Category: Uncategorized

Plug-In to Care: The Power of Connection for Family Caregivers

The room is quiet except for the soft, steady click of a pill organizer. A mom double-checks Tuesday’s meds, sets a reminder for speech therapy, and texts a ride-share code to her dad’s volunteer driver. She isn’t a superhero. She’s a caregiver—doing a full‑time job on “nights and weekends.” At Las Trampas, we see her every day: the person who makes a thousand invisible decisions so a loved one with a developmental disability can learn, work, and live with dignity. As our new video puts it, caregivers are the heartbeat of our community—and this year, we’re asking everyone to plug in.

🔌 Connection isn’t a luxury. It’s the plan.

There’s a reason the 2025 National Family Caregivers Month theme is “Plug‑In to Care.” Caregiver Action Network made connection the headline because the right tools, networks, and learning moments turn overwhelm into a workable plan. In plain English: you shouldn’t need a PhD or a lucky break to find reliable help. The national campaign is focused on helping caregivers plug into support tools, trusted networks, and educational resources—exactly what we invest in at Las Trampas. (caregiveraction.org)

📈 The numbers behind the love (and the workload)

Let’s get specific. More than one in five U.S. adults—about 53 million people—provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. Many are caring for adults with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age‑related needs. That’s not a niche; that’s a national operating system running in the background of the economy. (aarp.org)

Time is the other currency. Caregivers report spending an average of about 24 hours each week on care, and a sizable share are clocking 40+ hours—functionally a second job without the paycheck. It’s no surprise that coordinating care is getting harder and caregivers’ own health is slipping. (press.aarp.org)

And yes, the dollars add up. Family caregivers’ unpaid labor was valued at roughly $600 billion in 2021—more than total out‑of‑pocket health spending that year. That’s the value of love and logistics, quantified. (press.aarp.org)

🧰 When caregivers plug in, chaos becomes a care plan

It’s workshops that decode services without the alphabet soup. It’s support groups where no one needs a primer to understand the day you just had. It’s a staff that is here to connect caregivers with the resources they need—because no one should have to navigate this journey alone. Those connections don’t just feel good; they save time, reduce errors, and keep families stable.

Nationally, this connection focus is showing up in real offerings—like caregiver webinar series on finding trustworthy resources, building caregiver‑friendly workplaces, and strengthening community ties. Pair that with local, disability‑informed coaching, and you’ve got a system that actually works for real families in places like Lafayette. (caregiveraction.org)

🕰️ The invisible math: time, cash, and tough choices

Here’s the part funders and employers can’t ignore. The typical caregiver spends about $7,242 out of pocket each year—often more than a quarter of their income. Housing costs (think rent contributions or accessibility modifications) make up over half, while medical expenses and supplies chew through the rest. Veteran and military caregivers spend even more—averaging $11,500 annually. If you’re designing benefits, grants, or donor strategies, build for those realities. (aarp.org)

Caregivers are also workers—most hold a job while caregiving—and many are caring for more than one person. When the system assumes “someone at home will figure it out,” that “someone” is usually skipping shifts, burning PTO, or saying no to promotions. That’s not resilience; that’s a policy gap you can fix. (aarp.org)

🧠 Stamina is a strategy, not a perk

Caregiving isn’t just logistics; it’s stamina. In national studies, more caregivers report their own health getting worse, not better. That’s the cost of running on adrenaline and guilt. The antidote isn’t a motivational poster; it’s accessible education, peer support, and respite that’s easy to claim. Our video’s core promise—you are not alone—isn’t word art; it’s a service design principle. (aarp.org)

Caregivers are not a side audience; they’re a core market and the backbone of community care. If you’re a caregiver, connect with us. If you’re a partner, help us expand the on‑ramps. And if you’re a decision‑maker, design for the people doing the real work—because when caregivers are supported, everyone moves forward.

Embracing Diversity: A Movement, Not a Moment

October is the month where the world comes together to celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month. It’s a time to recognize and honor the vibrant tapestry of cultures, identities, and perspectives that make our world extraordinary. But let’s be real—diversity isn’t just about what sets us apart. It’s about what brings us together.

The core message here is simple yet profound: diversity is the strength in our stories, the power in our perspectives, and the beauty in our differences. At Las Trampas, this means empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful lives. Through inclusive programs, community engagement, and celebration of neurodiversity, Las Trampas helps break down barriers and build belonging. This isn’t just a one-month gig; it’s a year-round commitment to celebrating the unique contributions of every individual.

The Strength in Our Stories

Diversity is like a patchwork quilt, each piece unique yet essential to the whole. At Las Trampas, diversity means more than just acknowledging differences. It’s about empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful lives. This empowerment is achieved through a variety of inclusive programs that are designed to engage the community and celebrate neurodiversity. By doing so, Las Trampas breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of belonging.

The Power in Our Perspectives

Every individual has a story to tell, and every story has the power to change perspectives. Las Trampas believes that when we embrace diversity, we don’t just change the conversation—we change lives. This belief is reflected in their commitment to celebrating the unique contributions of every individual, not just during Global Diversity Awareness Month, but every single day.

The Beauty in Our Differences

Diversity isn’t a moment; it’s a movement. It’s a continuous journey that requires us to embrace the beauty in our differences. At Las Trampas, this journey is about more than just celebrating diversity—it’s about living it. By fostering an environment where everyone is valued and included, Las Trampas is changing the narrative around intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Embracing Diversity Year-Round

While October is a special time to highlight diversity, the commitment to inclusion at Las Trampas is ongoing. We believe that diversity should be celebrated every day, and that when we embrace it, we create a world where everyone can thrive.

In the end, diversity isn’t just about changing the conversation—it’s about changing lives. And that’s a movement worth being a part of.

Small Acts, Big Equity: How “Make a Difference Day” Becomes a 365-Day Strategy at Las Trampas

The first time I watched a Las Trampas participant lead a garden volunteer crew, I realized we were underestimating the word “difference.” He wasn’t a “client” waiting for help; he was the foreman—assigning roles, cracking jokes, and pulling everyone into the work. By lunch, shy new volunteers were swapping stories, a local manager was asking about internships, and one participant was proudly saying, I show people what I can do. That’s a business case for inclusion—rooted in everyday actions that compound like interest.

Why this matters now—beyond one Saturday in October

On National Make a Difference Day, our message is simple: Adults with IDD are leaders, friends, and neighbors. The data backs up why centering their leadership isn’t charity—it’s strategy.

Scope of the opportunity: More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults—over 70 million people—report having a disability. If your product, hiring, or community strategy doesn’t include disabled adults, it’s missing the market by a mile. (cdc.gov)

Untapped talent: In 2024, only 22.7% of people with disabilities were employed, compared with 65.5% of those without disabilities. Translation: massive skill sitting on the sidelines because of design barriers, not lack of ability. (bls.gov)

Proof it pays: Companies leading in disability inclusion show, on average, 28% higher revenue and 30% higher profit margins than peers. Talent + access + belonging equals performance. That’s not soft; that’s P&L. (newsroom.accenture.com)

At Las Trampas our programming lives this out: Making a difference doesn’t always mean big gestures. It’s supported employment, peer leadership, art shows that become sales, and volunteer days where participants run point. Small acts; big equity.

From volunteer moment to talent pipeline

If you run a company or foundation, volunteering isn’t just optics—it’s infrastructure for hiring and partnership.

People who volunteer are 27% more likely to secure employment than non-volunteers. For those without a high school diploma and for rural volunteers, the odds jump to 51% and 55%. When your team shows up, you’re not “helping for a day”; you’re building mobility. (americorps.gov)

And yes, this holiday is real: Make a Difference Day is observed the fourth Saturday in October—an easy anchor for a fall service sprint that kicks off year-round engagement. (nationaldaycalendar.com)

At Las Trampas, participants aren’t sidekicks on volunteer day—they’re the captains. You’ll see task boards, inclusive roles, and moments where someone says, I volunteer because I love helping others. That leadership muscle transfers beautifully into the workplace.

The operating system of inclusion: design beats intent

Good intentions won’t hire anyone. Good design will.

Supported employment works. Research shows young adults with intellectual disabilities who receive supported employment are more likely to get competitive, integrated jobs, earn higher wages, and work more hours than similar peers who don’t. We build those supports into employer partnerships so you’re not guessing. (journals.sagepub.com)

Macro reality check: Even after a series-high employment-population ratio in 2023, people with disabilities still face more than double the unemployment rate of nondisabled peers. Your systems—not their skills—are usually the bottleneck. (bls.gov)

Our approach is pragmatic: job carving, manager coaching, visual SOPs, sensory-aware workspaces, and feedback loops that actually change schedules, workflows, and culture. You wouldn’t hand a chef a butter knife to shuck an oyster; don’t hand teams “awareness” and call it a hiring plan.

The story we tell—because the data demands it

At Las Trampas, we hold two truths: the numbers are stark, and the solutions are close at hand. When participants say, I make a difference by being a good friend, they’re also modeling the culture your company needs—reliability, collaboration, and pride in work. When we say, At Las Trampas, when we lift each other up, we all shine brighter, we mean shareholders, too.

So yes, celebrate National Make a Difference Day with us. But don’t stop there. Make it your on-ramp to a year of inclusion that moves hiring metrics, strengthens community ties, and proves what we see here every day: belonging isn’t a cost center—it’s a growth strategy. And the smartest founders in the room build for it.

#MakeADifference #Volunteer #Kindness #Charity

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

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

🗓 Save the Date: January 31, 2026

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.

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

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.

Embracing Inclusion: A Journey Beyond Awareness

What if inclusion wasn’t just a goal, but something we live every day? At Las Trampas, inclusion isn’t a buzzword. It’s a promise, a practice, a way of being. And now is the time to make that promise real, for everyone.

Inclusion means more than access. It means dignity, belonging. It means no one has to ask, “Am I allowed here?” Because the answer is always yes.

Now is the time to move from awareness to action. To build communities where every story is heard, every voice lifted. Inclusion is not charity, it’s justice. And when it’s done right, everyone benefits. We’ve seen lives transform, barriers fall, potential rise. Now is the time to stand together, to celebrate differences, to lead with compassion. 

At Las Trampas, inclusion is who we are, and we know that when no one is left behind, we all move forward. Now is the time to be the change. Join us at lastrampas.org and help build a community where everyone belongs.

Inclusion isn’t just about opening doors; it’s about ensuring that everyone feels dignified and valued. The journey of inclusion at Las Trampas is about shifting from mere awareness to tangible action. It’s about creating spaces where every voice is heard and every story matters.

The Power of Inclusion

Inclusion is more than just access. It’s about dignity and belonging. At Las Trampas, the goal is to make sure no one ever feels the need to ask if they belong. The answer is always a resounding yes. This isn’t just a mission; it’s a movement toward justice. When inclusion is genuinely practiced, everyone benefits. Lives transform, barriers fall, and potential is unlocked.

Transforming Lives and Communities

The impact of embracing inclusion is profound. At Las Trampas, there is a commitment to building communities where differences are celebrated and compassion leads the way. Inclusion is not about charity; it’s about justice and equity. The transformation seen in individuals and communities alike is a testament to the power of inclusive practices.

A Call to Action

Now is the time to act. The call to join Las Trampas in their mission is an invitation to become part of a community where everyone belongs. By standing together, celebrating differences, and leading with compassion, we can create a world that moves forward with no one left behind.

Inclusion is a journey, not a destination. It’s about being the change we wish to see in the world. At Las Trampas, inclusion is more than a goal; it’s a lived reality. Join the movement and help build a community where everyone feels they belong.

Building a Future Where Everyone Belongs: Disability Inclusion in the Workforce

Imagine walking into a job interview and immediately being judged. Not by your resume or your experience, but by the way you move, communicate, or process information. Sounds unfair, right? Yet for millions of people with disabilities, this kind of bias isn’t a hypothetical. It’s daily life.

Despite decades of progress in workplace diversity and equal opportunity policies, people with disabilities continue to be systemically underrepresented in the workforce. As we observe Workforce Development Month this September, it’s time we ask: Why are people with disabilities still so often overlooked when it comes to employment?

The Employment Gap Is Still Staggering

Let’s start with the numbers because they paint a sobering picture.

  • In 2024, only 22.7% of people with disabilities were employed, compared to 65.5% of those without a disability.
  • The unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 7.5%, nearly double the 3.8% unemployment rate for their non-disabled peers.
  • Among working-age adults, just 37.4% of people with disabilities had jobs, compared to over 75% of non-disabled individuals.

What’s behind these disparities? It’s not a lack of ambition, skills, or talent. It’s a system that hasn’t evolved to recognize and support different abilities.

It’s Not the Person. It’s the System

The hiring process itself often isn’t accessible:

  • Job interviews tend to favor verbal fluency, eye contact, and neurotypical behavior.
  • Work environments may lack ramps, adaptive tech, or sensory-friendly spaces.
  • Bias and assumptions persist including assuming someone who needs accommodations can’t be as productive as their peers.

These aren’t just inconveniences. They’re barriers that keep qualified, eager individuals from participating fully in the workforce.

Disability Is Still Left Out of the Diversity Conversation

Many organizations proudly tout their diversity initiatives, but disability is often left out of the conversation. And when it is mentioned, it’s too often framed in a way that focuses on “inspiration” rather than contribution.

Let’s be clear: People with disabilities aren’t impressive just because they live with a disability. They’re impressive because they adapt, innovate, and thrive in systems not designed with them in mind.

  • They’re problem-solvers.
  • They’re creative thinkers.
  • They’re loyal, resilient employees with strong work ethics and valuable perspectives.

And research backs this up.

Stats That Speak Volumes

Companies that prioritize disability inclusion see real returns on investment. A 2018 Accenture study, in partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, found that:

  • Companies leading in disability inclusion had 28% higher revenue.
  • They also enjoyed 30% higher profit margins and two times the net income of their peers.
  • These companies also had better employee retention and engagement rates.

So yes, inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s smart business.

How Employers Can Create Inclusive Workplaces

Building a truly inclusive workforce isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about shifting culture, processes, and mindsets. Here are a few actionable steps employers can take:

Make the Hiring Process Accessible

  • Offer alternative formats for applications (audio, large print, screen-reader friendly).
  • Provide interview accommodations—extra time, remote options, or questions in advance.

Train Your Hiring Teams

  • Educate hiring managers on unconscious bias and inclusive practices.
  • Normalize accommodations as a tool for success, not a burden.

Design for Accessibility

  • Make physical spaces and digital tools accessible.
  • Use universal design principles to create environments that work for everyone.

Partner With Local Organizations

  • Collaborate with workforce development programs that support people with disabilities.
  • Attend inclusive job fairs and events.

Real Inclusion Happens Year-Round but September Is a Great Start

September’s Workforce Development Month is a timely reminder: If we’re serious about creating a future of work where everyone belongs, we can’t keep sidelining people with disabilities.

Let’s not just celebrate workforce development; let’s redefine it. Inclusion is not about charity. It’s about justice. And more than that, it’s about recognizing that a truly innovative, dynamic workplace must reflect the full diversity of our communities.

Take Action: What You Can Do Right Now

Whether you’re an employer, HR professional, policymaker, or community member, your voice and actions matter. Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Employers: Audit your hiring practices and physical spaces. Begin conversations about inclusion.
  • Policymakers: Fund and promote workforce development programs that include people with disabilities.
  • Community Advocates: Share this article. Raise awareness. Volunteer with inclusive employment organizations.
  • Everyone: Learn more, ask questions, and keep showing up.

Workforce Development Means Everyone

Work is more than just a paycheck. It’s a path to purpose, identity, and belonging. People with disabilities deserve that opportunity just like anyone else.

At Las Trampas, we believe in building a world where everyone is included—not just in theory, but in everyday practice. We’re committed to reimagining a workforce where everyone gets to contribute, grow, and thrive.

The future of work doesn’t need to be rebuilt; it needs to be reimagined. And that future? It includes everyone.

Why Disability Services Are Nonprofit Work at Its Purest

Every year on National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate the organizations that make our communities stronger, fairer, and more connected. For Las Trampas, this day is not just about recognition. It is about shining a light on why we exist and why nonprofits like ours are still essential in 2025.

Nonprofits step in where society falls short. They fill gaps that no one else is willing or able to fill. They make the invisible visible, often with fewer resources than most people realize.

In disability services, this mission is not abstract. It is lived every single day.

When “Option” Is Not Optional

For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the programs we offer such as skills training, residential support, advocacy, and community inclusion are not extras. They are essential to living a life of dignity and independence.

Without them, opportunities can disappear overnight. The job interview never happens. The chance to live outside the family home evaporates. The ability to make friends or navigate public transit becomes an impossible leap.

Las Trampas was founded in 1958 by a group of parents who saw what others did not. Their children deserved an education, a future, and a place where they belonged. What began as a small school has grown into a thriving, participant-driven community where inclusion is not a promise. It is a daily practice.

More Than Services: A Force for Equity

We provide programs, yes. But our work is about more than classes or care schedules.
It is about removing barriers.

Sometimes that means helping a participant learn to cross the street safely so they can get to work.
Other times, it means standing at the State Capitol to tell legislators why Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) deserve wages that reflect the life-changing work they do.

Mission-driven is not just a label. In disability services, the mission is the difference between isolation and belonging, between surviving and thriving.

The Ripple Effect You Can See and Feel

Nonprofit impact does not stop with the individual. It spreads.

When one person gains a skill, their entire family feels the relief and pride.

When a participant gets a job, their workplace becomes more inclusive and co-workers become advocates without even realizing it.

When our self-advocates speak in Sacramento, they are not just influencing policy. They are shifting perceptions about what is possible for people with disabilities.

That is nonprofit work at its purest: change that begins with one person and grows into something much bigger.

Powered by People, Not Profit

None of this happens without the people who power our mission. Our Direct Support Professionals, program managers, residential staff, volunteers, and advocates make every step possible.

Unlike for-profit industries, nonprofits do not have profit margins to reinvest. Every dollar that comes in goes directly toward services, advocacy, and expanding opportunities. That is why community support through donations, volunteer time, and advocacy is not just nice to have. It is the fuel that keeps the work moving forward.

Where You Come In

On National Nonprofit Day, we invite you to not just celebrate us but to stand with us.

You can:

  • Take a tour of our Lafayette campus and see inclusion in action
  • Volunteer your time and experience the joy of real connection
  • Join our advocacy network to help push for the rights and resources people with disabilities deserve
  • Support financially knowing your gift directly fuels life-changing work

Nonprofits do not just exist to provide services. They exist to change what is possible. At Las Trampas, we have been doing exactly that for more than 65 years.

Learn more, get involved, and be part of our story at https://lastrampas.org

July is Disability Pride Month

At Las Trampas, we see disability differently. We don’t see limits. We see strength. Determination. Talent. And a community that deserves not just inclusion but celebration.


Disability Pride Month is a reminder that disability is a natural part of the human experience—and every person deserves the dignity, opportunity, and support to live their fullest life.


For more than 65 years, Las Trampas has walked alongside people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families—helping them achieve independence, thrive in their communities, and pursue their dreams.


This month and every month, we invite you to:

  • Celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities.
  • Challenge stereotypes and barriers.
  • Commit to building a world where everyone belongs.


Together, we can create a community where pride isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life.
Learn more about how Las Trampas is making inclusion real: https://lastrampas.org/about-us/history/

#DisabilityPrideMonth #LasTrampas #InclusionMatters #CelebrateDifference #WeBelongHere