The Lucky Few

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17. Self Advocacy: Down Syndrome in DC with Kayla McKeon Nov 19, 2018

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This week on the Lucky Few Podcast, we have the honor of sitting down with Kayla McKeon, the first registered lobbyist with Down Syndrome! Not only is Kayla active in her church and Special Olympics, she is a Ruby’s Rainbow college scholarship recipient and takes classes each semester! Kayla is living proof that people with Down Syndrome can lead full and productive lives and that’s why she’s one of the best self advocates in DC. After discovering her passion for public speaking at a Special Olympics event in her hometown Syracuse, Kayla began interning with a congressman and soon after found herself lobbying in DC! As an independent 31-year-old woman, Kayla flies to and from the nation’s capital to advocate for herself and her friends with different abilities. Currently, she’s lobbying for the Able to Work act that would allow people with different abilities to save more money without losing their benefits. Kayla’s work in DC also includes ending “Law Syndrome” by increasing the sub-minimum wage given to people with different abilities. When’s she not on a plane or in class, Kayla enjoys driving herself to the nail salon and spending time with her awesome parents. Join us this week to hear all about the extraordinary life of Kayla McKeon, a college student, a licensed driver, a podcast host, a public speaker, a reader, and an exceptional lobbyist. SHOW LINKS Keep up with Kayla! Website: http://kaylamckeon.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckeonkay/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.mckeon.7 Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/national-down-syndrome-society-org Watch Kayla lobbying in DC: NBC News Story: https://www.today.com/health/kayla-mckeon-first-d-c-lobbyist-national-down-syndrome-society-t140585 CBS News Story: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kayla-mckeon-lobbyist-national-down-syndrome-society/ Washington Post News Story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2018/06/08/this-woman-is-an-exceptionally-effective-capitol-hill-lobbyist-she-also-has-down-syndrome/?utm_term=.297d15524847 Now This News Story: https://nowthisnews.com/videos/her/kayla-mckeon-is-a-us-lobbyist-inspiring-others-with-down-syndrome Mentioned In The Show: Ruby’s Rainbow: https://rubysrainbow.org/ Gigi’s Playhouse: https://gigisplayhouse.org/ Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/ SHOW SPONSOR Little Passports: Inspire Your Child to Learn About the World! (Visit https://www.littlepassports.com/lucky/ for special offers and more!) HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Are you a business and want to suggest a product for our listeners? Fill out our Holiday Gift Guide to be featured on the show > https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/gift-guide-application-2

16. Looking Back and Shooting Forward | LIVE from Dear Mom, Conference Utah Nov 12, 2018

Show notes

Coming at you LIVE from Orem, Utah - the ladies of The Lucky Few podcast take the stage at Dear Mom Conference! Heather, Micah, and Mercedes are reading their “Dear Mom” letters to their former selves and revealing all the things they wish they knew when they received their child’s Down Syndrome diagnosis. From the vulnerable lens of these powerful mamas, we’re working through answers to all the tough questions. What are you most scared of for your child’s future? How can I help my child relate to their peers? How can I shift the Down Syndrome narrative in my daily life? Listen along for encouragement and takeaways you can bring to every parent-teacher conference, every new playdate, and all the tough days in between. We’re looking back, shooting forward, and shifting the narrative. SHOW LINKS Follow Dear Mom on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dearmomconference/) Check out other speakers from the Dear Mom Conference: https://www.dearmomconference.com/speakers-utah-2018 OAKLEY PETERSON Website: http://nothingdownaboutit.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nothingdownaboutit/?hl=en ALAN AND NIKKI LAWRENCE Website: http://thatdadblog.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatdadblog/ TERRY BROWN Website: https://www.sohappytolearn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohappytolearnatmrsbrownshouse/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/So-Happy-to-Learn-132690756788580/ SHOW SPONSOR Little Passports: Inspire Your Child to Learn About the World! (Visit https://www.littlepassports.com/lucky/ for special offers and more!) HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Are you a business and want to suggest a product for our listeners? Fill out our Holiday Gift Guide to be featured on the show > https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/gift-guide-application-2

15. Discipline: Down Syndrome with Dr. David Stein Nov 08, 2018

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This week on The Lucky Few Podcast, we’re talking about all things discipline and behavior with Dr. David Stein, a psychologist and former Co-Director of the Down Syndrome Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. His “respond but don’t react” approach to parenting children with Down Syndrome guides his new book: Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome. As it turns out, the secret to discipline isn’t found in visual schedules and behavior charts, it’s in a parent’s emotional response to their child’s actions. Join us this week to learn more about the brain development of children with Down Syndrome, the best approach to disciplining children with Down Syndrome, and the importance of self-care for parents of children with Down Syndrome. To any parent struggling with their child’s behavior management: you are not alone. Join us this week for practical support, real encouragement, and honest community.

14. Marriage & Relationships: Parents Raising a Child with Down Syndrome Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

What happens when five married couples get together to talk about raising kids who have Down Syndrome? Join us around the campfire for this episode to find out! We’re talking all about growing stronger through tough seasons, splitting therapy responsibilities, and still making time to enjoy date night! Our list of special guests includes Amy & Chris who have three children, including Rocco, a five year old with Down Syndrome, Michelle & Eric who have four children, including Eli, a four year old with Down Syndrome, and Lindsay & Bart, who have seven children, including Ruby, age 6, and Conner, age 7, who have Down Syndrome! As always, Heather & Josh, who have three children, two with Down Syndrome, and Mercedes & Andy who have three children, one with Down Syndrome, are leading the campfire conversation! These couples say that their children have strengthened their marriages, and they have stats to back that up! Marriage and raising kids with Down Syndrome can be tricky, but these couples prove that it is definitely possible, and always worth it. Listen along for the ultimate insider’s perspective. LINKS Website: www.theluckyfewpodcast.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod Twitter: www.twitter.com/theluckyfewpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod SHOW LINKS DOWN SYNDROME AND LOWER DIVORCE RATES Divorce in Families of Children with Down Syndrome Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17559293 Parents of Down Syndrome Children Divorce Less Study: https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=6087 Having a Child With Down Syndrome Is Good for Your Marriage: https://network.crcna.org/disability-concerns/having-child-down-syndrome-good-your-marriage The Down Syndrome Advantage: https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/991053/divorce-does-the-down-syndrome-advantage-exist CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS Amy & Chris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roccosradlife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roccosradlife/ Lyndsay & Bart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithrubyandconner/ Michelle & Eric Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlest_warrior/ & https://www.instagram.com/advocatelikeamother/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlestwarrior/ Shop: https://linktr.ee/littlest_warrior SHOW SPONSOR Lovevery https://loveverybaby.com/ (For 10% off play kit subscription or $10 off a Play Gym, use the code “theluckyfew” at checkout! HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Are you a business and want to suggest a product for our listeners? Fill out our Holiday Gift Guide to be featured on the show > https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/gift-guide-application-2/

13. Inclusion and the Church with Jamie Lim Lee Oct 22, 2018

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This week on The Lucky Few Podcast, we’re breaking through cultural and religious stereotypes that discriminate against people with Down Syndrome, with the help of none other than Jamie Lee! Jamie is a mother of two children, Shane (5), who has Down Syndrome, and Shiloh (3). Her educational background includes a MA in Secondary Education with emphasis, English (USC), post graduate work in Paralegal studies (NYU), and a BA in Psychology with a Minor in English (UCSB). Currently, Jamie serves on the board of Club 21, a Down Syndrome advocacy group servicing families impacted by DS from infancy to adulthood for maximum inclusion, independence, and belonging. Recently, she helped launch Christ Central Southern California’s Access ministry, a group dedicated to supporting and facilitating full access to worship to those with special needs. Jamie’s greatest passion is bringing forth the value of people with all abilities to the forefront, through the context of the gospel. Join us this week as Jamie Lee makes known the power of people with Down Syndrome that cuts across cultures, religions, and stereotypes. LINKS Website: www.theluckyfewpodcast.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod Twitter: www.twitter.com/theluckyfewpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod SHOW LINKS Resources Mentioned by Jamie: Christ Central Southern California: http://www.christcentralsc.com/ Club Twenty One: http://clubtwentyone.org/ Disability and The Gospel: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Gospel-Brokenness-Display-Grace/dp/1433530457/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540186823&sr=8-1&keywords=disability+and+the+gospel Keep up with Jamie Lee! Email: jamiejlee37@gmail.com Website: http://beingsinecere.blogspot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamielimlee/ & https://www.instagram.com/walkwithshaney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jamie.Lim.Lee Show Sponsor: Lovevery https://loveverybaby.com/ (For 10% off play kit subscription or $10 off a Play Gym, use the code “theluckyfew” at checkout!

12. Education: So Happy to Learn with Terry Brown Oct 15, 2018

Show notes

This week on The Lucky Few Podcast we’re talking all about education! And we’re learning from none other than Mrs. Terry Brown, the creator of the “So Happy to Learn” program. She is passionate and gifted at teaching individuals with Down syndrome, and has developed an innovative program called “So Happy to Learn” that teaches reading, writing and math to children and adults with with Down Syndrome. She presents her “So Happy to Learn” method at workshops and conferences for parents and educators. Using her “Teaching vs. Testing” method, Terry Brown creates a positive, calm, and FUN environment for her students as they systematically progress to higher levels of learning. Her innovative strategies prove that every child can succeed in the classroom. Join us for a conversation about effective learning approaches, fun teaching tools, and confidence-building activities for children with Down Syndrome! LINKS Website: www.theluckyfewpodcast.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod Twitter: www.twitter.com/theluckyfewpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod SHOW LINKS Resources Mentioned by Terry: Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Teachers by Patricia Logan Oelwein // https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Reading-Children-Down-Syndrome/dp/B012UKMCRG Keep up with Terry and her “So Happy to Learn” Program! Email: terrybrown@sohappytolearn.com Website: www.sohappytolearn.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/So-Happy-to-Learn-132690756788580/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohappytolearnatmrsbrownshouse/ Show Sponsor: Lovevery https://loveverybaby.com/ (For 10% off play kit subscription or $10 off a Play Gym, use the code “theluckyfew” at checkout!

11. Inclusion: A Parent's Perspective with Kristin Enriquez Pt. 2 Oct 08, 2018

Show notes

The inclusion-conversation continues with our friend, Kristin Enriquez this week! She is an inclusion expert and educational consultant, who has the unique perspective of both an educator and mom, with her 24+ year career in special education and her ten year old son with Down syndrome. Kristen works with families and educators to ensure that students meet and exceed expectations while making certain that all parties have equal access to support systems for the students. She speaks about various topics in Special Education to the public and through social media with her outreach efforts called Stand for 21. Last week we focused our conversation on inclusion from an educator’s perspective. Today, we chat about our roles as parents, and as she proved last week, Kristin has so much to teach us. Listen along to learn more about finding your voice as a parent and backing that up with research and resources you can bring to your next IEP meeting! LINKS Website: www.theluckyfewpodcast.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod Twitter: www.twitter.com/theluckyfewpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod SHOW LINKS Research and Resources Mentioned by Kristen: Down Syndrome Education International: https://www.dseinternational.org/en-us/ Comparison between Mainstream and Special Education: https://www.down-syndrome.org/reports/295/ Challenging the Down Syndrome Profile: https://www.down-syndrome.org/essays/294/ Research Supporting Full Inclusion: https://www.thinkinclusive.us/essential-research-inclusive-education/ Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title20/chapter33/subchapter1&edition=prelim “Inclusion is best for everybody.” https://www.includeusfromthestart.com Keep up with Kristen and “Stand for 21!” Email: sevissmile@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standfor21/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standfor21/ Show Sponsor: Lovevery https://loveverybaby.com/ (For 10% off play kit subscription or $10 off a Play Gym, use the code “theluckyfew” at checkout!

10. Inclusion: An Educator’s Perspective, with Kristin Enriquez Pt. 1 Oct 01, 2018

Show notes

W E R E B A C K ! ! ! ! For our first two episodes of this second season, we’re chatting with Kristin Enriquez, an inclusion expert and educational consultant, who has the unique perspective of both an educator and mom, with a long career in the field of special education, and a ten year old son with Down syndrome. “Inclusion is not a place, it’s a philosophy,” says Kristin, who is the founder of Stand for 21, and organization that seeks to expand awareness of the possibilities of people with Down syndrome through increased access and opportunity. She is also the founder of Sevy’s Smile, in which she is educational consultant and a parent coach, specializing in Down syndrome and other learning challenges. Links: Website: www.theluckyfewpodcast.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod Twitter: www.twitter.com/theluckyfewpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod Show Links: “Development is not fixed at birth.” -Sue Buckley, Down Syndrome Education International: https://www.dseinternational.org/en-us/ 1999 Study mentioned by Micha and Kristin: https://library.down-syndrome.org/en-us/research-practice/09/3/comparison-mainstream-special-education-teenagers-down-syndrome-implications-parents-teachers/ Club 21: http://clubtwentyone.org/ Our sponsor: Lovevery https://loveverybaby.com/ (For 10% off play kit subscription or $10 off a Play Gym, use the code “theluckyfew” at checkout!

9. Q & A + Recap! Jul 11, 2018

Show notes

It’s our Season One finale! And we’re celebrating by taking your questions! From adoption to social media to navigating extracurricular activities, Heather, Mercedes and Micha are here to answer your deepest questions (or maybe just the first questions that came to your mind). We share some of our favorite books that have helped us talk to our kiddos about Down syndrome, we discuss the word “disability,” and--as always--we celebrate some Good News, including our first ever LIVE EVENT coming to Laguna Beach this August 22. Get your tickets on our website at http://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com As always, we hope this podcast brings you encouragement, hope, and a new voice. Enjoy, and interact with us on all of our social media below! ___ Links: This is not THE article Micha referred to about head positioning during bottle feeding in order to help prevent tongue thrust in babies with DS. But this one does share similar information. Feeding Development in Down Syndrome 47 Strings: Tessa’s Special Code The Prince Who Was Just Himself Books by Amy Julia Becker Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention Instagram accounts (adoption and China): @chosenforjoy @thisgatherednest @thestaufferlife @bringing_home_china

8. Therapy and All the Feelings Jun 27, 2018

Show notes

It is finally here! Welcome to the episode where we talk about all things therapy, and trust us… you won’t want to miss this one. What do you do when it feels like therapies are taking over? How much therapy should your child be receiving? How do you balance therapies with everything else of life? We cover it all, from the great benefits of therapy to the unique challenges it offers (like take home homework, and a much more full schedule). We share our personal experiences with all the therapies and then get to hear your good news. As always, we hope this podcast brings you encouragement, hope, and a new voice. Please subscribe at our website for updates and events in the future. Enjoy, and interact with us on all of our social media below! Website: www.theluckyfewpodcast.com Show Notes: Terry Brown: http://www.sohappytolearn.com Talk Tools: https://talktools.com/ Social Media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theluckyfewpod Twitter: www.twitter.com/theluckyfewpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/theluckyfewpod

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