Down Syndrome 21st Perspectives

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...

In this special Father’s Day episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, hosts Anne Lewis, and Monique Johnson, and Leigh Frillici welcome a deeply personal guest—Anne’s husband, Jake Lewis—for a raw, heartfelt conversation about fatherhood, faith, and the unexpected beauty that comes from life's biggest challenges.  Jake shares his emotional journey through addiction recovery, receiving a Do...

Batter up! Little League's Challenger Baseball is an adaptive baseball program that opens the world of baseball to children with disabilities. In this episode, cohosts Monique Johnson and Leigh Frillici welcome Mark Potts, the commissioner of West University's Challenger Baseball Program. Mark shares how the league operates, its inclusive design, and the profound impact it has on children,...

Monique Johnson and Anne Lewis' daughters share heartfelt stories about growing up with brothers who have Down syndrome. From tech troubles to spontaneous dance parties, they reflect on how their brothers have shaped their empathy, sense of responsibility, and future goals. Their moms join in to talk about the journey from fear to pride, and why this unique path is full of unexpected gifts. It's a...

In this inspiring episode, Geralyn Spiesz, OT and founder of the Down Syndrome Action Plan, shares her journey from a Down syndrome diagnosis of her child in 2007 to becoming an advocate for brain-based, individualized support for children with Down syndrome. Drawing from her work as an occupational therapist and her personal experience as a mom, Geralyn breaks down the powerful, neurodevelopmenta...

Family to Family Network’s Executive Director, Mary Jane Williams joins us to talk about navigating education and support systems for individuals with disabilities. The discussion includes navigating medical and special education services, the waitlist crisis for services for 18 and over, how to potentially extend health insurance for your adult child and the complexities of guardianship and suppo...