Posts in General
151. Finding People That Don't Feel Sorry For You (ft. Jo Lopez)
151. Finding People That Don't Feel Sorry For You (ft. Jo Lopez)

Today we are joined by Jo Lopez, a fellow lucky mama + IRL assistant to Heather Avis! Jo has made it her mission to find community within the Down syndrome space and today she’s sharing all about how she’s found her people. It started with an early (and confusing) diagnosis, an overwhelming google search, and then a sweet Facebook message that changed everything! We’re also chatting about finding your people in-person, the right time to join an online group, and how having a child with DS shapes your social life.. especially as they get older.

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150. Cole Sibus on Being An Actor w/Down Syndrome, Moving Away From Home, + SO Much More!
150. Cole Sibus on Being An Actor w/Down Syndrome, Moving Away From Home, + SO Much More!

Friends! We have Cole Sibus (maybe you’ve heard of him!?) on the podcast today and in case you couldn’t tell.. we’re so excited! He’s a 24-year-old actor with Down syndrome who starred on ABC’s Stumptown. And when he’s not working, he’s living with his roommates, learning how to surf, spending time with his girlfriend, and working at a restaurant! We’re chatting about all of it today.. everything from moving out of his parents house to inclusivity in Hollywood! Cole is also sharing about the pranks he played on set, the impact he had on the cast, and why he wants to play a role where DS is not the focus.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment
149. The Only Black Mama In The Room - ft. Ashley Dirks (mother/advocate)
149. The Only Black Mama In The Room - ft. Ashley Dirks (mother/advocate)

Heather met Ashley Dirks last fall at a retreat for moms of children with Down syndrome. And one of their first conversations was about how Ashley wanted to leave the retreat. She was the only black mama the whole weekend and it left her wondering, “Do I fit in.. Am I supposed to be here.. Where are the other black moms?” And all this makes us realize that the Down syndrome community is not immune to exclusion. So today, we’re talking about it. Join as we chat about tokenism, toxic positivity, social media advocacy, and what happens when we know the importance of diversity but don’t do anything about it.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment
148. Diversity in the Down Syndrome Community
148. Diversity in the Down Syndrome Community

A few months ago we had the chance to attend the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network Rockin’ Mom’s Retreat and meet SO many wonderful women! And our girl Mercedes grabbed a microphone and sat down with a few lucky mamas from the DSDN Black Families group to chat all about diversity within the Down syndrome community! These mamas shared about what it’s like to google “Down syndrome” and not see a picture of a child that looks like yours, how the recent events in the country have continued to shape them, and why they sought out a group for fellow Black families. The DSDN Black Families group has grown to 1,000 members and we encourage you to join them if you are part of this community. We’re so grateful for these mamas sharing more about their experiences in the DS community!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment
147. Resources for Black History Month - Movies, Podcasts, Books, & More!
147. Resources for Black History Month - Movies, Podcasts, Books, & More!

This month is all about listening to and learning from the Black community. And if you don’t know where to start, we got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite resources for Black History Month into this episode! From board books for your littlest kiddos to thought-provoking shows for your teens, there’s a little something for everyone! We’re chatting about our favorite podcasts, IG accounts, books, & movies — say hello to a guilt free night on Netflix! You do not want to miss this one, friends.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment
146. It's Black History Month! Let's Talk About It.
146. It's Black History Month! Let's Talk About It.

Friends! February is Black History Month! You know what that means.. lots of important conversations between us and some of our favorite Black advocates in the Down syndrome space. Because let’s face it, many of us have been able to skip out on these tough conversations our whole lives. Growing up, the month of February just meant coloring a picture of Martin Luther King Jr and then moving on with the day. Not anymore friends. We’re doing our best to highlight Black voices this month (and all the time really). And today we are chatting all about celebrating diversity, why talking about race is important for talking about disability, what it means to be an ally, and how to talk to your children of all ages about Black History Month. We’re committed to doing our best to listen and learn alongside all of you.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment
145. Just the Three of Us.. on Grief, New Year's Resolutions, & What's to Come in 2022
145. Just the Three of Us.. on Grief, New Year's Resolutions, & What's to Come in 2022

Three weeks into January isn’t too late to wish y’all a Happy New Year right? Let’s just go with it! Because today we’re catching up with each other after our holiday break.. we’re talking all things schedule changes, behaviors, covid cancellations, (already failed) resolutions, and how to entertain our children during their school break (and why it’s okay not to)! We’re also discussing some heavier topics today as Micha is diving deep into how the loss of her father in December has affected her and her family.. including Ace. Processing grief with your children with Down syndrome is complicated.. to say the least. We’re sending all our love and support to our beloved Micha and her family.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment
#THROWBACK: What do you wish you knew when you got your child's diagnosis?
#THROWBACK: What do you wish you knew when you got your child's diagnosis?

We’re back with one of our favorite episodes with one of our favorite questions.. “If you could go back and talk to yourself when you got your diagnosis, what would you say..” Micha grabbed a microphone and walked all around the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network’s Rockin’ Moms Retreat and asked this question. We got the most amazing (and tear-jerking) responses from you rockin’ mamas. And we’re sharing them with you all today. This episode is full of wisdom from mamas of adults, teens, toddlers, and even twins. These perspectives are a whole lot better than a google search. So grab your tissues and get ready to nod your head along with all of these interviews. We think you’ll relate.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment
#THROWBACK: Disability Representation In The Media w/Gail Williamson (Talent Agent & Mother)
#THROWBACK: Disability Representation In The Media w/Gail Williamson (Talent Agent & Mother)

We’re back with another one of our favorite videos, featuring one of our favorite advocates. Here we go.. “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!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, AdvocacyComment
#THROWBACK: Tell Me You're Raising A Child w/DS Without Telling Me You're Raising A Child w/DS
#THROWBACK: Tell Me You're Raising A Child w/DS Without Telling Me You're Raising A Child w/DS

Time for another one of our favorite episodes! You might have seen the popular social media trend where people describe a relatable situation and others know exactly what they’re talking about - or at least that’s what we think it means.. So we’re here with a fun game of “tell me you’re raising a child with Down syndrome without telling me you’re raising a child with Down syndrome.” If you are parenting a kiddo w/DS, you might relate to the endless amounts of abbreviations you have to learn (OT, PT, ABA, the list goes on), the feeling you get when watching your child run for the first time, and maybe even buying extra locks for the bedroom doors! We love this community and all the little instances that bind us together.. especially what it feels like to hug your baby with DS! Enjoy the episode, friends!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, AdvocacyComment
#THROWBACK: "A Life Meant to be Lived," w/Karen Gaffney (Self-Advocate & Open-Water Swimmer)
#THROWBACK: "A Life Meant to be Lived," w/Karen Gaffney (Self-Advocate & Open-Water Swimmer)

What better way to kick off the new year than with this extraordinary self-advocate? 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!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, AdvocacyComment
#THROWBACK: Discussing "Dignity Beyond Accomplishment," An Article by Justin Hawkins (ft. author, Justin Hawkins)
#THROWBACK: Discussing "Dignity Beyond Accomplishment," An Article by Justin Hawkins (ft. author, Justin Hawkins)

Time to revisit an important conversation about the connection between dignity, accomplishment, and disability. We love our friends with Down syndrome (many of whom have been on this show) who are doing BIG things in the world! But what about the people with DS who aren’t running marathons or starring in movies? Does society see them as important too? Or does our world only see people with DS as valuable when they accomplish something big? There is a lot to explore here. That’s why we sat down and chatted with Justin Hawkins, a PHD candidate at Yale University, a sibling to Jenna, his sister with Down syndrome, and the author of “Dignity Beyond Accomplishment.” We’re talking about growing up with Jenna, ableism and acceptance, and why he wants to “severe the connection between dignity and accomplishment all together.”

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#THROWBACK: "More Than A Moment," w/Kelli Caughman
#THROWBACK: "More Than A Moment," w/Kelli Caughman

We’re so excited to re-release an amazing episode from earlier this year.. all about the intersection between race and disability, featuring our friend Kelli Caughman! She is a mother, wife, and a leading Black advocate in the Down syndrome community. Not only is Kelli the Black Families Director for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, she created the Black Family Village in Indiana and serves on the board of Gigi’s Playhouse in Indiana. We’re so thankful for everything Kelli brings to our DS community and we’re especially grateful she’s joining us for another important conversation during Black History Month. Today, we’re exploring the reasons behind the lack of diversity on social media, the mental strain on Black advocates over the past year, and tangible steps to take towards becoming anti-racist.

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Advocacy, RaceComment
144. How To Keep The Holidays Happy
144. How To Keep The Holidays Happy

The holiday season is officially upon us! And with that comes only magical moments of joy and peace and love.. just kidding! Between the family photo sessions gone wrong and the yearly debate between cooking or takeout, the holidays are complicated. And they get even more complex when your children with disabilities face new foods, sensory overload, changes in routine, and even unsupportive family members. Today we’re chatting all about how to keep the holidays happy.. including mom guilt, letting go of traditions, how to not spoil our children, dealing with behaviors, and sometimes even sending everyone to bed so we can just decorate the house ourselves! Sending extra love to you all this time of year. Happy holidays, friends!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Holidays, Christmas, GiftsComment
143. Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!
143. Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!

*Cue the holiday music…It’s the most wonderful (& also sort of stressful) time of the year… holiday shopping time! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our 2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE! It’s here, friends. We are so excited to share about all these wonderful, narrative-shifting small businesses! Shop for soaps and sweatshirts, books and beach towels, art and educational resources, + more! There’s truly something for everyone. And don’t pay full price, use our discount codes! Oh and did we mention that many of these companies were founded by entrepreneurs with Down syndrome and employ individuals with disabilities?! Tis’ the season for shopping small and shifting the narrative!

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GeneralValerie SchliederDown Syndrome, Holidays, Christmas, GiftsComment