The Lucky Few

Today we’re talking about the people and places where we can keep our shoulders down and know that our children with Down syndrome will be accepted no matter what. Join us as we chat about:Our stories of how we first connected with the DS communityOnline connections vs in-person connections (Why does this one feel so much harder sometimes?)Why is it important to build relationships with other families in this space?We’re so grateful for organizations like the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) who make connections between families based on age, location, culture, and more. If you’re searching for community, let the DSDN app be your first step.SHOW NOTESLearn more about the Down Syndrome Diagnosis NetworkJoin a DSDN group online or locallyDownload the DSDN appFind a GiGi’s Playhouse near you SPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods Heroes

Having a child with Down syndrome means you’re always learning about something new! And today’s topic is: oral facial myofunctional therapy.. a technique used to improve the way our mouth and face muscles work! We have Irene Iskander (dental hygienist + lucky mama) on the show today to answer all of our questions:Why is mouth breathing so common amongst individuals with DS? What are the long term effects of mouth breathing?What can we do at each age to strengthen mouth and facial muscles?How is myofunctional therapy different than speech therapy or feeding therapy?We didn’t realize how important this information was until we chatted with Irene! So tune in and take notes, friends!SHOW NOTESFollow Irene @fityourface_ on InstagramListen to 28 Reasons to Nasal Breathe from Ask The Dentist podcastSPONSORSNational Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods HeroesJOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more!  Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

Friends! Have you listened to The Telepathy Tapes Podcast? In this show, creator and host Ky Dickens explores the “profound abilities of non-speakers with autism - individuals who have long been misunderstood and underestimated.” Let’s talk about it:Have we experienced a shared consciousness with our own children? Is telepathy possible?Why are people having such a hard time believing the stories from the autistic individuals and their families who claim to communicate with telepathy?How has the disability community responded to the show?We don’t know a lot for certain, but we do know this: Our children have shifted our paradigm and opened us up in ways we cannot explain. And we value the stories of non-speaking autistic individuals who communicate with OR without telepathy. Go ahead and listen to The Telepathy Tapes and let us know what you think!-- SHOW NOTESListen to The Telepathy Tapes PodcastSPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods HeroesJOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

Sid Ghosh is 18 (going on 81) years old and he just published his first full length book of poems with a major poetry company. He’s been given extraordinary praise from renowned authors, and us too of course! Here’s what we’re talking about today: Sid’s poems about his profound experience the world, as an autistic adult who has Down syndrome and uses a communication board (Spellers style!)Why it’s important to challenge our comfort zones to get a glimpse into a more fully profound way to be human. What the publishing process was like + where and when you can BUY this book! There’s a lot of talk about energies, frequencies, and connectivity in this one too. We hope you join us for this incredible interview with Sid Ghosh, and his mother, Dr. Vaish Sarathy! --SHOW NOTESPurchase Yellow Flower Gills Me Whole by Sid GhoshFollow @downlikesid on InstagramSubscribe to Sid’s stubstack newsletterSPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods HeroesJOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

Oxford Dictionary defines ableism as: “discrimination in favor of able-bodied people.” And on today’s episode, we’re defining ableism with our own examples:When someone is shocked by our child’s capabilitiesWhen someone is suprised by our strong connection to our childrenWhen someone volunteers for a disabilities organization believing they’re a heroA lot of ableism is just actions and systems that we may have never questioned.. until being affected by disability. So what do we do when we experience ableism in our communities? Lets unpack it in this week’s episode. SHOW NOTESFollow @open_future_learning on Instagram!Follow @ndss on Instagram!Follow @shaneburcaw on Instagram!Disability Euphemisms video from @blairimani Listen to 172. Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya LalvaniSPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods Heroes

After so many years in the Down syndrome community, we’ve had our fair share of surprising and even disappointing experiences with other advocates. The more we put ourselves out there, the more opportunity there is for disagreement. So what happens when there’s division amongst mothers in the Down syndrome community? Join us for a chat about:Unwritten rules and competition.. what happened to collaboration?Managing intellectual property.. what belongs to the individual vs the community?Social media stand-offs.. how do we engage in productive conversations?Ironically, the DS community doesn’t always feel inclusive. So what can we do to support the bigger picture even if we disagree on smaller things? Lets start by assuming the BEST in each other. SHOW NOTES154. Community Over Competition ft. Chantele Holm SPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods Heroes

Summer isolation for our kids with disabilities.. It’s not fun to talk about.. which means we probably should. Lets unpack it:Why is no one reaching out to our children to hang out over the summer?What happens when full inclusion during the school year still doesn’t foster meaningful friendships for your child?What do we do with these feelings of loneliness? How do we talk to our kids about this? With our kiddos growing up, we’ve noticed huge changes in the social dynamics that have left our kids with disabilities feeling lonely over summer break, especially when compared to their neurotypical siblings. If you’re a parent to a child with a disability, you may have noticed this as well. We might not have all the answers but we want you to know: we see you and we are cheering you on in this!--SHOW NOTES297. Extracurricular Activities and Inclusion: How to Make it Work for Our Kids with DS215. Disability Access Services at Theme Parks213. The Beauty and Challenges of Adaptive Programs164. Choosing Your Summer BattlesSPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods HeroesJOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

In this current political climate, one of our goals is to keep you all up to date on the legislature that impacts our community. So friends, its time to talk about the “Big, Beautiful Bill” and how it will affect individuals with Down syndrome. We are SO grateful for an incredible guest to help us out. Sean Feely is the new Director of Advocacy and Policy at the National Down Syndrome Society and he’s here today to answer all of our questions..The basic questions: What exactly is the “Big, Beautiful Bill”? What exactly is medicaid?The complicated questions: Are home and community-funded services in danger? What are the new rules around work requirements and retroactive coverage?The scary questions: Will my loved one with DS lose their coverage? We’re also asking the productive questions.. What can we do now? What sources can we trust? Grab a pen and get ready to take some notes! --SHOW NOTESSign up for the National Down Syndrome Society’s newsletter HERE.Listen to our episode with Charlotte Woodward about organ transplant discrimination HERE.SPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods HeroesJOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

We’re talking about a not-so-fun part of summer today.. summer school! Specifically, extended school year (ESY) for our children with Down syndrome. What is extended school year? Is it necessary?Are our kids in ESY this summer? Will our kids regress if they don’t go to summer school? Or is traveling/playing throughout the summer also a beneficial learning opportunity?This is an interesting conversation about what it means to be a student with a disability, why inclusion during the school year is an important set-up for summer success, and how privilege plays a role in all of this. We think you’ll learn a lot from this episode, friends. Enjoy!--SPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods HeroesJOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

Welcome to a new season of The Lucky Few Podcast! We’re starting off strong with an episode all about… diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because these are more than just buzz words, friends. Let’s talk about it:What is DEI? What is it NOT?Recent changes to DEI standards.. have we seen these changes in our own lives?The intersection of race and disabilityWe’re also introducing our guest host for the season.. Brandy Coleman! She’s an advocate, educator, wife, and mother of seven - including her daughter with Down syndrome! Brandy works with the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network to make sure all families feel seen, heard, and supported. She’s a fierce advocate for BIPOC families and we’re SO grateful for her perspective this season. --SHOW NOTESFollow Brandy (@divab78) on Instagram and Tik TokFollow Brandy’s Facebook page: “Tiny Treasure's Trisomy 21 And CHD Journey”Learn more about the Down Syndrome Diagnosis NetworkDownload the DSDN appSPONSORS National Down Syndrome SocietyiCanShine ProgramsDown for GreensRods Heroes

What happens when you mix a fierce sibling bond, a deep love for storytelling, writing, advocacy and a chicken named Rosemary? You get today’s episode of The Lucky Few Podcast! We’re joined by the incredible Melissa Hart, author, educator, journalist and big sister to Mark, her brother who has Down syndrome.This episode is full of heart, humor, and hope—plus a reminder that inclusion starts at home and ripples out into the stories we tell.Melissa shares her powerful journey growing up alongside her brother, the outdated and harmful messages her family faced, and how her mom’s bold choice to raise her brother with full inclusion shaped all their lives. From early childhood therapies to joyful adulthood, Melissa’s story is one of advocacy, love, and laughter.In This Episode, We Cover:The outdated advice families were once given—and Melissa’s mom’s courageous responseHow Melissa’s relationship with her brother shaped her writingRepresentation of people with Down syndrome in literatureHer latest book, Down Syndrome Out LoudAnd yes… an appearance from Rosemary the chicken 🐔About Our Guest: Melissa Hart is a journalist and essayist from Oregon, and the award-winning author of Avenging the Owl, Daisy Woodworm Changes the World, Better With Books, and her latest release, Down Syndrome Out Loud. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Real Simple, and more. Melissa is also a master naturalist, an avid kayaker, and a proud chicken mom. She teaches in the MFA in Creative Writing program at Southern New Hampshire University and holds a BA in Literature from UC Santa Barbara and an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College.SHOW NOTES• Connect with Melissa at https://www.melissahart.com/• Learn more about Melissa's newest book at ⁠Down Syndrome Out Loud⁠•  ⁠Follow Melissa on Instagram⁠JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!

It’s 2025 and there are a few things we know are true… The world is chaotic. And we NEED more compliments. That’s why our very own Heather Avis wrote her new children’s book, “I Like You So Much: Celebrating What Makes You, You!” We’re chatting all about the inspiration for this book and more today!What’s the difference between saying “I like you” and “I love you?”When’s the last time you gave a compliment that wasn’t based on an accomplishment?How did Heather make sure that ALL children could see themselves in her new book?The reviews are in (literally!) and this book is a MUST-read. We hope you’ll share it with a kiddo in your life who needs to hear just how very likeable they are.--SHOW NOTESOrder I LIKE YOU SO MUCH by Heather Avis on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.Get compliment cards, activity kits, and merchandise HERE.SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.

Well friends, we’re 300 episodes into the podcast and we finally figured out a way to keep track of just how long we’ve been doing this.. and no its not our neck wrinkles! Lets go behind the scenes today as we reflect on the last 7 years. We’re chatting about:What has changed in our lives (and the world) since starting the podcast?What have we learned (and unlearned) along the way?What are our favorite memories? And what are YOUR favorite memories? (Lots of listener feedback in this one!)You’ve all been on quite the journey with us. We’ve experienced everything from childbirth, cross-country moving, moments of grief, new diagnoses, global pandemics, and so much more. A lot has changed for each of us but one thing will always be true.. Micha really is a great singer. And whether you’ve been here since the beginning, or you’re just joining us now, we are SO grateful for you. We hope our vulnerability has encouraged you and reminded you that you are not alone on this journey. __SHOW NOTESListen to our episode with Sid Ghosh: 229. Poet, Author, “Levitator of Language”Listen to Non Linear Learning, an amazing podcast by Dr. Vaish SarathySHOUT OUTLearn more about the National Down Syndrome Adoption NetworkSPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.

If you’re a parent, you’ve likely wondered.. Should I let my child use this public restroom on their own? Is my child able to handle these kitchen tools? Can I let my child attend this sleepover? And if you’re a parent to a child with a disability, you might have even more fears around these risky activities. It’s time for a conversation about reasonable risks for our kids with Down syndrome. Here’s what we’re chatting about today:What does “dignity of risk” mean? Is the risky activity an opportunity for growth or an opportunity for trauma?What makes our kids with disabilities more vulnerable even in “safe risk” situations?How we do know when to let them take the risk? And when to step in?We know its dignifying to have the right to make a risky decision, but its also super scary when it comes to our children. Lets unpack this and problem-solve (or try to) together today. __SHOW NOTESRead ‘The Dignity of Risk’ by Amy Julia BeckerSHOUT OUTLearn more about Project ECHO, a community of health care providers for individuals with DS.SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.

Overwhelmed by all the news lately? Us too. That’s why Ashley Barlow (@thecollaborativeiep) is back on the show today to breakdown all of the changes to the Department of Education and the impact on students with disabilities. Here’s what we’re discussing today:​Budget cuts and the impact on early learning for students with disabilities (no more Head Start program in 2026?!)​Pros and cons of school choice and vouchers (What does “welfare for the rich” mean?)​Action steps to make sure your child’s educational needs are metWe know that many of these changes have not happened yet, but the current political attitude towards disability has us a little worried. If you’re feeling the same way, stay informed and know that we’re all in this together.SHOW NOTES​Follow Ashley at @thecollaborativeiep and find her website here.SHOUT OUT​Learn more about The College of Adaptive Arts here and follow them on instagram!SPONSORS​Learn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning.

Picture this: your child with Down syndrome tells you they want to play a sport. You sign them up for the local team, drop them off at practice, and pick them up without any difficulties. Everything goes smoothly… But that’s not always reality is it? Lets break down the complexities of extracurricular activities today:How to ask for accommodations that promote safety, respect, and inclusionSeparate programs designed for people with disabilities.. and what to do when they’re not as inclusive as they seemHow to manage our own expectations of our children and their activitiesHere’s what we’ve learned: the attitude of the people in charge really matters. And if we can find programs with inclusive-minded leaders who understand our kids with DS, then that’s where we need to be. Join us today as we dive into our personal experiences (both positive and negative) with musical theater, gymnastics, and swim. And don’t forget that any program is lucky to have your child! SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning. JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! HEATHER’S NEW BOOKPre-order Heather’s newest children’s book: I Like You So Much!DISCOUNT CODEFriends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

The Avises are back from an 18-day European vacation with tips, tricks, and travel stories for all of us. So Heather and Josh are here today to answer all the questions: How do you “lean in” to surprising (and sometimes frustrating!) moments with your kids? What to do when your family vacation doesn’t look like other families? What are your major tips for traveling with kids/teens who have Down syndrome? There are so many travel resources out there.. disability discounts, wheelchairs, free transportation, + more! We’re excited to share with you just how we used them. So take some notes then start planning your next trip!--SHOW NOTESSHOUT OUT: Check out Cafe Joyeux on instagram and their websiteWatch 47, a short film produced by Cafe JoyeuxSPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning. JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

How many nights per week would you say your child (with or without a diagnosis) sleeps well? We asked our audience and discovered that sleep is a struggle for a LOT of us! So if you’re feeling like you’ve already tried all the online hacks but your child still wakes you up at the same time each night, this episode might have a new tip for you! Here’s what we’re covering today: What’s the biggest sleep challenge for our kids with Down syndrome? And our kids with a dual diagnosis of DS and autism?Micha’s sleep journey with her son Ace... Does a gluten-free, dairy-free, additive-free diet actually work? What medications have or have not been effective? What is a sensory diet and does it really help? How has an ADHD diagnosis affected Ace and his sleep? Audience input! We’ve crowdsourced the best tips from all of you! Learn how other parents have changed their children's rooms and bedtime routines to promote better sleep.But before we dive into sleep, we’re chatting briefly about the change from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month + the importance of centering Autistic voices in this conversation. For now, wherever you’re at in your sleep journey, we hope this episode helps! You’re not alone out there! --SHOW NOTESSHOUT OUT: Follow Nicole Adler (@nicole_for_love), a speaker and advocate for the disability and LGBTQ communities. SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning. JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

When we saw this headline, “CRISPR Snips Away Extra Chromosomes, Offering New Hope for Down Syndrome Treatment,” we knew we had to discuss this article together. So that’s what we’re doing today. Here’s what we’re covering in this episode:The ethics of gene editing - What about other conditions with serious life-threatening effects? Why do some people assume that we need to “cure” Down syndrome? What would we do to alleviate some of the medical challenges in the DS community? The problem with not including disabled people in this conversationWe are really digging deep today! And we invite you to read the article (linked here) and join us for this important conversation.--SHOW NOTESRead CRISPR Snips Away Extra Chromosomes, Offering New Hope for Down Syndrome TreatmentKeep this convo going with these past episodes: 161. Let’s Talk About Abortion & Disability; 117. Dignity Beyond Accomplishment; 99. The Last Children of Down SyndromeSHOUT OUT: Follow @amyjuliabecker for thoughtful discussions on hard topics in the DS community. SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning. JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today! 

Raise your hand if the thought (or maybe even the memory) of potty training gives you anxiety! This parenting milestone sure brings up a lot of feelings, especially for those of us in the disability community. Here’s what we’re chatting about today:Micha’s potty training journey (including some behind-the-scenes voice notes and training tips!)The impact of a dual diagnosis (Down syndrome and autism) on potty trainingDealing with internalized ableismPLUS: WHY do we actually want certain things for our child? Is it for their safety or for societal expectations? And also, happy Autism Acceptance Month! Lets celebrate that and remember: learning new things can take a long time. And that’s okay.--SHOW NOTESVisit successfulpottytraining.net to learn more about Ashley Hickey and her potty training methodsListen to ep 62. Micha & Ace’s Dual Diagnosis JourneySHOUT OUT: Follow @learnplaythrive on instagram for neurodiversity affirming therapy strategies!SPONSORSLearn more about Jack’s Basket.Learn more about Enable Special Needs Planning. JOIN THE LUCKY CREWJoin us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!