EPISODES

197. Exposing The Roots (Racism, Ableism, Microagressions, + More)

197. Exposing The Roots (Racism, Ableism, Microagressions, + More)

Friends! Did you know that not only are we in the middle of Black History Month but also Inclusion Month?! Today we’re honoring the adversities faced by advocates before us and celebrating the changes we’re making now that will impact future generations. After all, the end goal is the same: creating spaces of belonging for everyone, and we mean everyone. And we know we’re in a vulnerable moment in society, and in order to make lasting changes for future generations, we need to put in the hard (sometimes uncomfortable) work. And that’s what this episode is all about. We’re discussing microaggressions towards the Black and disabled communities, how we challenge systems to change, why separate programs can sometimes be a valuable asset, and what inclusion looks like in our own lives.

GeneralValerie SchliederFebruary 20, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

196. Couples Q & A! (ft. our husbands)

196. Couples Q & A! (ft. our husbands)

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! In honor of the holiday, we have three very special guests joining us.. Josh, Andy, & Chris! That’s right! We each sat down with our husbands to answer all of your questions about relationship dynamics and Down syndrome. How do you make time for each other (and away from each other)? How do you team up to advocate for your child? How do you process your feelings after the diagnosis? We’re not experts or anything friends, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s that lots of grace, vulnerability, and some therapy can go a long way. Join us for this fun and practical conversation all about parenting styles, nontraditional partner roles, ableism in the household, + more!

GeneralValerie SchliederFebruary 13, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

195. Connecting with the Black Down Syndrome Association (ft. Kelli Caughman & Crystal Lotterberry)

195. Connecting with the Black Down Syndrome Association (ft. Kelli Caughman & Crystal Lotterberry)

Happy February, friends! We’re celebrating Black History Month with two of our favorite mamas (and returning guests!), Kelli Caughman and Crystal Lotterberry. Both of these ladies are raising kids with Down syndrome while running their new non-profit organization: The Black Down Syndrome Association. And friends, the work they’re doing is SO good. Today we’re talking about the many inequalities Black individuals with DS face, tokenism vs. intentionality, and how we can advocate and support every member of the DS community.

GeneralValerie SchliederFebruary 6, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

194. Undoing Ableism & Telling True Stories with April Aguilera (writer of "For Paloma")

194. Undoing Ableism & Telling True Stories with April Aguilera (writer of "For Paloma")

April Aguilera is a mother of three beautiful girls, including her daughter Paloma, who has Down syndrome. She is also the writer of the short film, “For Paloma,” that stars brilliant actors with DS and details a mother’s unexpected journey through receiving a birth diagnosis. We’re so grateful April has joined us today to chat about undoing ableism as a mother of a disabled child, creating “For Paloma,” and disability representation in the media. We’re also getting vulnerable about mental health and recognizing how individuals with DS invite us to recognize our own worth.. you might need a tissue for this one!

GeneralValerie SchliederJanuary 30, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

193. Lets catch up!

193. Lets catch up!

It’s a new year and we have a new recording platform! Which means we now have access to sound effects.. so you’re welcome for that! We’re back with new episodes all year long, starting with a conversation about what we’ve been up to these last couple of months and what we’re doing (or better yet, NOT doing) in 2023! We’re rejecting hustle culture and prioritizing connections over accomplishments this year! Who’s with us!? Join us for a chat about all the things on our minds as we head into this new year.. therapy schedules, goal setting, medical vs holistic interventions, and MORE. Thanks for joining us!

GeneralValerie SchliederJanuary 23, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

THROWBACK: What if my child with Down syndrome can't?

THROWBACK: What if my child with Down syndrome can't?

You know how much we love celebrating people with Down syndrome all year long! We’re so excited for all the amazing self-advocates doing big things. But if you’re a parent of a child with DS who felt a little lost, sad, and maybe even lied to when you see certain posts on the internet.. then this episode is for you. We’re chatting about what happens when your child with Down syndrome doesn’t achieve all the things our society celebrates. Are they still worthy? Where does our value come from if not accomplishments? Our kids have been the greatest invitation to see the worth in others (and ourselves) apart from achievements.. and today we’re talking about why. We’re also chatting about how to share content about our children in honorable ways and how to receive content about other people’s children without comparing. Plus we’re exploring the “dark side to positive representation” that causes us to only celebrate people with DS who act the most like people without DS. WOW! So much to unpack here, friends. It’s a good one.

GeneralValerie SchliederJanuary 16, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

THROWBACK: Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya Lalvani

THROWBACK: Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya Lalvani

Dr. Priya Lalvani began working with previously institutionalized adults with disabilities in her early twenties.. she later gave birth to her now 20 year old daughter with Down syndrome. She’s been thinking pretty deeply about disability rights for many years and today she’s invited us to do the same. We’re questioning some common practices that might actually be rooted in ableism.. Why do we use the term “fully included?” Why don’t we teach about disability in the classroom? What does it mean to be an advocate vs an ally?

GeneralValerie SchliederJanuary 10, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment

THROWBACK: Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People with Disabilities (ft. incredible advocates!)

THROWBACK: Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People with Disabilities (ft. incredible advocates!)

Did you know that individuals with Down syndrome are frequently denied organ transplants? Just because they have a disability. We can’t believe this is a thing that’s still happening, but we are SO glad that there are people pushing back on this discrimination. Today in this episode, we are sharing two very important interviews with some extraordinary activists: Charlotte Woodward (NDSS employee + self-advocate w/DS), Bart Devon (senior director of public policy at NDSS), & Christy Sellers (lucky mama of 4 with DS + advocate). We’re talking about the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, Glory’s Law, the fear and ignorance that has caused this discrimination, and the recent tragedies in the DS community that have added momentum to this movement.

GeneralValerie SchliederJanuary 2, 2023Down Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment

THROWBACK: Diversity in the Down Syndrome Community

THROWBACK: 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!

GeneralValerie SchliederDecember 26, 2022Down Syndrome, Advocacy, EducationComment

192. Tis' the Season!

192. Tis' the Season!

Tis the season to be jolly.. and maybe also a little stressed?! Because let’s face it, the holidays are filled with fun and joy and magic but they can also get a little complicated. What are some of the challenges you’re anticipating? Maybe your family members have unrealistic expectations of your children with disabilities? Maybe your kiddos get a little overstimulated at times? Maybe you feel like there’s an extra pressure on your child with Down syndrome? No matter where you find yourself this holiday season, we’re here to walk you through it (or at least try to). So grab your hot coco, pause the hallmark movie, and join us for a chat about how to prepare your family members (and yourself) for fun (and inclusive) celebrations!

GeneralValerie SchliederDecember 19, 2022Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

191. Future Planning for the WHOLE Family - ft. Phillip Clark, Enable SNP

191. Future Planning for the WHOLE Family - ft. Phillip Clark, Enable SNP

When it comes to thinking about the future for your child with Down syndrome, we know that even hearing the words “special needs trust” can be stressful! How do you even begin to save enough money? What will happen to your son or daughter if something happens to you? What is expected of their siblings? So much to unpack here. That’s why we’re thankful to have Phillip Clark on the show once again to walk us through his planning strategies that actually work! For your WHOLE family! As a brother to his sister with Down syndrome, Phillip remembers the stress of these tough conversations from a young age, and now he’s determined to give families access to an abundant life for their loved one with Down syndrome. Be sure to check out Enable Special Needs Planning to get started. You won’t regret it!

GeneralValerie SchliederDecember 12, 2022Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

190. Disability & The Church Pt 2

190. Disability & The Church Pt 2

You asked for it, friends! We’re back with another important conversation about disability in the church! We really appreciate all the feedback you gave us and we’re diving into it today. We’re asking.. Are disability ministries actually creating more separation in the church? Do pastors receive training on inclusion in seminary? And who’s responsibility is it to get inclusive practices started? Plus, we’re sharing some examples from you all about what to do (or not to do) when welcoming in a child with a disability. And stay tuned until the end for some resources you can share with your church leadership. Thanks for thinking about these tough topics alongside us!

GeneralValerie SchliederDecember 5, 2022Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

189. Motherhood, DS Advocacy, and Selling Funky Hawaiian Shirts (ft. Holly Simon, 21 Pineapples Shirt Co.)

189. Motherhood, DS Advocacy, and Selling Funky Hawaiian Shirts (ft. Holly Simon, 21 Pineapples Shirt Co.)

Holly Simon is a mama on an advocacy mission.. all because of her son Nate, who was born with Down syndrome almost 20 years ago! Now, he’s the CEO of 21 Pineapples, a t-shirt company that’s changing the world, one Hawaiian shirt at a time. And though Nate is the face of 21 Pineapples, Holly’s goal is to use this opportunity to support the WHOLE disabilities community.. with creative employment opportunities and fierce advocacy for everyone. We love Holly’s energy and we’re so excited to chat with her all about what it takes to sell 2 million t-shirts, how to prepare your loved one with DS for life after high school, and why you shouldn’t believe everything you see on social media.

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 28, 2022Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

188. Our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide!

188. Our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide!

Tis’ the season to support small business that are shifting the narrative in BIG ways! Check out our 2022 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE for our personal recommendations on gifts for everyone (and we mean EVERYONE) in your life. We’re shouting out diverse companies that support our community and sell wonderful products! Shop for books and bikes, art pieces and experiences, silk toys and sensory bins, + so much more using our links! It’s time to open your laptop and get ready to make some loved ones very happy.. Bonus points if you shop while watching a holiday movie!

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 21, 2022Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment

187. Dental Anxiety & Down Syndrome (ft. Dr. Samantha Healy)

187. Dental Anxiety & Down Syndrome (ft. Dr. Samantha Healy)

We are SO excited to (finally) share an interview with Samantha Healy, a pediatric dentist and mother to a child with Down syndrome. She’s taking us through every moment of her son’s surprising birth story + giving us all the info we need to keep up with our children’s oral hygiene! We’re getting specific about tooth brushes, tooth paste, floss, and more. Samantha also shares her top tips for easing dental anxiety and why you should think twice before sharing a spoon with your baby! Get ready to take some notes!

GeneralValerie SchliederNovember 14, 2022Down Syndrome, Advocacy, Education, independence, inclusionComment