Advertise on podcast: Need Project Podcast

In this episode of the Need Project Podcast, we talk with LJ Wilde of Huckleberry Hiking about an exciting way to make the outdoors more accessible for people with disabilities—the Cascade Cart. LJ shares the story behind the Cascade Cart, how it was designed, and the difference it can make for individuals who may not be able to navigate traditional hiking trails on their own. We talk about the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to experience nature, adventure, and time with family and friends. The conversation also explores the challenges families face when looking for accessible outdoor activities and how innovative equipment like the Cascade Cart can help remove some of those barriers. This is a great conversation about inclusion, accessibility, and making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and create memories with the people they love.

Fitness To Drive provides specialized occupational therapy services for driver safety. Each member of our team cares about our mission of finding solutions for personal mobility. All of our driving instructors are licensed occupational therapists who have undergone extensive training to become Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. We have decades of experience working with individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and/or learning challenges. We understand that personal mobility enables independence in our society and our goal is to help you find the best outcome for your situation.

The mission of Labeled and Loved is to embrace and strengthen families with disabilities by providing connective experiences and educational resources for the primary caretaker igniting personal growth and systemic change within the community. We discuss the mission and programs of Labeled and Loved with Kati Moser, the Colorado Springs chapter president.

Our guest is Kelsey Bellanca, Kelsey is the owner of Human Power and the Executive Director of Project Limitless. We discuss the benefits of exercise on the mind and body of our ourselves and family members.

Sharon Cox is the Founder of Unending Possabilities. Unending Possabilities (UP) is a God-centered vocational community that provides meaningful work, a sense of belonging, dignity, and respect for adults with disabilities. We discuss the lack of programs for adults and what they are doing to make a difference.

Stephanie Hubach is a Research Fellow in Disability Ministries and a Visiting Instructor in Educational Ministries in affiliation with Covenant Theological Seminary. She is also the Author of the book we discuss, Same lake different boat.

Dennis Blaisdell is the pastor of Access Christian Church. It is a place where you can come as you are. We know going to Church can be intimidating. But rest assured, Access Christian Church is made up of imperfect people doing their best to serve God and serve others. We have a laid back atmosphere where you can feel comfortable and not have to worry about pretending to be perfect. We invite you to become part of our family, no matter where you are in your journey with God. We look forward to meeting you!

Sarah Nolan is the Respite Programs Specialist for The Resource Exchange(TRE). We discuss all the respite programs TRE offers for children and adults in El Paso county.

Randy and Kesti Suggs are the founders of Reigning Hope. Their mission: To provide life changing therapies at our sensory-rich farm clinic. Their hope: Children with disabilities struggle to reach developmental milestones and to be independent. A combination of therapies and supportive community can help these children reach their goals. At Reigning Hope we provide life changing therapy for the entire family at our sensory-rich farm clinic.

Christopher A. Noll,  MA, CAA Director of Athletics & Activities District 11 schools. We discuss the school district's Unified Sports Program and how D11 students can get involved.

Team Impact with Sarah Sapiro, Regional Executive Director, West Emily Burns, Matchup specialist Jackie Avila, Case Manager and Shikha Shah, Regional Director, Programs. Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved. See more at https://teamimpact.org/

Family Voices Colorado is a grassroots organization run by parents of children with special healthcare needs. The support you receive is free of charge and provided by someone who understands the many challenges of having a child with special health care needs in their life. Every day we give parents the information and knowledge they need to navigate complex healthcare systems to get things like wheelchairs, oxygen, or surgery for their children. With our help, parents can be the heroes their children are counting on. Parents also receive information about other systems they should access based on their child’s diagnosis and needs.

Maranatha Charity Trust is an organization in Romania. It's about children who didn't have the chance to grow up in a family. Maybe it's because their parents left too soon to watch over them from above, or maybe it's because their parents - biologically speaking - didn't know how to receive and appreciate them as a blessing into their lives. Children for whom "home" was far from being a real home. Children who did not enjoy the warm hugs of a parent, who do not remember a rich lunch taken with their parents, who did not have anyone to talk to about school, about what they want to become when they grow up or about how beautifully they draw. And they are not the ones to be seen as guilty. In fact, we are not even looking for people to blame. We do not need to point fingers. We only need solutions. https://asociatiamaranata.ro/en

We talk with Tasha Noble about the mission of Special Olympics and what it means for families in Colorado.

Kevan Chandler is the founder of We Carry Kevan and the author of the book of the same name. We discuss the beginning of We carry Kevan and how a big dream lead to the book, a documentary, and a non-profit. We carry Kevan works to connect families with backpack carriers which allow for up to 60 pounds, and they are about a lot more.