The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

330. What We Wish We'd Known About Advocacy Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this final episode of our “What I Wish I Knew” series, we’re taking a step back to reflect on advocacy—what it’s looked like for us over the years, what’s changed, and what we wish we understood earlier.

We talk honestly about the emotional weight of advocating for our kids with Down syndrome, the tension of speaking up in systems that don’t always listen, and the growth that comes from learning to trust your instincts.

From early parenting moments to IEP meetings and navigating social media, this conversation explores the complexity of advocacy—how it evolves, where it gets messy, and why it’s never just one moment, but a lifelong process.

We also dig into how advocacy has shifted in the age of social media—the connection it brings, but also the pressure, comparison, and confusion around what it’s supposed to look like.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or alone in advocating for your child, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and encouragement.

Why advocacy is unavoidable as a parent of a child with Down syndrome
Learning to trust your gut—even when “experts” disagree
The emotional reality of speaking up and pushing back
How advocacy evolves over time and gets more complex
Social media: connection, pressure, and comparison
Redefining what advocacy actually looks like

Advocacy isn’t about doing more or being louder—it’s about staying grounded in your “why,” trusting your instincts, and showing up for your child over time.

What We CoverKey Takeaway

🎧 More on Advocacy

Episode 101: Jalondra Davis on Race, Disability, & Advocacy
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000508421336

Episode 262: 45 Years of Advocacy — A Conversation with Kandi Pickard
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000660264316

Episode 17: Self Advocacy — Down Syndrome in DC (with Kayla McKeon)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000425139176

Episode 172: Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining “Inclusion” (with Priya Lalvani)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000574499987

Episode 256: Celebrating Motherhood, Advocacy, & Community (with Black Down Syndrome Association)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000654745623

Throwback: Unlearning the Advocacy Language
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000504975552

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Are you using functional medicine with your child—or just starting to look into it? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? We’d love to hear from you.

Find us on Instagram: ⁠@theluckyfewpod⁠

329. What We Wish We'd Known About Functional Medicine Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of our “What I Wish I Knew” series, we’re talking about functional medicine—what it is, what’s helped us, and what we wish we understood earlier.

We share real experiences navigating diet changes, supplements, specialists, and the cost of it all, while exploring a whole-body approach that looks beyond symptoms.

We also talk about how to integrate functional and traditional medicine without feeling like you have to choose one or the other.

If you’re curious about functional medicine but unsure where to start, this is a practical, honest starting point.

What We Cover

What functional medicine is and how it looks at the whole body
How diet, gut health, and environment can impact behavior and overall health
Practical ways to start without getting overwhelmed or spending a lot

Key Takeaway:

You don’t have to choose between functional and traditional medicine—start small, stay curious, and pay attention to what actually helps your child.

Links:

Listen to Previous Episodes

Episode 38: Nonlinear Learning & Communication (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy) ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000624491053⁠⁠
Episode 79: Understanding Functional Nutrition for Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487763974
Episode 80: Assuming Intelligence in Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487049081

Vaish Sarathy: ⁠https://www.meaningfulspeech.com⁠
Follow Vaish Sarathy on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/meaningfulspeech/

Speaking of Health & Wellness: https://speakingofhealthandwellness.com

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Are you using functional medicine with your child—or just starting to look into it? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? We’d love to hear from you.

Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

328. What We Wish We'd Known About AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication). Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our “What I Wish I Knew” series with a real and honest conversation about AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) - Supporting Communication Without Limiting It

Micha shares her journey with her son Ace and how her understanding of AAC has evolved over time—from treating it like a therapy tool to recognizing it as a language and a way of life. Along the way, we talk through common misconceptions, frustrations, and the mindset shifts that can make all the difference.

If you’ve ever wondered whether AAC is “right” for your child—or felt unsure where to start—this episode is a grounded place to begin.

What We Cover

What AAC actually is—and why it’s for more kids than people think
The shift from testing communication → modeling communication
How to get started (IEP, evaluations, and real-world barriers)

Key Mindset Shift + Takeaways

AAC isn’t a tool you bring out for practice—it’s a language you live in.

That means modeling instead of requiring, assuming competence even when it’s hard to see, and remembering that communication is about connection—not just requests. For many kids, the challenge isn’t understanding—it’s motor planning. And like any language, AAC only works when it’s used consistently in everyday life, not just during therapy or structured time.

Links:

AbleNet https://www.ablenetinc.com/ Torganization mentioned in the episode for helping families get AAC devices (including working with insurance).

Mercedes’ “third class Titanic” photo reference (watch here):
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVMSIy0EsI5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Are you using AAC with your child? Thinking about it? Struggling with it?

We’d love to hear what’s working—and what’s not.

Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

327. What We Wish We’d Known About Travel & Accessibility Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we’re talking about travel and accessibility—what’s actually available, what we’ve learned the hard way (and the helpful way), and the questions that come with it.

Fresh off an international trip, Heather shares real-life stories of navigating airports, museums, and public spaces with accessibility services—and realizing oh… this changes everything.

Also, turns out you might not need to stand in that two-hour line. Just saying.

We also wrestle with the bigger question: Should we use these services if our kids can do it without them?

We talk about:

Using accessibility services in airports (like TSA Cares and pre-boarding)
Skipping long lines at museums and major attractions
Free and discounted access for people with disabilities and their companions
The tension between presuming competence and accepting support
Letting go of pressure and adjusting expectations while traveling
Why flexibility matters more than having the “perfect” trip

We share stories from New York, London, and Paris—and how these supports made travel not just possible, but enjoyable.

At the end of the day, this is about knowing your child, trusting your instincts, and using what’s available to make space for your family.

Your family belongs in these places.

Related Episodes

Can a Person with Down Syndrome Travel the World? (Ep. 278) – Exploring what’s possible with global travel.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/278-can-a-person-with-down-syndrome-travel-the-world/id1349646917?i=1000672187141
Planes, Trains & Presuming Competence (Ep. 296) – Travel, transitions, and supporting our kids well.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/296-planes-trains-presuming-competence/id1349646917?i=1000704406975
Traveling with the Lara Family (Ep. 35) – A real family’s experience traveling with Down syndrome.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-traveling-with-the-lara-family/id1349646917?i=1000446155118
How to Keep Your Kids with Down Syndrome Healthy While Traveling (Ep. 129) – Simple ways to stay healthy on the road.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/129-how-to-keep-your-kids-with-ds-healthy-while/id1349646917?i=1000532940758

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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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

Throwback: From School Plays to Disney Star: Noah Matthews Matofsky Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Friends, we’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations — our interview with Noah Matthews Matofsky, who starred as Slightly in Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy.

When this film premiered, Noah became the first actor with Down syndrome to have a speaking role in a live-action Disney feature film. And we had the joy of sitting down with him not long after the movie was released.

In this episode, Noah joins us from the UK to share:

How he went from school plays to being cast in a Disney film
What it was like auditioning during lockdown
Learning lines and filming stunts (yes, he had a stunt double!)
Six months on set in Canada
Red carpets, press tours, and being recognized in public
Why representation matters
His dreams for what’s next (Harry Potter? Toy Story? We’re planting seeds.)

We also hear from Noah’s dad about what it was like supporting him through filming, balancing family life, and watching his dream unfold.

This conversation is joyful, funny, and hopeful. It’s a reminder that our kids belong on every stage — including the biggest ones.

Noah is also an ambassador for Down Syndrome UK and continues to use his platform to encourage others:

“Don’t take it as a disadvantage. Add that to your life and do more in your life.”

We’re so proud of him. And we’re so grateful for the way representation continues to grow.

Follow Noah⁠ on Instagram for more behind the scenes and see what’s next!

Noah has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the International Down Syndrome Congress in Florida this summer and is ⁠raising funds⁠ for his travel expenses.

CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST

CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS

CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA

CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT

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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

Throwback: Episode 3 — College, Expectations, and Ruby’s Rainbow with Liz Plachta Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

This week we’re revisiting Episode 3 of The Lucky Few Podcast—originally recorded in April 2018.

In one of our very first conversations, Heather, Mercedes, and Micah sit down with Liz Plachta, founder of Ruby’s Rainbow, to talk about what’s possible for individuals with Down syndrome after high school.

At the time, this conversation felt hopeful. Now, it also feels proven.

What started as one mom’s idea—to help one person with Down syndrome go to college—has grown into something much bigger:

1,015 scholarships awarded
$3,776,000 in scholarship funds
26+ awareness campaigns changing the narrative

And that momentum hasn’t slowed. Ruby’s Rainbow is currently in the middle of its 2026 “3/21 Pledge” campaign, with a goal to raise $600,000 by World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) to fund at least 120 scholarships. As of early March 2026, they’ve already surpassed that $600,000 goal—another signal of how much belief and support continues to grow around this work.

This episode captures the early heart behind that movement—and why raising expectations still matters

Give the gift of a dream. Change a life. Help someone with Down syndrome go for their college dreams! Take the 3/21 Pledge TODAY

321pledge.org/

CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST

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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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

326. What We Wish We’d Known About Loneliness in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we continue our What I Wish I’d Known series in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) and this year’s theme: Together Against Loneliness.

When we first became parents of children with Down syndrome, no one talked to us about loneliness.

Not the loneliness that can come in high school.
Not when siblings leave.
Not when friends start driving.
Not when graduation comes — and the path forward feels unclear.
Not when your child is included, but still isolated.

We talk about the loneliness our kids experience — and the loneliness we feel as parents. We unpack the difference between inclusion and belonging, and why belonging is what truly combats loneliness.

World Down Syndrome Day isn’t just about celebration.
It’s about awareness.It’s about connection.

Wear the socks.Have the conversations.
Extend the invitation.

Let’s be together against loneliness.

Show Notes

🌍 World Down Syndrome Day

Official site (theme, resources, global events):
https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

College scholarships for students with Down syndrome:
https://www.rubysrainbow.org/

Creators of the annual World Down Syndrome Day campaign videos:
https://www.coordown.it/

This year’s campaign video (featuring Noah, focused on ending use of the R-word):
https://www.youtube.com/@CoorDown

Their classic video “Dear Future Mom”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU

Free programming and community for individuals with Down syndrome:
https://gigisplayhouse.org/

🎓 Ruby’s Rainbow🇮🇹 CoorDown (Italy)💙 GiGi’s Playhouse

🎉 Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day With Us

We’ve been celebrating World Down Syndrome Day since the very beginning of this podcast. Revisit past conversations here:

Episode 1 – World Down Syndrome Day 2018
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/1

Episode 53 – World Down Syndrome Day 2019
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/53

Episode 104 – World Down Syndrome Day 2020
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/104

Episode 156 – World Down Syndrome Day 2021
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/156

Episode 207 – World Down Syndrome Day 2022
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/207

Episode 259 – World Down Syndrome Day 2023
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/259

Episode 310 – World Down Syndrome Day 2024
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/310

CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST

CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS

CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA

CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT

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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

325. What We Wish We’d Known About Infantilizing Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Show Notes

In this episode of were talking about infantilizing — what it is, how it shows up, and why it matters.

To infantilize someone is to treat them as younger or less capable than they are. For people with disabilities, this often shows up in subtle but harmful ways: baby talk, lowered expectations, behavior plans for age-appropriate teen behavior, speaking about someone as if they aren’t in the room, or limiting choices because we assume immaturity.

We share real stories:

When typical high school behavior is labeled as a disability issue
How communication differences get mistaken for lack of intelligence
The risk of tying maturity to verbal skills
The hidden cost of withholding autonomy and choice
How even we, as parents, have had to unlearn assumptions

We talk about the radical assumption of competence — and how dignity starts with how we speak.

Our kids’ age is their age.
Their interests don’t define their intelligence.
And adults deserve to be treated like adults.

This conversation is nuanced. It’s uncomfortable at times. But it’s necessary.

Let’s raise expectations.
Let’s offer real choices.
And let’s stop talking to adults like they’re toddlers.

CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST

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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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.

324. What We Wish We’d Known About Inclusion Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our What I Wish I’d Known series by talking about inclusion — and being honest about how it actually feels.

When we hear the word inclusion, we don’t immediately feel hopeful. We feel heaviness. Process. Fight. Sometimes discouragement.

We talk about why inclusion so often becomes a disability service instead of a true community responsibility. We wrestle with school settings, adult programs, housing, and the limited options available once our kids grow up. We name the exhaustion of always being the one advocating — and the toll it takes on our kids to keep showing up in spaces not built for them.

At the center of this conversation is this truth:

The existence of a person with Down syndrome in the world is their resistance.

Our kids take up space. They walk into rooms. They show up in communities that weren’t designed for them. That matters.

Inclusion isn’t a program to be applauded. It’s a cultural shift. And while we may feel weary some days, we still believe our kids belong — not as a service, but as neighbors, coworkers, and friends.

We see you doing the work. Take a breath if you need to. And keep going.

Show Notes

For more thoughtful work on disability, community living, and person-centered inclusion, visit Open Future Learning: https://www.openfuturelearning.org/**

Interested in diving deeper?

We’ve talked about inclusion before — especially in the context of school, IEPs, and advocacy. If you want to explore more episodes with an emphasis on inclusion in education and collaboration, start here:

Episode 78: Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child’s IEP Team
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/iep-advocacy
Episode 94: IEPs During COVID-19 (ft. Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie)
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/inclusive-education-project
Episode 270: IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig)
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/270-iep-success-how-to-plan-communicate-and-collaborate-april-rehrig
Episode 272: What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting?
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/272-what-do-we-wish-we-knew-before-our-first-iep-meeting-heather-avis-mercedes-lara
Episode 273: Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role in IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow)
https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/273-breaking-down-barriers-the-parents-role-in-iep-success-with-ashley-barlow

323. What We Wish We’d Known About IEPs Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

IEPs can feel overwhelming, emotional, and complicated—and that’s because they are.

In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we kick off our new season, What I Wish I’d Known About…, by talking about IEPs—what we wish we understood from the very beginning, and what we’ve learned the hard way.

Fresh off a multi-hour meeting, we share honestly about the exhaustion, the tension, and the “us vs. them” dynamic that can creep in. We unpack how evaluations drive goals, how goals drive placement, and why learning the language of the IEP changes everything. We talk about inclusion, evolving expectations, and what it looks like to follow our child’s lead as they grow.

Most importantly, we remind ourselves—and you—of this:

Our kids are not problems to fix.
The IEP exists to serve them.

Whether this is your first meeting or your fifteenth, we hope this conversation helps you feel more steady, more informed, and less alone.

SHOW NOTES:

For more practical guidance, we’ve learned a lot from Ashley Barlow and her work at Ashley Barlow Co.. She offers clear, actionable resources to help you navigate IEPs, strengthen your advocacy skills, and understand your rights—all in one place.

Check out more IEP Episodes:

78. Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child’s IEP Team – IEP advocacy tips.
94. IEPs during COVID-19, ft. IEP Lawyers Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie – IEPs & distance learning.
272. What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting? – Reflections on early IEPs.
270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig) – Practical IEP strategies.
273. Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role In IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow) – Parent advocacy in IEPs.

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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 or Shout Outs for future episodes.