The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

248. Everything No One Tells You About Parenting A Disabled Child (w/Kelley Coleman) Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

We’re so excited to welcome feature film executive turned author and disability advocate, Kelley Coleman to the show! Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Support releases TODAY!! Friends, this book is like gold, it provides the kind of support and confidence we all need to navigate and understand the complex systems, services, and supports no matter what diagnosis our kids have. It’s a resource we’ll be looking to for years to come, providing us with helpful questions, checklists, and ways to access services based on your child's individual needs. We celebrate finding friendship and community throughout the disability community, and Kelley shares how the Down syndrome community has embraced her and her son. She even shares how disability rights activist Judy Heumann shared her enthusiasm for a resource like Kelley’s book and emphasized the importance of sharing stories as self-advocates and nondisabled advocates in the disability space. This is a book and conversation we’re so grateful for, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES

Order Kelley’s new book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Support

To learn more, visit https://www.kelleycoleman.com/

Follow Kelley on Instagram and Facebook

Learn more about Judy Heumann’s legacy

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Join us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $0.99, $4.99, or $9.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Your support makes a difference in our ability to create meaningful content, enable us to cover production costs, and explore additional opportunities to expand our resources. Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, Enable SNP for sponsoring this episode!

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

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

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

247. The Transition To Adulthood: Fostering Independence, Dignity Of Risk, & Supporting Decision-Making (w/ Amy Julia Becker) Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Friends, we’re so excited to have award-winning writer, speaker, podcaster, disability advocate, and Mom of three, Amy Julia Becker, joining us for a third time today! She’s here to chat about what the journey with her daughter Penny has looked like after turning 18 and entering adulthood. She’s been in the process of making decisions about education, employment, guardianship, independent living, and so much more! We chat about navigating new services, and agencies, and Teresa from Social Security. What’s been the decision that has felt like the weightiest part of the transition into adulthood so far. How she’s included Penny in the decision-making process, her thoughts on guardianship, and so much more. Turning 18 brings on a whirlwind of decisions, Amy reflects on how it’s paralleled the early years and shares advice to consider in your child's middle and high school years. This is an episode you not only don’t want to miss, but you’ll want to bookmark and take notes on!!

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SHOW NOTES

Check out Amy Julia’s post about Penny’s nails

Instagram: @amyjuliabecker

Facebook: @amyjuliabeckerwriter

YouTube Channel

Threads: @amyjuliabeckerX: @amyjuliabecker

amyjuliabecker.com

Our Previous Episodes w/ Amy Julia:

26. Owning Your Influence By Using Your Words with Amy Julia Becker

158. Faith, Healing, & Disability, ft. Amy Julia Becker (Mother/Author)

Episode mentioned:

214. Guardianship, Conservatorship, & Supportive Decision-Making

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, Enable SNP for sponsoring this episode!

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

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

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

246. Heart Health & Navigating Heart Defects (w/Dr. Lorraine Schratz) Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Friends, we know that seeing specialists and hearing your child could potentially have cardiac issues after receiving a prenatal diagnosis can all be overwhelming. We also know that while months of celebrating and advocating for awareness can be helpful, but also adds to those valid overwhelming feelings when you’re new to a diagnosis. While those statistics are true, 50% of babies born with Down syndrome are born with heart defects. There are also incredible advancements in cardiology and amazing physicians like our guest this week Dr. Lorraine Schratz there for your family every step of the way!
Dr. Schratz is a pediatric and fetal cardiologist at Massachusetts General for Children and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. She acknowledges the fear that comes with a diagnosis but emphasizes the advancements in medicine that have led to fewer follow-up surgeries for people with Down syndrome. Dr. Schratz stresses the importance of providing families with both medical facts and emotional support, tailoring information to their needs, and encouraging patients to ask as many questions as they need to. She shares her advice to create healthy habits for our kiddos with and without heart defects, what to expect when receiving a diagnosis, and recommends resources for support. We’re so grateful for conversations like these, and in the words that Dr. Schratz’s patients wanted to send us, “It’ll be ok!”

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SHOW NOTES

NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) The Heart And Down Syndrome

American Heart Association (Dr. Schratz recommends using the health conditions tab for helpful resources and information)
Global Down Syndrome Foundation (more information and resources on congenital heart defects)
The Brett Boyer Foundation
American Academy of Pediatrics: Down syndrome guidelines

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, Enable SNP for sponsoring this episode!

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

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

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

245. Can An Advocate Get It Wrong Sometimes? Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Friends, you know we don’t shy away from asking the hard questions; today we’re diving into a complex one: Can an advocate get it wrong sometimes? We discuss the balance of advocating and learning, the foundation of a good advocate, and how humility shapes our advocacy journey. We explore the responsibility and journey of advocating for those with Down syndrome, and why being a listener and learner is key to effective advocacy. How long do you have to be part of something to be an advocate? What is the foundation of a good advocate? What happens if you do get it wrong? Tune in to hear our personal stories, how we’ve grown along this journey so far, and the importance of humility in advocacy. Join us for a thoughtful conversation you won't want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES:

Other episodes to check out:

JOIN US LIVE!

After six incredible seasons, and nearly 250 episodes, we’re excited to celebrate this one-in-a-million community! Over the last six years we’ve laughed, learned, and shared meaningful conversations, we’re so grateful to every one of you!

Whether you’re a weekly listener or new to The Lucky Few fam, we hope to see you in San Diego or have you tuning in virtually!

When: Friday, March 8th, 6:30 pm- 9:30pm

Where: Haven by Communal, 3381 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

What: Doors open at 6:30 pm for cocktail hour. Enjoy drinks, merchandise/books from self-advocates, connecting with local DS community partners, and more! The LIVE podcast recording begins at 7:30 pm!

Note: This is an adult-focused event.

We cannot wait to see you there!!

Head to the luckyfewpodcast.com and click on the banner to get your tickets they’re selling fast!

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT
Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

244. Love, Advocacy, & A Viral Proposal (w/Matthew Schwab & Lucia Romano) Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Friends, we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a couple that are sharing their enchanting love story! Their engagement was marked by a viral video and widespread media, Matthew Schwab and fiancé Lucia Romano share everything from their first date to their dreams for the future. This power couple is dedicated to shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome and the entire Intellectual and Developmental Disability community. From being fluent in multiple languages, working, driving, owning a public speaking business, living independently, ballroom dancing, community volunteering, participating as a multi-sport athlete in The Special Olympics, and giving a TEDx Talk, these two are the definition of a power couple! They have a shared passion for advocacy and hope their story will help challenge stereotypes about people with Down syndrome. We discuss their advice for those nervous about dating, and their moms share advice for families navigating their loved one's dating. This is an episode (and love story!) you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES

Watch Matthew & Lucia’s proposal reel that has gone viral!

Learn more about Matthew Schwab Speaks

Follow Matthew Schwab on Instagram

Follow Lucia Romano on Instagram

Listen to past episodes with Matthew:

66. Public Speaking & Self Advocacy w/Matthew Schwab

183. Following the Lead of Self-Advocates (ft. Matthew Schwab)

Listen to our episode with Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson

234. Producing A Diverse, Authentic, & Honoring Netflix Series (w/Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson)

Learn more about the show Down For Love

Learn more about the show Life Goes On

Learn more about the show Born This Way

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, Enable SNP for sponsoring this episode!

47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

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

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

243. Still, The Best We Can (w/Heather & Josh Avis) Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Friends, last February we (Heather & Josh!) had an unscripted conversation about challenges with IEP’s and what the best setting for Macy’s education would look like. They say a lot can happen in a year, and when it comes to school, that’s an understatement. We’re talking about Macy’s journey in the last year, from a Charter school program and ultimately her decision to return to a life skills program. The importance of seeking advice, but most importantly, following our kid's lead, and asking what they want. If you’re feeling the exhaustion of fighting for a space where your kid feels belonging, we see you, you’re not alone. Join us for another unscripted conversation about inclusion in our schools, how it's worked (and not worked) for our kids the last year, and so much more! Be sure to let us know your thoughts, feelings, and experiences after listening to this episode.

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SHOW NOTES:

198. The Best We Can: An Unscripted Conversation on Inclusion In Our Schools

229. Poet, Author, "Levitator of Language" Sid Gosh (w/Mom Dr. Vaish Sarathy)

Other episodes to check out:

JOIN US LIVE!

Whether you’re a weekly listener or new to The Lucky Few fam, we hope to see you in San Diego or have you tuning in virtually!

When: Friday, March 8th, 6:30 pm- 9:30pm

Where: Haven by Communal, 3381 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

Note: This is an adult-focused event.

We cannot wait to see you there!!

Head to the luckyfewpodcast.com and click on the banner to get your tickets they’re selling fast!

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

242. Is Inclusion A Privilege? Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

Friends, today we’re diving deep into the heart of our favorite topic: inclusion! We chat about the barriers preventing true inclusion and we're challenging societal norms and asking the important questions about what defines human worth. What kind of person gets to be celebrated? What kind of person with Down syndrome gets to be celebrated? We explore the buzzword status of “inclusion,” the role of privilege in accessing support and services, and so much more. As we navigate this journey, we recognize the honor and burden of advocating for a more inclusive world. Progress in inclusion is happening, but are we truly championing the essence of every individual? Is the current system promoting equal access and opportunities? We’re asking all the questions, you don’t want to miss this thought-provoking episode!

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SHOW NOTES

Learn more about regional assembly member Mar Galcerán’s!

Other episodes to check out:

JOIN US LIVE!

Whether you’re a weekly listener or new to The Lucky Few fam, we hope to see you in San Diego or have you tuning in virtually!

When: Friday, March 8th, 6:30 pm- 9:30pm

Where: Haven by Communal, 3381 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

Note: This is an adult-focused event.

We cannot wait to see you there!!

Head to the luckyfewpodcast.com and click on the banner to get your tickets they’re selling fast!

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

241. Developing A Down Syndrome Health Instrument w/Dr. Stephanie Santoro Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

We love any opportunity to have our friends from Massachusett’s General Hospital’s Down Syndrome Clinic on the show today we’re joined by Dr. Stephanie Santoro! Dr. Santoro, a renowned geneticist and pediatrician, discusses her impactful research in developing a Down syndrome instrument to enhance healthcare for individuals with Down syndrome. From prioritizing patient outcomes to filling gaps in resources, join us in exploring the unique aspects of health for those with Down syndrome and how research is vital to successful healthcare outcomes. Discover the insights gained from direct input, bridging the divide between medical guidelines and the lived experiences of individuals, caregivers, experts, and so much more! Be sure to check out the link in our show notes to be part of this important research survey!

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SHOW NOTES

Participate in the survey developed by Dr. Santoro that will help in the future of healthcare for individuals with Down syndrome!
Learn more about Massachusett’s General Hospital’s Down Syndrome Program

Mercedes onion remedy for cold season

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

Throwback: Creating Inclusion For All Learners (w/Tim Villegas) Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Throwback Episode 218: Creating Inclusion For All Learners (w/Tim Villegas - Originally aired 8/1/23)

Friends, we’re taking the month of August to talk all things Back to School, today we kick off the series with a discussion on implementing inclusion in the classroom. We’re joined by Tim Villegas, he’s the director of communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE), a nonprofit that seeks to be the catalyst for the meaningful and successful inclusion of all learners in their neighborhood schools. Throughout his 16-year career in education, Tim has advocated for including students with extensive support needs in general education classrooms. He is the founder of Think Inclusive, a podcast for inclusive education, and Inclusive Stories, a narrative podcast series about families and school districts fully committed to inclusive education. Join us as we chat about all things inclusion in our schools: advice for educators, parents, and those in leadership looking to create spaces where everyone belongs. This is an episode packed with resources, be sure to check our show notes for all the links to helpful books, organizations, and films!

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about MCIE ⁠Website⁠

Follow MCIE on ⁠Facebook ⁠

Follow MCIE on ⁠Instagram ⁠

Follow MCIE on ⁠Twitter ⁠

Follow MCIE on ⁠LinkedIn ⁠

Learn more about ⁠Think Inclusive⁠

Listen to ⁠Inclusion Stories⁠

Learn more about ⁠TASH⁠

Learn more about ⁠The Beyond Access Model⁠

Check out ⁠Including Samuel⁠

Check out ⁠Who Cares About Kelsey?⁠

Check out ⁠Intelligent Lives⁠

Check out ⁠My Disability Roadmap⁠

Check out ⁠Club 21⁠

Books to check out (Educators & Parents): ⁠Leading for All: How to Create Truly Inclusive Excellent Schools⁠

⁠Reimaging Special Education: Using Inclusion as a Framework to Build Equity and Support All Students⁠

⁠Unwanted: Fighting to Belong⁠

Check out these episodes:

⁠10. Inclusion - An Educator’s Perspective with Kristin Enriquez Pt. 1⁠

⁠11. Inclusion - A Parents Perspective with Kristin Enriquez Pt. 2⁠

⁠132. BTS Pt 3 - What's the impact of inclusion? (ft. Kristin Enriquez)⁠

⁠39. Back to School w/IEP Experts Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie⁠

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠ for more information!

LET’S CHAT

Email ⁠hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com⁠ with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

Throwback: Is There Such A Thing As A Difficult Parent? Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

Throwback Episode 237. Is There Such A Thing As A Difficult Parent? (Originally aired 12/12/23)

There are so many feelings when we enter spaces alongside our loved ones with Down syndrome and disabilities. The question, “Is there such a thing as a difficult parent?” It made us think deeply about advocacy, boundaries, and how gender, race, and cultural stereotypes can play a role in this question. What does it mean to advocate? What is your job as your child's advocate? If you make people uncomfortable does that make you difficult or does that make you an advocate? Is there a way around advocating and not being labeled a difficult parent? Friends, you don't want to miss our conversation on this hot topic!

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SHOW NOTES: