The Lucky Few

Latest Episodes:

BONUS: Why Is The Use Of Terms Like "Mentally Disabled" As An Insult So Harmful? Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Friends, we’re coming to you with a BONUS episode this week. Over the years we’ve worked hard to provide you with topics that are helpful resources, to be sources of encouragement, and never shy away from difficult conversations. Today, we’re coming to you with a difficult, yet important conversation. This one is taken directly from comments by one of the Presidential candidates. We want to be clear we’re not endorsing either candidate but as a platform that promises to shout worth and work to shift narratives for people with Down syndrome each week, we feel this is an important conversation we need to have with all of you. We hope you’ll join us in this unfiltered and honest conversation.

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SHOW NOTES

No Pity: People With Disabilities Forging A New Civil Rights Movement by Joseph R. Shapiro
Listen to Amy Julia Becker’s podcast Reimagining The Good Life
Listen to Amy Julia Becker’s episode with Anthropologist Tom Pearson

Articles about the comments:

Some helpful links on this topic:

National Center on Disability and Journalism Terms to Avoid When Talking About Disability
Words Matter! Disability Language Etiquette by the National Education Association
How Ableism Affects People With Disabilities
National Institute of Health article: Implications of internalised ableism for the health and wellbeing of disabled young people

Previous Episodes Like This:

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!

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.

277. Can A Person With Down Syndrome Vote? (w/Alex Bolden & Genevieve Thompson) Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month!! We’re celebrating this month with episodes based on popular Google search topics about people with Down syndrome. Today we’re kicking off the celebration with Alex Bolden and Genevieve Thompson from the National Down Syndrome Society as we answer one of the most searched questions: Can a person with Down syndrome vote? Alex shares his experience voting for the first time, tips for deciding who to vote for, and resources like NDSS's free checklist and values inventory to help voters prepare. We also discuss how parents and caregivers can support their loved ones in the voting process and the importance of using your voice to shape policies that impact the Down syndrome community. This is an episode you don’t want to miss as we head to the polls next month!

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SHOW NOTES

Check Out NDSS Voting Resources:

Downloadable checklist

Downloadable Values and Beliefs Inventory

More Resources To Check Out:

Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) GoVoter campaign

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) voting resources

Voter Registration Deadlines for all states

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you, Jack’s Basket for sponsoring this episode!

EP 44 Shifting the Diagnosis Narrative w/Carissa Carroll from Jack's Basket

EP 180 "You Make Me Better" (An Interview with Carissa Carroll, Founder of Jack's Basket)

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

LET’S CHAT

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

276. What Can't People With Down Syndrome Do? Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

We’re a week away from the start of Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Today we’re kicking off our celebration early with a conversation about common misconceptions people still have about Down syndrome. We’ll be celebrating next month by talking to self-advocates, organizations, and parents who are breaking down the stereotypes of some of the most Googled misconceptions about Down syndrome. We’re sharing our thoughts on the CoorsDown PSA ‘Assume That I Can’ featuring Madison Tevlin and how campaigns like this work to shift narratives. We’re chatting about how knowing and loving a person with Down syndrome has shifted how we value and see worth, no matter what someone can or can’t do. Join us as we get this important conversation started!

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SHOW NOTES

CoorDown’s PSA Assume That I Can PSA with Madison Tevlin
Read Heather’s blog post What if my child with Down syndrome can’t?
CoorDown’s Just The Two of Us PSA

Other episodes like this:

163. What does success mean to you?

185. What if my child with Down syndrome can't?

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you, National Down Syndrome Society for sponsoring this episode!

Learn more about the NDSS Buddy Walk!
Listen to Heather & Micha talk about their experience at last year’s NYC Buddy Walk on 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights

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

LET’S CHAT

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

275. Advocacy In Action: Amanda Owen on Building a Strong Community Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Today, we’re excited to chat with Amanda Owen, the founder and executive director of Puzzle Pieces! Amanda has dedicated her life to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities—a passion deeply rooted in her own family’s experiences. She’s sharing her experience growing up with a sibling with disabilities and how the dynamic has evolved as an adult that led to her journey of starting a non-profit. We’re chatting about having conversations around disability with our kids, how to cultivate meaningful and impactful friendships with people with disabilities, employment for adults with disabilities, group homes, and so much more! Friends, this episode is packed with incredible advice, stories, and even a few tears, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Puzzle Pieces
Learn more about Amanda’s books
Pre-order Amanda’s new book Rarely Different: A Sibling’s Memoir
Learn more about Amanda’s story

Follow Amanda Owen on Instagram

Listen to last week’s episode on volunteering:

274. Are We Losing The True Meaning of Volunteering?

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, ABLEnow for sponsoring this episode!

115. How The ABLE Act Supports Your Child's Future (ft. Catherine Beck)

LET’S CHAT

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

274. Are We Losing the True Meaning of Volunteering? Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

Friends, you know we ask all the questions…even if we don’t have all the answers! Today, we're diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us—volunteering. We're asking some tough questions: What happens when volunteering becomes more about extra credit or resume-building? How does this culture impact our efforts to shift harmful narratives? How can we make sure we teach our kids that volunteering isn’t just for show or awards? We’re chatting about how to make sure our volunteering efforts are intentional and meaningful, and our personal experiences that have made a meaningful impact. We know it's not about being the hero—it's about building bridges, we hope you’ll join us for this important conversation and share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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SHOW NOTES

Learn more about 99 Balloons.
Learn more about Kids To Kids.

Other Episodes Like This:

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Thank you, ABLEnow for sponsoring this episode!

115. How The ABLE Act Supports Your Child's Future (ft. Catherine Beck)

LET’S CHAT

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

273. Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role In IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow) Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

We’re excited to have Ashley Barlow back on the podcast today! We’re discussing the power of parental involvement in IEPs and why it’s so important for your child’s educational success. Ashley breaks down her research and shares personal stories from her journey with her son Jack, who has Down syndrome. This episode is packed with practical advice on how you can take an active role in your child's education, navigate challenges, and become a stronger advocate. Whether you’re facing challenges or just want to ensure your child’s needs are met, this episode is full of advice you won’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES

Our previous episode with Ashley Barlow:

131. BTS Pt 2 - Preparing for the School Year.. IEPS + Special Education w/Ashley Barlow

Learn more about the NDSS Advocacy Conference

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code BTS21 for 21% off (through August)!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you, National Down Syndrome Society for sponsoring this episode!

Learn more about the NDSS Buddy Walk!
Listen to Heather & Micha talk about their experience at last year’s NYC Buddy Walk on 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights

Thank you, Jack’s Basket for sponsoring this episode!

LET’S CHAT

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

272. What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting? Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit our very first IEP meetings! Let's be honest—those initial meetings can be a whirlwind of emotions: overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes even a bit intimidating. As we reflect on our experiences, we’ll dive into the questions we wish we had asked, the support we didn’t realize we needed, and the valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re preparing for your very first IEP meeting or you’re a seasoned pro, we hope our stories bring you comfort, knowing you're not alone in this journey. And, of course, you might even share a few laughs with us as we look back on our IEP adventures! Friends, you’re doing an amazing job, we got this!!

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SHOW NOTES

More episodes like this:

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

78. Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child's IEP Team

94. IEPs during Covid-19, ft. IEP Lawyers Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie

131. BTS Pt 2 - Preparing for the School Year.. IEPS + Special Education w/Ashley Barlow

270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig)

In this episode Heather shares she leaves a note in her IEP, here is what it states and how she addresses this statement: “Removal from the general education environment is necessary based on the nature of the severity of the student’s disability and not the need for modifications in the general curriculum.” The wording here cannot be adjusted so I ask that it be noted that I do not agree with this statement and in fact, I believe the reason removal from the gen ed environment is necessary is because the school lacks the necessary inclusive practices for success in the GenEd setting.”

Learn more about Ashley Barlow

Downloadable Resources from Rise Educational Advocacy

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

DISCOUNT CODE

Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code BTS21 for 21% off (through August)!

HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you, National Down Syndrome Society for sponsoring this episode!

Learn more about the NDSS Buddy Walk!

Listen to Heather & Micha talk about their experience at last year’s NYC Buddy Walk on 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights

Thank you, ABLEnow for sponsoring this episode!

115. How The ABLE Act Supports Your Child's Future (ft. Catherine Beck)

LET’S CHAT

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

271. Can Our Kids Have Authentic Friendships In Inclusive Settings? (w/Kathleen Downes) Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

We’ve had many candid conversations about friendship and inclusion over the years. Today we’re excited to be joined by social worker, blogger, disability activist, and self-advocate, Kathleen Downes. Growing up in inclusive schools during the 90s, Kathleen shares her firsthand experiences, the struggles she faced in forming authentic friendships, and how involvement in disability-specific programs was pivotal in her life. We talk about the challenges that still persist in today’s inclusive settings and the changes needed to support our kids in developing meaningful friendships. This conversation is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and heartfelt reflections, making it an essential listen for anyone committed to true inclusion.

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SHOW NOTES

Follow Kathleen Downes on Instagram

Check out Kathleen’s blog The Squeaky Wheelchair

Other episodes like this:

5. Friendship with GiGi's Playhouse and Just Like Me Foundation

6. Friendship Pt. 2 with Guest, Melynn Henry

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

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

32. The (Beautiful) Reality of Befriending Someone with Down Syndrome

85. Is Inclusion Always The Best Option?

128. What To Expect From Inclusive Settings

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

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

208. Growing Through Uncomfortable Conversations (w/Ashley - TLFP Producer & Self-Advocate)

218. Creating Inclusion For All Learners (w/Tim Villegas)

221. A Letter To The Parents Of Our Kid's Peers

242. Is Inclusion A Privilege?

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you, National Down Syndrome Society for sponsoring this episode!

Learn more about the NDSS Buddy Walk!

Listen to Heather & Micha talk about their experience at last year’s NYC Buddy Walk on 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights

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

LET’S CHAT

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

270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig) Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

We’re excited to have April Rehrig, founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, on this week! With over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and school psychologist, April has spent her career empowering parents and students to achieve the best educational outcomes. From understanding the IEP’s purpose to advocating for your child’s unique strengths, April provides actionable tips on communicating effectively, collaborating with school teams, and resolving conflicts. Whether it’s your first IEP or your fifth, April’s advice will help you navigate the process confidently and clearly. Friends, we were taking notes this entire interview! Tune in to learn how to make your voice heard and ensure your child’s strengths and interests are front and center this school year.

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SHOW NOTES

Follow Rise Educational Advocacy on Instagram

Learn more about Rise Educational Advocacy

Check out these resources from April Rehrig:

Template and Toolkit Store

Do it Yourself IEP Workshops

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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.

269. What Are We Really Measuring?: Redefining Worth & The IQ Test (w/Pepper Stetler) Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

Today we’re excited to talk to Pepper Stetler about her new book A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. She’s sharing her journey of questioning the authority and relevance of the IQ test after learning that her daughter, Louisa, who has Down syndrome, would be required to take it regularly to receive support in school. We’re chatting about the unsettling history of the IQ test and how its contributed to everything from ableism to terms used by schoolyard bullies. Join us as we dive deep into this important conversation about how we define (and assume) intelligence, the impact of these tests on our education system, and what it truly means to understand an individual's potential. This is a conversation (and book!) you don’t want to miss!

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SHOW NOTES