EPISODES

When Oliver and Hilda Bernier began filming what they thought would be a documentary about inclusive education, they couldn’t have predicted the end result. Now, their film “Forget Me Not” just premiered as the headliner of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York, and for good reason. “Forget Me Not” is the incredible story about the rights of disabled students in New York's public schools, told through the personal journey of one family: Hilda, Olivier and their son Emilio, who has Down syndrome. It follows them step by step as they battle with the NYC Department of Education and it’s policy of segregating students with disabilities.

Read More

If you’re anything like us, then the thought of your child’s financial future might be a little (okay a LOT) scary. But it doesn’t have to be, thanks to Catherine Beck and the MANY parents who advocated for The ABLE Act for over 10 years before it was finally passed into Congress. The ABLE Act ensures that people with disabilities can save money in a tax advantage account for necessary supports such as transportation, education, therapy, assistive technology, and more. We’re so grateful for the many people that made this act happen, and especially Catherine Beck. She’s here today to discuss what the ABLE accounts mean for our children and how the ABLE Act made history in Congress (in more ways than one).

Read More

If you have a loved one with Down syndrome, you’ve probably heard about low muscle tone, gross motor skills, physical therapy, and more.. but what does it all mean!? Do all children with DS need physical therapy? When do we start? When do we stop? So many questions! That’s why we are so grateful to be joined by Dr. Emily Heisey, a pediatric physical therapist, and the owner of kinesiokids.com! We’re chatting about the importance of starting PT early, how often your child might need PT, and how to build even just 20 minutes of exercise time into your child’s daily routine! You’ll want to take notes on this one.

Read More

Hello and happy (early) mother’s day to you all! We are celebrating with a very special treat.. our OWN mamas have joined us for this episode to chat all about being grandparents to children with Down syndrome. They’re sharing their initial reactions to learning of the DS diagnosis/adoptions, what they wish they knew in the beginning, and what they’ve learned so many years later. We’re sending love to all the mamas and grandmas in this space today. And we just want to say that we know this day isn’t easy and light for everyone.. no matter where you are in your motherhood journey, we see you, we love you, and we are cheering you on.

Read More

“There’s not a right way to have worth.. you just have worth.” - Heather Avis. We’re honored to chat once again with Gail Williamson who has been showing the media the worth of actors with Down syndrome for many years! It all started when her son Blair auditioned for a running commercial.. he’s built quite the acting career since and so has Gail - but in a much different way! She developed the children’s division in the Media Access Office and then went on to work for KMR Talent in the Diversity Department. Gail has blazed such a trail in this business that in 2019, the actors she represents made $3 million collectively. You don’t want to miss this chat with Gail as we discuss disability in the media, current barriers facing actors with DS, her proudest moments, and more!

Read More

Friends! It’s April and you know what that means.. Autism Acceptance Month! So we sat down with our very own Micha Boyett to discuss the last 18 months after receiving her son Ace’s ASD diagnosis. We’re also asking tons of questions about ABA therapy.. Should we do it? What will the impact be? And most importantly, WHY do we put our children in therapies at all? Plus, we’re sharing some recommendations for autistic self-advocates to follow! Don’t miss this one.

Read More

What do you do when your oldest child realizes her little sister will begin driving soon and wonders why they can’t do the same? Or when they ask for a not so “age-appropriate” toy as a gift? How do you navigate parenting a teenager with Down syndrome and all of the complexities that come with it? We asked Jen Jones, (wife, mother, & lifestyle coach) these tough questions and she’s sharing her 16 years of experience raising her oldest daughter Addie, who has Down syndrome. We’re chatting about everything from puberty, friendships, family dynamics, and post high-school plans. If you’ve ever wondered about anything related to adolescence and Down syndrome, this one’s for you.

Read More

With so much talk about the Covid-19 vaccine, it’s hard to know what to believe! And when we’re trying our best to protect our loved ones with Down syndrome, it gets even more complicated. That’s why we are so glad to have Dr. Spinazzi back on the podcast to break down all the science behind the vaccine - in terms that even we can understand! We’re chatting about why people with DS and their caretakers have been prioritized to receive the vaccine, common myths surrounding the vaccine, and where the distrust of modern medicine might come from. Dr. Spinazzi reminds us that of all the stages of this pandemic (from making bread to making tik toks), she believes we are entering a stage of hope.

Read More

We’re finishing the month of March with a very special interview with our favorite self-advocates.. our own children! That’s right, we have Ace, Sunny, Macy, and August on the podcast today for a sweet convo complete with a special “wheels on the bus” number just for you all! Plus the kids are telling us all about their favorite tv shows, sports, and music — don’t miss an update on Heather’s Beyonce NY’s resolution! They’re also answering the question: “What is your favorite thing about yourself?” and the responses are sweeter than we even imagined.

Read More

Collette Divitto graduated college and moved to Boston with the hopes of finding a job and getting her adult life started. But when she got there, every job she applied for told her she just “wasn’t the right fit.” So she took matters into her own hands and turned her famous chocolate chip cookie recipe into a successful company. And Collettey’s Cookies was born. Today, Collette is an accomplished business owner and well-known public speaker.. her favorite thing to ask people is “Why are you so surprised?” We’re so excited to have her on the show to chat about inclusive employment, self-advocacy, and of course — cookies! Be sure to check out Collettey’s Cookies for gifts, weddings, corporate events, and more!

Read More

Happy World Down Syndrome Day, friends! It’s 3/21 and that means today the 3 of us are sharing 21 things we LOVE about Down syndrome! From the good news, the dance moves, the button noses, and all the smiles and snuggles in between, there is SO much to celebrate today. We’re especially grateful that our loved ones with Down syndrome have set the pace for our families, taught us how to dance like no one is watching (literally), and have connected us with this community. We truly are #TheLuckyFew.

Read More

She’s the first person with Down syndrome to swim across the English Channel, she’s spoken to crowds across the nation, she’s started a non-profit foundation, she’s earned an honorary doctorate degree, she’s been a hard working employee for several years and she hasn’t let this pandemic stop her. She’s Karen Gaffney. And today she’s telling us all about her motto: “Down syndrome is a life meant to be lived.” We are SO thankful she’s here with us to chat about a lifetime of self-advocacy, her non-profit foundation, and all the daily routines (including 2 mile swims before work) that keep her going! You don’t want to miss this one, friends!

Read More

When it comes to inclusion in the modeling industry, we don’t always see people with disabilities on the front page. But Grace Strobel, a 24 year old self advocate with Down syndrome, is on a mission to shift this narrative both on and off camera. Not only is Grace a professional model, she is an extraordinary public speaker who inspires her audience with what she calls, “The Grace Effect,” (AKA kindness and respect!). Tune in for our chat with Grace and her mother Linda as we discuss why she started public speaking and who she hopes to inspire. Enjoy!

Read More