Posts in General
73. What to do when things feel out of control (IEPs, summer, social distancing, + more)
73. What to do when things feel out of control (IEPs, summer, social distancing, + more)

Just when we thought IEPs couldn’t get any more complicated (and summer couldn’t sound any better!)... Enter Covid-19! Join us for a chat about how we’re handling unfinished plans for kids going into middle school and new plans for a future kindergartener, in the midst of a global pandemic! We’re also discussing our exciting summer plans… Does anyone want to hang out with the dog in the front yard?! (Again…) So friends, if you’re feeling like things are out of control right now -- know that you are not alone. We are cheering you on and (virtually) holding you close.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, InclusionComment
72. What do we stand for? - A Conversation About #BLM, Protests, Resources, + More
72. What do we stand for? - A Conversation About #BLM, Protests, Resources, + More

As our country has wrestled with the realities of racism over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been reflecting quite a bit over here and we’re guessing that many of you have too. So let’s talk about it. In this episode, we’re sharing our recent experience at protests, our own journeys/encounters with racism, and what we’re doing now to diversify our networks and stand with the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Plus, we’re diving deep into how being a mother of a child with Down Syndrome affects the way we see racism and oppressive systems. Thanks for being here, friends.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Inclusion, RaceComment
71. Down Syndrome, Autism, & Motherhood w/Teresa Unnerstall
71. Down Syndrome, Autism, & Motherhood w/Teresa Unnerstall

Teresa Unnerstall is an author, speaker, consultant, and mother to Nick - her 26 year old son with Down Syndrome and Autism. She has nearly 3 decades of experience on dual diagnosis.. which means this episode is full of wisdom, and so is Teresa! She shares three tips to keep in mind for your kiddo with DS/ASD, including behavior specialists, speech therapists, and sensory diets (and we’re not just talking about food here). We’re also chatting all about her book, “A New Course, A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome And Autism” and what to ask for in an IEP meeting.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Inclusion, Motherhood, AutismComment
70. The Power of "Just Two Moms" w/Jessica Hunter & Larkin O'Leary
70. The Power of "Just Two Moms" w/Jessica Hunter & Larkin O'Leary

Jessica Hunter and Larkin O’Leary are on Instagram as @JustTwoMomssr but we all know there’s no such thing as “just a mom!” And these ladies prove it. What started as a presentation on Down Syndrome in a preschool classroom has lead to advocacy at over 30 different schools in their county, and even a trip to California’s capitol! We are so happy to have chatted with Jessica and Larkin all about their friendship, changed perceptions, school presentations, and the many beautiful stories that have emerged. So grab a tissue and text your favorite lucky mama and tell them to join you for a listen to this episode!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Inclusion, MotherhoodComment
69. Project Understood: Down Syndrome & Voice Technology w/Ed Casagrande & Matthew MacNeil
69. Project Understood: Down Syndrome & Voice Technology w/Ed Casagrande & Matthew MacNeil

Let’s face it, we all love voice-command technology (maybe even a little too much sometimes..) and our kiddos love it too. But Siri and Alexa and Google Home can’t always understand our loved ones with Down Syndrome. That’s why Ed Casagrande, the chair of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS), launched Project Understood. Ed and his team are collecting voices from individuals with Down Syndrome and working with Google to ensure that the future of voice technology includes everyone. Matthew Macneil is among the many individuals with Down Syndrome to have donated his voice to this campaign, recording nearly one thousand unique phrases in the span of just a few days!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Inclusion, TechnologyComment
68. Approaching Mother's Day While Grieving w/Katie Jameson
68. Approaching Mother's Day While Grieving w/Katie Jameson

When all you see on Instagram is happy moms smiling with their children on Mother’s Day, it can be hard to remember that not every woman approaches the holiday the same way. That’s why we are so grateful to have Katie Jameson on to discuss all things grief and Mother’s Day. Katie is a mother to 4 year old twins (one w/Down Syndrome), a 2 year old, and her son Lochlan who would turn 6 this year. After losing Lochlan, Katie made it her mission to support women grieving the loss of a child on Mother’s Day. Her beautiful ‘Grief Pins & Cards’ provide tangible support for anyone dealing with loss and grief. Join us for this important conversation on how to support a woman grieving on Mother’s Day and how to approach the holiday after losing a child.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Inclusion, Motherhood, GriefComment
67. Unpacking Privilege & Understanding Intersectionality w/Jalondra Davis
67. Unpacking Privilege & Understanding Intersectionality w/Jalondra Davis

We know that Down Syndrome does not affect one more race more than another so why is the advocacy space not more diverse? We have Jalondra Davis - author, scholar, feminist, and mother, on to address this topic and more. We’re chatting about everything from her son’s diagnosis story to the many systems that impact our children with Down Syndrome and the intersections between different types of injustice. Get ready to take notes, friends. We have so much to learn from Jalondra.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Inclusion, RaceComment
66. Public Speaking & Self Advocacy w/Matthew Schwab
66. Public Speaking & Self Advocacy w/Matthew Schwab

At 22 years old, Matthew Schwab is a public speaker, employee, volunteer, ambassador, intern, campaign manager, and so much more. You may have even seen him advocating for employing people with disabilities on his TedX Talk! When he’s not writing speeches or selling merchandise, he’s sending emails or hanging out with his girlfriend. We’re so happy he took the time to sit down with us and chat all about his busy life, his future goals, and his journey from being sad about his Down Syndrome diagnosis to embracing it!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Inclusion, SpeakingComment
65. The Quarantine Chronicles
65. The Quarantine Chronicles

Raise your hand if your quarantine situation is nothing like you and your Pinterest board thought it would be! (We’ve got both arms up at this point). And it’s okay if you do too, friends. Because educating your children and working from home and surviving a global pandemic is hard. We’re right there with you. So join us for a chat about our quarantine situations, how to explain this madness to your kiddos, setting realistic expectations, giving yourself grace, and why homeschool should actually be called “crisis school.” We are cheering for each and everyone of you! Stay safe (at home), friends.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Inclusion, QuarantineComment
64. Building Bridges Towards Inclusion w/Barbara Butler
64. Building Bridges Towards Inclusion w/Barbara Butler

Magical Bridge playgrounds are beautiful places where ALL kiddos can play together. Think accessible ramps, wide paths, kindness corners, and the cutest little huts for when you just need some space. We are so lucky to have Barbara Butler on to tell us more about these playgrounds. She is a luxury play structure and treehouse designer who uses her architect background to create incredible inclusive playgrounds alongside the Magical Bridge Foundation. Join us for the incredible story about how her work started and what we can do to make all of our playgrounds inclusive.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, InclusionComment
63. Health & Down Syndrome w/Dr. Noemi Spinazzi
63. Health & Down Syndrome w/Dr. Noemi Spinazzi

“Stay home, wash your hands, don’t touch your face….” you’ve heard it all before. But now you can hear from pediatrician Dr. Noemi Spinazzi, who specializes in Down Syndrome. She works at a children’s hospital in Oakland, CA and is the medical director of Charlie’s Clinic - a Down Syndrome specific health care center! Today we’re asking her about all things health and Down Syndrome from special Covid-19 precautions, medical myths, speech, pneumonia, hearing, and more!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Family, Health Comment
62. Micha & Ace's Dual Diagnosis Journey
62. Micha & Ace's Dual Diagnosis Journey

“Our kids do not have to fit any measurement for their value or worth.” Micha said it here first but we’re pretty sure we all agree, right? That’s why today we’re discussing all things dual diagnosis with Micha Boyett, who’s son Ace recently received an Autism diagnosis. We’re also diving deep into societal expectations of people with other types of disabilities and how those impact our goals for children, all the supplements and sensory tools Micha is using with Ace, and perhaps most importantly— sleep! This is a good one, friends. Thank you for joining us.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Family, AutismComment
BONUS: Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
BONUS: Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Down Syndrome has taught us how to come together as a community to support one another. So today, we’re chatting all about a few of our favorite podcasts/non-profits/accounts that are shifting the narrative all year long. Check out our show notes for all the links you’ll need to keep you busy during these uncertain times! Then, tag us in your World Down Syndrome Day posts (@theluckyfewpod) and use hashtag #THELUCKYFEW. 

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, FamilyComment
61. Behind the Scenes of El Candidato, the extraordinary documentary about Bryan Russell
61. Behind the Scenes of El Candidato, the extraordinary documentary about Bryan Russell

Bryan Russell is the first person with Down Syndrome to ever run for political office anywhere in the world, and we are here for it! This past January, Bryan showed Peru (and the world) what he’s made of, earning over 13,000 votes in his efforts to earn a congressional position. And thankfully, Katie and Ryan Marley followed his journey every step of the way. Their upcoming documentary, “El Candidato” explores some pretty big questions about this election. Join us for a chat with Bryan Russell, his parents, and Katie + Ryan for all things changing perceptions, navigating politics, and living in Peru!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, FamilyComment
60. What's Ours To Share?
60. What's Ours To Share?

Anyone else ever questioned how much you share about your child or loved one with Down Syndrome on social media? We sure have! There is so much pressure to share (or not share) about your loved one with Down Syndrome and we feel it too! So friends, let’s all agree to be intentional on Instagram, to honor our kiddos, and most importantly, to keep shouting the worth and shifting the narrative together!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, Community, FamilyComment