Down Syndrome 21st Perspectives

What makes the Buddy Walk so much more than a walk? In this episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, Michael Roberts, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Houston, shares why the Katherine Ferruzzo Houston Buddy Walk is a powerful celebration of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community that supports them. Hear how this beloved event brings together pe...

From sitting in her car ready to give up, to packing a gym class with 20 incredible kids—this week’s episode is an absolute must-watch! We are sitting down with Ava Gallagher, a high school senior and the powerhouse founder of LimitLess—a fitness program breaking down barriers for kids with disabilities. Ava opens up about the hurdles of starting a program, the power of community, and the exact mo...

We’re hanging out with the amazing Ava Gallagher to talk about her program, Limitless—a workout program dedicated to helping kids with disabilities have fun, get active, and realize they have zero limits.

From sleep, growth and thyroid concerns to therapy, regression and independence, Texas Children's Hospital experts Dr. Katie Ostermaier and social worker Dinah Godwin tackle the questions parents are asking most and share practical advice to help kids thrive. A must-watch conversation for every Down syndrome family. About our guests: Dr. Katy Ostermaier is the Director of the Down Syndrome Cli...

Health questions from parents of Down Syndrome kiddos answered by the experts....Here's what we have coming up on our next episode!

Lisa Eicher adopted 2 children with Down Syndrome and life has never been the same. Lisa shares the heartwarming, lifechanging and chaotic! moments that led to her opening the Sandal Gap Studio. Join us on all major podcast platforms for the latest episode of Down Syndrome 21st Perspectives.

What if the thing that challenged you most became the thing that changed your life for the better? Lisa Eicher never imagined that adopting two children with Down Syndrome from Bulgaria would lead to moments of heartbreak and triumph along with a thriving art studio changing lives. In this episode, Lisa shares with host Anne Lewis, her honest adoption stories, a hidden talent that led to a breakth...

IEPs don’t have to be overwhelming—or ineffective. In this episode, advocate Charmaine Thaner shares simple, game-changing strategies to help parents turn confusing IEP plans into tools that actually work. From her easy color-coding method to spotting vague language and focusing support where it truly matters, you’ll learn how to build an IEP around your child’s strengths—not just their needs. Pra...

A sneak peak at our next podcast episode! IEPs don’t have to be overwhelming—or ineffective. In this episode, advocate Charmaine Thaner shares simple, game-changing strategies to help parents turn confusing IEP plans into tools that actually work. Join us!

A sneak peak into our next episode! A second camp for Camp for All is in the works. Here the exciting story behind Camp for All's expansion on our next podcast episode of Down Syndrome 21st Perspectives.

Camp For All is growing! learn how a donated 380-acre ranchin Washington County, Texas will become the second home for Camp for All. Pat  Prior Sorrells shares a behind the sceneslook at the how community, partners and friends of the camp are coming togetherto create a second center of adventure and inclusion. Join us for this powerful and inspiring must-listen episode.

In this episode, guest Mallory Zbylot shares about Mikey’s Place, a Houston-based nonprofit vocational program serving adults with disabilities after high school. She explains how the program focuses on ability over limitation, giving artisans meaningful, hands-on work creating concrete candles, clay bowls, soaps, and other handcrafted products. Founded by a mom seeking inclusive options for her s...

Here's a sneak peek at our latest episode with Mallory Zbyblot of Together at Mikey's Place. What a wonderful opportunity for adults with disabilities. Listen to our episode to hear the full story!

In our newest episode, Antonella Signori of GiGi’s Playhouse Houston shares how this incredible nonprofit is empowering individuals with Down syndrome through free programs—from infancy through adulthood. From tutoring and speech therapy to music, dance, and adult social programs, GiGi’s Playhouse redefines what inclusion looks like. Listeners will also learn about Houston's expansion plans, c...

Check out our latest episode where we talk about all things Gigi's Playhouse. Locations for Gigi's Playhouse are all over the country and it's a fantastic resource for families who have loved ones with Down Syndrome.

In this powerful episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, hosts Anne Lewis and Leigh Frillici speak with journalist and author Jillian Benfield about her newest book Overwhelmed and Grateful as well as her first book The Gift of the Unexpected . Jillian shares her transformative journey after receiving a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis for her son from sadness to growth, advocacy, and profoun...

Former TV journalist Jillian Benfield joins Anne Lewis and Leigh Frillici to share her powerful story of raising a child with Down Syndrome. Jillian opens up about her journey from grief to gratitude, and shares the lessons she wrote about in her new book Overwhelmed and Grateful. An honest, heartfelt conversation about finding purpose and beauty in life’s hardest surprises. Watch the whole episod...

New Episode Alert! Empowering Kids with IDD to Dance - Cammie O'Hara shares the joy of teaching her students with IDD how to dance and how her Empower Dance Group performs at some big venues! No matter where you are in the country, learn more about how you can join her virtual dance class.

In this uplifting episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, hosts Monique Johnson and Leigh Frillici welcome Cammie O’Hara, owner of The Dance Pointe, a studio dedicated to providing inclusive dance classes for individuals of all abilities. Cammie shares how her lifelong love of dance—and a gentle push from her daughter—sparked the creation of adaptive classes where students with Down Syndrome,...

In this episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, we talk with Carly Durham—nurse practitioner, client care manager, and mom of three, including two children with Down syndrome. Carly shares her family’s adoption journey from Ukraine, their experiences navigating complex medical needs, and her work as an advocate helping families understand IEPs and push for inclusion. We also dive into the rea...

On this episode of Down Syndrome 21st Perspectives, Carly Durham shares her journey from adopting a child with Down Syndrome from Ukraine to their experiences navigating complex medical needs, and her work as an advocate helping families understand IEPs and push for inclusion. She talks candidly about IEP meetings and STAAR testing to considerations when deciding if a GenEd classroom is right for...

In this inspiring episode, host Anne Lewis speaks with Amber Jackson, a dedicated homeschool educator to Anne’s son, Fritz. Amber shares her journey from early dreams of teaching to founding her own Montessori-inspired, Responsive Classroom-based homeschool. She offers insights into creating emotionally safe, child-centered learning environments and empowering students through independence, routin...

In this short clip, check out how one teacher is unlocking the joy of reading and learning for Anne's son who was born with Down Syndrome. Our new podcast season begins with a Back-to-School episode, join us on Down Syndrome 21st Perspectives!

In this inspiring episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, hosts Anne Lewis and Leigh Frillici welcome Pat Prior Sorrells, President and CEO of Camp For All—a truly barrier-free camp serving children and adults with disabilities, medical challenges, and special needs. Pat shares how Camp For All partners with over 65 nonprofits, including hospitals and condition-specific groups, to provide ful...

Join hosts Anne Lewis, Monique Johnson, and Leigh Frillici, as they welcome Laura Elder, co-founder and co-director of Beloved and Beyond, a faith-based, fully inclusive camp that transforms the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Laura passionately shares how the camp embraces campers of every ability—whether they walk, roll, or need extra support—and invites them to experience unforg...