting Tip Sheet is designed to be:

  • Short: Just one page
  • Actionable: Concrete ideas you can use right away
  • Accessible: Plain, friendly language—no jargon

You Don’t Need a Big Budget or a Perfect Space

One of the most important messages behind the Inclusive Celebration Hosting Tip Sheet is this:

Inclusion is about intention, not perfection.

You don’t need:

  • A large house
  • Expensive décor
  • Elaborate entertainment

Small, thoughtful adjustments can make a big difference in how a guest experiences your event. Even choosing one or two ideas from the tip sheet can help your gathering feel more welcoming and accessible.

How to Use the Tip Sheet

Here are a few practical ways to use the resource:

  • Planning: Refer to it while you’re organizing your guest list, schedule, and space.
  • Co-hosting: Share it with family members, friends, or colleagues who are helping you host.
  • Workplace & community events: Apply the same concepts to office parties, community celebrations, and other group events—not just family gatherings.
  • Year-round: The ideas work beyond December. Birthdays, barbecues, and everyday get-togethers can all benefit from inclusive planning.

When you download the tip sheet, you’ll also receive a few follow-up emails from Las Trampas with additional suggestions to help expand inclusivity wherever you go—at home, at work, and in the community.

Download the Free Inclusive Celebration Hosting Tip Sheet

If you’re hosting a gathering—or know someone who is—we invite you to download and share this free resource.

Get the tip sheet here: holidaytips.lastrampas.org

Small changes can lead to celebrations where more people feel comfortable, included, and truly welcomed. That’s what the holidays are all about.

Advocacy in Action: Nicole Adler Kicks Off Las Trampas’ “Elevate Every Voice” Series

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

On November 1, Las Trampas welcomed human-rights champion Nicole Adler as the inaugural presenter for our new “Elevate Every Voice” speaker series. In an hour that was equal parts truth-telling and joy, Nicole shared her lived experience and a powerful roadmap for how each of us can advance equality, inclusion, and acceptance for people with disabilities.

“I was born with Tri-Somy 21… and I’m proud of what I have accomplished,” Nicole began, quickly setting a tone of candor and strength. She spoke about the circle of mentors, teachers, friends—and her “fierce” mom—who have fueled her journey. “Anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” she said, framing the heart of her message: possibility, not limitation.

Love, Voice, and a Revolution of Belonging

One of Nicole’s heroes is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she quoted a favorite line: “Love has the power to change the world.” For Nicole, this isn’t a slogan; it’s a strategy. “My personal goal is to start a LOVE REVOLUTION and peace for all,” she told the audience, urging us to lead with compassion even as we challenge systems that exclude.

Nicole’s advocacy centers on people with disabilities, including those who are also LGBTQ+. She lifted up the reality that many community members hold multiple identities and face layered barriers. Her work partners with organizations to “grow awareness and understanding,” not only to change minds but to open doors.

How Change Starts: Practical Moves Anyone Can Make

A throughline of Nicole’s talk was agency—especially for those who rarely get a seat at the table. “Change can start with YOU!” she said, before offering concrete steps:

  • Build relationships with decision-makers. Don’t wait for a crisis; become a trusted voice now.
  • Share your lived experience. “When people hear your story directly from you, they start seeing you as someone who should always be in the room.”
  • Join coalitions, boards, and advisory committees. There is strength—and visibility—in numbers.
  • Learn how decisions get made and show up. Your voice belongs wherever rules are written and resources are allocated.

“We are more powerful together,” she reminded us. Advocacy, she explained, changes perceptions, shapes policy, and builds a culture of respect—one that focuses on people’s strengths and contributions.

Telling Your Story (On Your Terms)

If public advocacy feels intimidating, Nicole gets it. “To be an advocate, you do not have to share every part of who you are… Share what you are comfortable sharing,” she said. The key is to communicate “from a place of love, respect, and honesty.” Whether you post on social media, write an op-ed, speak at a council meeting, or mentor a student, your story can spark someone else’s courage.

“Your voice, and your story, matters,” Nicole said. “Each of us has the power to make change in our unique way.”

A New Book, and a Lasting Charge

Nicole also celebrated the release of her biography, With Love as Her Compass, which traces her journey and the community that made it possible. She read a passage that felt like the thesis of the evening:

“When we start living by the founding principles of this country, where everyone has the right to pursue happiness, that’s when I know the world is changing. And it starts with each of us. It starts at home. It starts in our classrooms. It starts in our communities.”

As the Q&A wrapped, Nicole left us with a simple invitation: stand up, even when it’s hard; find your voice; lead with love. That’s how we elevate every voice—and build a Bay Area where people with disabilities don’t just belong; they lead.

Keep the Momentum Going

Thank you, Nicole, for launching this series with so much clarity, courage, and heart. We’re honored to be part of the love revolution you’re leading.

Want to Change the World? Start by Changing How You Treat People

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

In a world that’s always moving fast, labeling quicker, and too often overlooking the obvious, maybe we’ve been looking for solutions in all the wrong places. We draft corporate DEI statements, sit through hours of training, and plaster buzzwords across campaigns yet the needle barely moves.

But what if it’s simpler than that?

What if real change—lasting, human, meaningful change—starts with something way more personal? Like how you greet your neighbor. Or how you speak to the barista. Or how you react when someone’s different from you.

Let’s get one thing straight: real inclusion isn’t a strategy. It’s a choice. A daily one. And it starts with each of us.

The Truth? We Don’t Need Another 40-Page DEI Plan

We need a compass. A simple guide. A reminder of what actually matters.
So, here it: a no-fluff, no-jargon, 3-step playbook for building a more inclusive, compassionate world. No executive approval required.

Step 1: Treat People Fairly (Not Just Equally)

Equality and fairness aren’t the same—and this is where many folks get stuck.

  • Equality says: “Everyone gets the same thing.”
  • Fairness says: “Everyone gets what they need to thrive.”

Think about it. If someone can’t access a building because there’s no ramp, giving everyone the same door doesn’t help. Real access means different supports for different people. And that’s not preferential treatment; it’s human decency.

So instead of aiming for identical, aim for intentional:

  • Ask what people need.
  • Offer accommodations without hesitation.
  • Advocate when you see unfairness.

Inclusion doesn’t mean handing out participation trophies. It means creating real opportunities for everyone to succeed—especially those society often leaves behind.

Step 2: See the Person, Not the Label

Here’s a truth bomb: a diagnosis isn’t a destiny.

We’ve gotten way too comfortable reducing people to their labels:

  • “Autistic.”
  • “Disabled.”
  • “Special needs.”
  • “Down syndrome.”

These might offer context, but they don’t define capability, value, or worth. Every person is a complex, vibrant mix of experiences, dreams, talents, and quirks. See that first.

It sounds simple, but ask yourself:
When you meet someone new, what do you really see first? Their wheelchair? Their stutter? Or their smile? Their curiosity? Their kindness?

Let’s shift from:

  • Label-first thinking → to → Human-first seeing

Because when we look past the chart, the diagnosis, or the perceived “limitation,” that’s when we make room for real connection.

Step 3: Celebrate, Don’t Just Tolerate, Differences

Here’s the thing: we’re not all the same and thank goodness for that.

If everyone thought the same, looked the same, or moved through the world the same, it’d be a pretty boring planet. Diversity isn’t a problem to be solved; it’s a strength to be leaned into.

Whether it’s race, disability, neurodivergence, gender identity, language, or background, diversity creates resilience. It expands our thinking, deepens our empathy, and makes our communities stronger.

So let’s move past passive “acceptance” and step boldly into celebration:

  • Invite different voices to the table.
  • Listen more than you talk.
  • Celebrate cultural, cognitive, and physical diversity out loud.

And no, it’s not about being “woke.” It’s about being aware, awake, and active.

What This Looks Like in Real Life: Meet Nicole Adler

If you’re wondering, “Okay, but who’s really doing this?” — meet Nicole Adler.

Nicole isn’t just talking about change. She is the change. As a motivational speaker and fierce equal rights advocate, Nicole shines a spotlight on inclusion in action. She doesn’t just preach love and acceptance; she lives it.

And here’s the mic-drop moment:
Nicole has Down syndrome. And instead of letting society limit her, she’s flipping the script.

She’s teaching audiences across the country that:

  • Love is revolutionary.
  • Kindness is power.
  • Inclusion is a verb.

This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, go beyond “awareness.” Be part of the action. Nicole will be speaking live on November 1 at 3 PM—a can’t-miss event for anyone who cares about building a better world.

Reserve your free seat now at elevateeveryvoice.com — but heads-up, space is limited.

Aces, Access & Advocacy: A Roaring ’20s Casino Night for a Cause

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

🗓 Save the Date: January 31, 2026

Add to Calendar

What if one glamorous night could spark real change?
That’s exactly the idea behind Aces, Access & Advocacy—a dazzling 1920s-themed casino night benefiting Las Trampas.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, we’re cranking up the jazz, rolling out the red carpet, and bringing the sparkle and sass of the Roaring ’20s back to life. Flapper dresses, fedoras, card tables, and cocktails. It’s all happening, and it’s all for something bigger than any jackpot.

Why This Night Matters

Since 1958, Las Trampas has been a powerful advocate for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them live independently, confidently, and with dignity.

This event isn’t just a trip back in time. It’s a celebration of inclusion, a toast to empowerment, and a fundraiser that fuels the programs making it all possible.

Every hand played, every chip dropped, and every cheer at the table helps move us closer to a world where everyone has the chance to shine.

What to Expect

Step into a venue transformed into a 1920s dream, where glam meets generosity and every detail feels like a scene from The Great Gatsby. Guests can look forward to:

  • Casino-style card tables (friendly stakes, of course!)
  • Signature cocktails and indulgent bites
  • Dressed-to-impress 1920s fashion—think feathers, fringe, fedoras, and flair
  • A night that gives back—every dollar raised supports Las Trampas programs for adults with disabilities

Here’s How to Join the Fun

📆 Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Formal invites and ticket info are coming soon but for now, add this to your calendar and start planning your best Gatsby-era getup!

Want to go all in? We’d love to have you as a sponsor. Connect with us at fundraising@lastrampas.org to explore sponsorship options and see how your business or organization can make a lasting impact.

Leave Your Mark on a Night to Remember

Aces, Access & Advocacy isn’t just a party; it’s a statement. It’s your chance to stand for inclusion, to advocate for access, and to be part of a legacy that’s been building since 1958.

So, dust off those pearls. Shine those shoes. And get ready to party like it’s 1926—with purpose.

A Journey of Love and Advocacy: Nicole Adler’s Inspirational Story

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

Nicole Adler’s journey is a testament to how love, when paired with determination and purpose, can shift the world toward compassion and inclusion. Her life’s mission is rooted in a bold and beautiful belief: love knows no boundaries. It transcends gender, race, ability, and sexuality. And in Nicole’s world, love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a force for social change.

With every word she speaks and every cause she embraces, Nicole proves that dreams aren’t just for the privileged. They’re for everyone. Her story is not only about personal growth but about lifting up those who are often silenced or sidelined by society.

Love as a Guiding Principle

From a young age, Nicole had a spark—a desire to bring more kindness and understanding into the world. What started as a personal conviction quickly evolved into a lifelong mission. Her message? Clear and powerful:

“Love has no labels. It has no limits. And when we lead with love, we break down the walls that divide us.”

This message has become a guiding principle in her work as an advocate for marginalized communities, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ and disability rights movements.

Advocacy in Action: Nicole’s Work

Nicole isn’t just talking the talk—she’s walking the walk.

  • Board Member: She has served on the boards of multiple nonprofits, helping shape missions that reflect values of inclusion and equity.
  • Policy Influence: She has worked alongside government agencies to bring visibility to disability and LGBTQ+ voices in public policy conversations.
  • Public Speaking: Nicole has participated in national campaigns and served as a powerful spokesperson for change.
  • Mental Health & Media Representation: Her advocacy includes pushing for greater representation in media and promoting mindfulness, mental health, and accessibility.

Each initiative she touches becomes part of her larger movement: a love revolution that champions basic human dignity.

Speaking Truth, Breaking Myths: Advocacy for Down Syndrome

Nicole is also an outspoken advocate for individuals with Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down syndrome. She challenges outdated narratives and stereotypes by putting a human face and a loving voice to the condition.

Her mission? To create a society where people are seen first as individuals, not defined by their diagnosis. It’s about reshaping how the world sees ability—not as limitation, but as diversity.

“Labels limit potential. Love unleashes it.”

A Voice to be Heard: Speaking at Elevate Every Voice

And now, Nicole is bringing her passion and energy to the stage.

She’ll be a featured speaker at the Las Trampas speaker series, Elevate Every Voice, on November 1, a powerful platform dedicated to uplifting diverse voices and fostering meaningful conversations around inclusion, equity, and advocacy.

At this event, Nicole will share her journey, speak truth to power, and remind us all that real change starts with love.

This isn’t just another speaking gig—it’s a milestone in her journey, a chance to connect with a wider audience, and a bold opportunity to challenge listeners to reflect, rise, and act.

Join us! Register for free at https://ElevateEveryVoice.com

If you’re looking for a talk that’ll stir your soul and open your heart, don’t miss this.

Amplifying Voices That Matter: Don’t Miss the Elevate Every Voice Series

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

In today’s fast-moving world, it’s easy for the most important voices to get lost in the noise. Voices that hold truth, vulnerability, resilience, and insight—voices that, when elevated, have the power to move communities forward.

Las Trampas, a trusted East Bay nonprofit that has been championing inclusion and empowerment for over 60 years, is making sure those voices are not only heard but celebrated.

Their new initiative, Elevate Every Voice, is a transformational three-part speaker series built on one core belief: when we listen deeply, we learn how to lead inclusively.

This fall, community members, educators, advocates, and neighbors are invited to take part in a series that promises to challenge, inspire, and connect all through the lens of lived experience.

What Is Elevate Every Voice?

Elevate Every Voice is not your typical speaker series. This immersive experience invites attendees to engage with dynamic voices: individuals whose stories reflect a lifetime of advocacy, insight, and transformation. The series highlights the lived experiences of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those who are building more equitable and responsive systems of support.

Each event is designed to ignite conversation around three themes:

  • Advocacy in Action – exploring how lived experience drives real leadership
  • Thinking in New Ways – celebrating neurodiversity and rethinking what inclusion means; and
  • Systems That Listen – imagining schools, governments, and communities that truly center access and equity.

Hosted by Las Trampas, whose mission is to empower adults with developmental disabilities to live their best lives, this series is a natural extension of the organization’s lifelong work: making sure every individual has the tools, resources, and respect they deserve.

The Speakers: Wisdom, Experience, and Vision

Nicole Adler – November 1, 2025
A passionate self-advocate and communicator, Nicole brings her lived experience to the forefront in this opening event. Her message is about visibility, empowerment, and the real impact of being seen and heard. Her story is a call to action: to create communities that don’t just include—but invite.

Dr. Temple Grandin – March 27, 2026
One of TIME magazine’s most influential people and a globally recognized advocate for people with autism, Dr. Temple Grandin brings unmatched wisdom and compassion to the stage. Her voice has shaped how the world understands neurodiversity. At Elevate Every Voice, she’ll share how her own journey defied expectations and how embracing different ways of thinking can build better futures for everyone.

Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Nanyonjo – April 21, 2026
A leader in public health and social equity, Dr. Nanyonjo will close the series by examining the structures around us. How can we evolve systems to truly listen to the people they serve? How do we move from symbolic inclusion to systemic transformation? Her insights will leave you reflecting on your own role in building a better, more accessible community.

Why This Series Matters More Than Ever

We’re at a moment in time where people are hungry for connection—not just surface-level support, but real understanding. Elevate Every Voice offers just that: a chance to learn from the people whose experiences can reframe how we think about leadership, inclusion, access, and equity.

Whether you’re a teacher looking to better support students, a business leader working toward accessibility, or a neighbor who simply wants to be part of the solution—this series was made for you.

By attending, you’re not just learning; you’re participating in the creation of a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive community.

Show Up. Speak Up. Listen Deeply.

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to be present.

Your attendance supports not only the voices on stage, but the mission of Las Trampas: to empower adults with developmental disabilities to live full, vibrant lives.

Every ticket purchased contributes directly to programming, services, and opportunities for individuals who continue to show the world what true resilience and capability look like.

Save the Date And Save Your Spot

The first event takes place on November 1, 2025, and seating is limited. If you’ve been looking for a way to make an impact or simply want to experience something meaningful and memorable, this is your moment.

Find out more and register for the first event at elevateeveryvoice.com

Come ready to listen. Come ready to learn. Come ready to elevate every voice especially the ones that matter most.

Celebrating Direct Support Professionals: The Unsung Heroes of Independence

Posted on by Shannon Cherry

Behind every small victory at Las Trampas, there’s a story of dedication, compassion, and unwavering support. It’s a story rarely told—but this week, we’re changing that.

The heroes of these stories? Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)—the everyday champions who empower individuals with developmental and physical disabilities to live with independence and dignity. They’re not in it for the praise. They’re in it for the people. And they deserve more than just a moment of thanks; they deserve lasting recognition.

Why DSP Recognition Week Matters

DSP Recognition Week isn’t just a pat on the back. It’s a loud and clear reminder that these professionals are not just caregivers—they’re life-changers.

At Las Trampas, DSPs assist individuals with everything from daily living skills to personal advocacy. They build meaningful relationships and help create pathways to freedom, growth, and self-expression. Whether it’s helping someone take their first walk to a local café or supporting a choice that empowers autonomy, DSPs are there—every step of the way.

The Unseen Impact of DSPs at Las Trampas

Here’s a peek into the magic that happens at Las Trampas every day:

  • A participant learns to speak up for their preferences—finally using their voice.
  • Someone who once relied on constant supervision now shops independently.
  • Confidence blooms, bit by bit, because someone believes in them.

None of these milestones happen by accident. They happen because a DSP showed up—again and again, with heart, patience, and skill.

But while their impact is enormous, their visibility is not. Across the U.S., DSPs remain underpaid, under-supported, and under-recognized. That’s not just unfair. It’s unsustainable.

Support Work Is Real Work

This week is about more than appreciation. It’s about calling it what it is:
Support work is real work.

And it’s time we start treating it that way. That means:

  • Fair pay for skilled labor
  • Access to training and development
  • Ongoing recognition for the emotional and physical labor involved
  • Stability and benefits that reflect the essential nature of their role

At Las Trampas, these aren’t just wishes; they’re commitments. The organization actively invests in its DSPs by offering professional growth opportunities and celebrating their impact not just one week a year, but every single day.

Why Recognition Alone Isn’t Enough

Here’s the truth:
Gratitude feels good, but it doesn’t pay the bills.

The systemic issues facing DSPs can’t be solved with celebration alone. What they need—and deserve—is a commitment to advocacy and change.

That includes:

  • State and federal policy reform
  • Increased funding for disability support services
  • Community awareness and education
  • Advocacy from families and allies

Because when DSPs thrive, everyone benefits, especially those who rely on them for a full, independent life.

Amplifying the Voices That Matter

To make meaningful change, we have to listen. We have to lift up the voices of DSPs and the people they support. That’s why Las Trampas encourages DSPs to share their stories, challenges, and ideas.

When we hear directly from those on the front lines of care, we build better systems, stronger communities, and a future where support work is seen, valued, and sustained.

So… What Can You Do?

Whether you’re a policymaker, family member, employer, or just someone who believes in equity, there’s a role for you to play in honoring DSPs. Here’s how you can help:

  • Speak up: Advocate for fair wages and better funding
  • Share their stories: Help raise awareness in your networks
  • Thank a DSP: A personal message of gratitude goes a long way
  • Support organizations like Las Trampas: Your donations make a direct impact
  • Vote with intention: Support policies that uplift caregivers and people with disabilities

More Than a Week: A Call for Long-Term Change

This isn’t just about a moment of recognition; it’s about setting a new standard.

A future where Direct Support Professionals are no longer invisible.
A future where support work is treated like the skilled, essential labor it truly is.
A future where people with disabilities get the care they need from professionals who are valued, supported, and heard.

At Las Trampas, that future is already taking shape. But we need more voices, more allies, and more action to keep it growing.

Let’s Make Sure Their Work is Never Invisible Again

Join us in celebrating and uplifting the Direct Support Professionals who make independence a reality for so many. This DSP Recognition Week, let’s move from gratitude to action—and from action to lasting change.