If We Knew Then - Down Syndrome Podcast

In this week’s episode Lori and Stephen visit with Jake Pratt, who with a little support, advocacy and inclusion is living his dreams and changing the narrative. Jake’s UPS Commercial: https://youtu.be/fw97dqK6uiM Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/07/22/63-just-one-of-the-guys-our-interview-with-jake-pratt/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

In this week’s episode Lori and Stephen discuss the sometimes difficult action of letting Summer just be Summer. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/07/01/62-summer-advocacy/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.  

In this week’s episode we speak to Lauren Costabile, the founder of Hearts of Joy International, an organization that provides life-saving heart surgery for individuals with Down syndrome all around the world.  Website: www.heartsofjoyinternational.com Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1C1P8TA1C8NBU/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist  Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/06/23/61-hearts-of-joy-international-with-lauren-costabile/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

Today we interview Máire, Heidi and Liz about their ‘Downright Discrimination’ legal campaign which fights to change the law of the land and create equality for people with disabilities. Presently, in the U.K., it is illegal to abort a fetus after 24 weeks  unless it has Down's syndrome. A baby with Down syndrome can be aborted up to birth. We examine the effect this  inequality has on our community by creating separation and discrimination that follows us through life. We also talk about ways we can support the cause of changing the laws. Give to the campaign: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/downrightdiscrimination/ Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/06/17/60-downright-discrimination-changing-the-laws-to-confirm-that-every-life-is-equal/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

Today we have a ‘Community Conversation’ with advocate Mary Cole discussing her inspiring experience with inclusion.  Mary lives in Cambridge, England and has a 14 year old son with Down syndrome named Ben. Ben’s Nursery: https://www.colourboxmontessori.co.uk/ Online Session On Puberty: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/ Email 'Wouldn't Change A Thing' at WCATbook@gmail.com for this book: https://www.wouldntchangeathing.org/product/wcat-book-by-celebrate-t21/ Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/06/10/59-education-adolescence-and-advocacy-a-community-conversation-with-mary-cole/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

In this week’s episode Dr. Brian Skotko shares the most up to date information surrounding the effects of COVID-19 on individuals with Down syndrome. We discuss the importance, safety and science of the vaccine along with tools to help with the process. As we enter back into the world, post-pandemic, the importance of inclusion in society continues along with so much more. Down Syndrome Clinic to You: www.dsc2u.org T21 Research Society: https://www.t21rs.org COVID-19 Fact Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rTAe4CVSGc8g63LMiTZftecZb-qHJbRdurgpvoRiyBg/edit?usp=sharing Information for the employer and the employee: https://yournextstar.com/ Always Health Care: https://dsc2u.org/insurers Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/06/04/811/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

In this week’s episode we revisit one of our earlier conversations. We had the honor of talking to Chris Nikic and his parents, Nik and Patty last summer. In November Chris became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN. We discuss their 1% philosophy and how people with Down Syndrome can do more than ever expected if given the right tools and time. Chris's Website: https://chrisnikic.com Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/05/27/57-revisiting-the-story-of-chris-nikic-becoming-an-ironman/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

This week we talk to Julia Toronczak about her experiences and the lessons she’s learned by growing up with her twin brother Michael, who has Down syndrome. We focus on inclusion and equity in our community and beyond. Beyond The Waves Blog: https://www.beyondthewavesblog.com Beyond The Waves Podcast: https://www.beyondthewavesblog.com/podcast Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/05/20/56-my-twin-brother-has-down-syndrome-our-conversation-with-julia-toronczak/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

Executive Director of ‘Bridgerton’, Julia Anne Robinson, joins us to discuss a film she directed in 2007 called ‘Coming Down The Mountain’ and starring Tommy Jessop and Nicholas Hoult. We breakdown this film that changed our lives and told some truths about the journey that rarely get talked about. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/55-coming-down-the-mountain-part-2-why-this-movie-is-so-important-an-interview-with-director-julia-anna-robinson/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

Happy Mother’s Day! Sunday, May 9, 2021 is Mother’s Day for our Canadian, Australian & American listeners.  Mothering Sunday in the UK was back in March and in Mexico, Mothers are celebrated every year on May 10th. Wherever you are, whomever you are and however you celebrate… this episode is for all the Mothers of the world. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/05/06/54-mother-noun-an-ultimate-example-of-its-kind-our-mothers-day-message/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

In this episode, Physical Therapist, Natalie Spiteri shares her personal journey through infertility, the impact of a diagnosis of Down syndrome and the yearning for the life she imagined beyond what she was told. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/04/29/53-discussing-infertility-and-a-down-syndrome-diagnosis-with-natalie-spiteri/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

This week we are joined by actress Megyn Price to discuss inclusion, the importance of encouraging others to express their uniqueness and how her Uncle, who had Down syndrome, affected her family in a positive way. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/04/22/52-a-conversation-with-megyn-price-celebrating-uncle-bill/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

This year Liam turned 11 and in this episode we reflect where we started, what we've learned and where we are. Let's celebrate... always celebrate. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/04/16/51-eleven-years-with-liam-celebrating-another-trip-around-the-sun/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

Another beautiful conversation with Zen Buddhist Priest Karen Maezen Miller. We all have fears. What if we could see what is at the root of these fears, acknowledge and deconstruct them and then continue forward free from those fears. Her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Karen-Maezen-Miller/e/B001JP2RQ0/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/04/08/50-acknowledging-and-dismantling-fears-presence-in-our-lives-an-interview-with-karen-maezen-miller/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

An enlightening conversation with Dr. Mona Patel Gera to answer the questions parents of children with Down syndrome often have. Health Supervision Guidelines: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Documents/Health_Care_Information_for_Families_of_Children_with_Down_Syndrome.pdf Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2021/03/25/49-discussing-health-and-inclusion-with-pediatrician-dr-mona-patel-gera/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.