Post by Paige Klotzman

Still in awe of what true inclusion looks like and how far we can go when everyone climbs together. 🏔️💙 Last week, a group of four incredible young adaptive athletes summited Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. On this climb, three records were set: • youngest blind female to summit • youngest blind male to summit • first-ever climber with multiple disabilities to reach the peak It was a true honor to join alongside these athletes, who pushed on with strength and determination across the rough and challenging terrain. Congratulations to our incredible athletes for accomplishing this massive feat! My deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of our climbers: • a team of six devoted coaches who invested their heart, soul, mind and bodies into guiding the athletes • leaders from Perkins and Pavic Phils for pushing the limits of inclusion • the parents, for their immense trust in the guides and faith in their children • the “mommies” who cared for everyone at camp • supporters like Sir Simon, whose guidance and vision helped make inclusive mountaineering possible • sponsors such as ScaleNorth | NetSuite Solution Provider & Outsourced NetSuite Accounting and Columbia Sportswear Company • and Arn’z Mountain Tour, the local outfitters who ensured a safe and comfortable experience for all This climb was more than an adventure; it was a powerful example of what inclusion truly looks like. It showed that it takes a village to make opportunities like this possible for students with disabilities. All this effort and months of preparation made one extraordinary opportunity possible. But imagine if this same level of commitment went into every part of life for children with disabilities. There are 108 million children with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (UNICEF) — most still excluded from school, work, and community life. Society isn’t naturally inclusive...this journey reminded us that the limits placed on our students are not theirs — they’re ours. Our students are ready to climb mountains. (Everest has already been mentioned!) They’re ready to take on the world. Let’s keep being that village that makes inclusion possible one opportunity at a time. 💙 Mary Grace Torres Roden Torres David Lasky Ami Tango-Limketkai Lisa A. Jacobs Katherine Holland David Satterthwaite Masha Devoe Gloria Rodriguez-Gil Darija Udovicic Mahmuljin Daniela Gissara tuti hendrawati Clarisse Francesca Yeung