DSACO: Up for Discussion

What would you tell yourself on the day you learned your child had Down syndrome? In this heartfelt episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , host Sarah Soell welcomes fellow moms for a conversation about raising children with Down syndrome, finding community, and how their expectations have changed over the past two decades. Together, they reflect on early fears, meaningful friendships, and the momen...

Twenty-six years ago, a group of dedicated DSACO families and volunteers brought the first Buddy Walk to central Oklahoma. What began as a new community event has grown into one of DSACO’s most meaningful annual traditions. In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , Sarah speaks with members of the DSACO community who helped organize that very first walk. They reflect on how the idea began, the...

Fundraising with Heart: How Gentry’s Gems Rallies a Community In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , host Sarah Soell talks with Elizabeth Duren, leader of Gentry’s Gems, about fundraising for the Down Syndrome Festival & 5K. Gentry’s Gems has been a top fundraising team for the past several years. Elizabeth shares the heart behind the team, the importance of telling your story, and how...

The 2026 Down Syndrome Festival & 5K is quickly approaching! In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , host Sarah Soell is joined by DSACO Program Coordinator Rylee Cole to share everything listeners need to know before the event on September 26. Rylee explains what makes the Festival & 5K such a meaningful celebration for DSACO families and the Central Oklahoma community. From the 5K...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we sit down with Jen Randle to explore the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum, also known as YLF, and the important work of the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma. YLF gives high school students with disabilities an opportunity to strengthen their leadership and self-advocacy skills, build confidence, explore life after high school, and connec...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , Sarah sits down with Michelle Sie Whitten, Co-Founder, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Michelle shares how GLOBAL is advancing research, improving healthcare and advocating for individuals with Down syndrome. They discuss the NIH INCLUDE Project, promising areas of research, the work of the Linda Crnic Institute and the Anna a...

Advocacy starts with one voice—but together, those voices create lasting change. In this episode of DSACO Up for Discussion , Sarah Soell sits down with Wanda Felty , Assistant Director and Community Leadership & Advocacy Coordinator at the Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, for an inspiring conversation about advocacy, leadership, an...

Every child deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we're joined by Joe Dorman , CEO of the Child Advocacy Center, to discuss the vital work being done to protect children, support families, and strengthen communities across Oklahoma. Joe shares what child advocacy really means, the services the Child Advocacy Center provides, an...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , Sarah Soell sits down with longtime friend of DSACO, race ambassador, coach, and event emcee Mark Bravo to talk all things 2026 Down Syndrome Festival & 5K . Mark shares how he first became involved with DSACO, what keeps him coming back year after year, and why he believes this event has the power to change lives. Together, Sarah and Mark walk thr...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we sit down with Wyatt from British Swim School to talk all about swim safety, adaptive swim lessons, and the importance of water confidence for individuals with Down syndrome. As summer begins and families spend more time around pools, lakes, and water parks, this conversation is an important reminder that water safety can truly save lives. Wyatt shar...

Communication is a human right , and on today’s episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we’re taking a closer look at the upcoming Inclusive Communication Conference . We’re joined by the individuals helping bring this meaningful event to life as we discuss the inspiration behind the conference, the importance of accessible and inclusive communication, and how creating spaces where everyone has a vo...

In this episode, we sit down with Grace Simpson from Special Olympics to talk about the power of inclusion, advocacy, and community. We dive into what Down syndrome really means, break down common misconceptions, and highlight how programs like Special Olympics are creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive. What You’ll Learn What Special Olympics is...

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how DSACO: Up for Discussion comes to life. In this special episode, Executive Director Sarah Soell sits down with the podcast’s producer, Adie, to talk about everything that goes into creating each episode—from brainstorming ideas to hitting publish. Listeners will learn what a podcast producer actually does, how episodes are planned and recorded, and wh...

In this episode, we explore the powerful role AmeriCorps plays in supporting nonprofits and strengthening communities. Sarah is joined by representatives from AmeriCorps to break down how national service programs operate, what “capacity building” really means, and how organizations like DSACO benefit from these partnerships. We discuss how AmeriCorps differs from traditional volunteer programs, t...

n this special episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we sit down with an incredible panel of parents who share their experiences raising a loved one with Down syndrome. Each story is unique, filled with moments of growth, joy, and powerful perspective. Our panel opens up about what it was like when they first received their child’s diagnosis, the milestones that have meant the most, and the many w...

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with an incredible panel of self advocates who are currently in college. They share their experiences navigating campus life, building independence, overcoming challenges, and pursuing their dreams. From first-day nerves to favorite classes, this conversation highlights what inclusion truly looks like in action. College is about growth, confidenc...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we continue our employment series with a real-life success story. Last episode, we introduced Megan Wilson, DSACO’s Employment Services Specialist , and discussed how employment services work through DRS contracts and individualized support. This week, we move from explanation to experience. Megan is joined by Courtney — her very first client working u...

We’re officially kicking off Season 2 of DSACO: Up for Discussion , and we’re starting with a topic that matters deeply to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and our community: employment . In this episode, we sit down with Megan Wilson , DSACO’s new Employment Services Specialist , to talk all things employment services, skill-building, and creating meaningful, competitive job opport...

As we wrap up Season 1 of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we’re taking a moment to reflect on the conversations that shaped this season and the community that made it possible. This season covered the full journey of life with Down syndrome — from early childhood intervention and IEPs, to middle school and high school transitions, to adulthood, employment, health, relationships, and self-advocacy. Each...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , Sarah sits down with Robin Kohn to talk all about one of DSACO’s most empowering programs — the Self-Advocacy Center (SAC) . Robin shares what SAC is, who it’s designed for, and why self-advocacy is such an important skill for individuals with Down syndrome. From building confidence and communication skills to learning how to speak up for yourself, SAC...

As we wrap up another incredible year at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, Kathy and Sarah sit down to reflect on all that 2025 has brought to our DSACO community. In this episode, we talk about: Highlights from the past year and programs that made a big impact Growth within our community of self advocates, families, volunteers, and supporters What we’ve learned, what we’re proud...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , we sit down with Dr. Annie Baghdayan , BCBA-D, Executive Director of the National Center for Disability Education & Training and Program Director of OU’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS) at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Baghdayan shares her journey into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and disability advocacy, explains what ABA looks li...

In this episode, we take listeners behind the scenes of one of DSACO’s most joyful and empowering annual events: the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show . This isn’t just a runway – it’s a celebration of confidence, self-expression, and community. Our models, all self-advocates, step into the spotlight and show the world what inclusion truly looks like. To help us explore the heart of this event, we’re joine...

The holidays are full of excitement — and sometimes overstimulation. In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , host Sarah Soell chats with Jessica McLaughlin , an occupational therapy specialist who works with children of all ages, to explore how families can create calmer, more inclusive celebrations this season. Jessica shares practical sensory-friendly strategies , explains how play support...

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion , host Sarah Soell talks with Renee Sansom Briscoe , Transition Coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) , about how DRS helps individuals with disabilities prepare for meaningful employment and independence. Renee explains how Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provide a bridge from school to adulthood and share...