If We Knew Then - Down Syndrome Podcast

We just had our first Zoom IEP session since the pandemic started and we have found several new things that parents should be aware of. We also further discuss ways to prepare for these meetings and touch on questions every parent should ask their IEP team. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/29-insights-into-our-first-covid-19-iep-session/2/   Please follow...

Our conversation with author, wife, mother of three and Down syndrome advocate, Eleanor Baggaley. We discuss inclusion and her children’s books, particularly ‘Eva the Mermaid’. Eleanor also shares about her work with the organization Positive About Down Syndrome and some of her future plans of advocacy in the community. Eleanor’s Website:  https://www.eleanorbaggaley.com/shop Positive About Down S...

IEP's can be very overwhelming especially when you feel like you don't have all the information that you want to have. In this episode we share some of the things we have learned to be helpful during this sometimes stressful process and ways to advocate for your child while still keeping your peace. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/09/28/27-our-iep-process-somet...

Our second interview with members of the PALS Programs. We talk about how the PALS Programs is planning for future camps and some of the more personal experiences the founders of the organization have with Down syndrome. Joining us is Executive Director, Jenni Newbury Ross and her mother Robyn and brother Jason. We were also joined by Congratulations Project Associate, Grace Wahle and Communicatio...

Our second interview with Rachel Mewes. Rachel is a contributing editor to Making Chromosomes Count, the Down syndrome community newspaper. She opens up on her not so uncommon birth story and the prejudices she found in the medical profession. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/25-a-right-to-celebrate-when-the-medical-profession-steals-the-joy-of-new-parents...

Comedian, actor, producer and disability advocate Nic Novicki joins us to talk about the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge and the importance of disability inclusion in film. Film Challenge Website: https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com   Our 2020 EDFC entry: https://youtu.be/WiX-rt51szo   All the challenge’s films on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOhZ4i5Tnk3iq44Tzn03rBMOcr0bqF...

Our enlightening and inspiring interview with Sader Issa. As parents we are always told what our children will never do.  What if those limits were not part of the conversation? Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/09/03/23-raised-by-a-father-with-down-syndrome-our-interview-with-sadar-issa/2/   Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on...

Paul Denniston has gifted us a 30 minute Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation. Enjoy.  Paul’s Website: https://griefyoga.com Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/08/27/22-a-meditation-gift-from-paul-denniston/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 s...

Paul Denniston discusses how we can all heal through meditation and his Grief Yoga.  Paul’s Website: https://griefyoga.com Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/08/20/21-a-conversation-about-healing-and-self-care-with-paul-denniston/2/   Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website http...

Another informative talk with attorney Georgianna Junco-Kelman. What do parents need to know heading into a new school year amidst COVID-19?  Georgianna's Website: http://www.losangelesspecialedattorney.com   CA Special Education Guidelines for COVID-19: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/specialedcovid19guidance.asp   Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/08/11/20-a-ne...

Our interview with members of the PALS Programs. We talk about the organization and specifically their Congratulations Project. Joining us is Co-founder and Executive Director, Jenni Newbury Ross and her mother and brother, Robyn and Jason. We were also joined by Congratulations Project Associate, Grace Wahle and Communications Coordinator, Colton Davies. Congratulations Project: https://www.congr...

Our second interview with Ed Casagrande and Matt MacNeil from the Canadian Down Syndrome Society concerning their collaboration with Google AI to create a database that can help train Google’s speech recognition technology to better understand people with Down syndrome. Donate your voice at: https://projectunderstood.ca CDSS "Down Syndrome Answers" Initiative: https://cdss.ca/down-syndrome-answers...

Dr. Jill Lasky discusses the importance of Pediatric Dentistry, how to introduce dental care and specifics pertaining to the Down Syndrome community. Lasky Pediatric Dental Group: https://www.laskypediatricdental.com Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/07/16/17-creating-a-positive-dental-health-relationship-dr-jill-lasky/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthen...

Interview with Chris Nikic and his parents, Nik and Patty. Chris is the first person with Down syndrome to complete a half IRONMAN and is training to attempt the full 140.6 mile course in November. We discuss 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.word...

Interview with Ed Casagrande and Matt MacNeil from the Canadian Down Syndrome Society concerning their collaboration with Google AI to create a database that can help train Google’s speech recognition technology to better understand people with Down syndrome. Donate your voice at: https://projectunderstood.ca Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/06/30/15-project-und...

Our second interview with Julie Picot, a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, and some of the challenges she has faced regarding stereotypes and preconceived notions of her child's disability. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/06/24/14-an-honest-conversation-interview-with-julie-picot/2/   Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on ou...

Interview with Child Development Specialist, Caroline Bencze-Fernandez. In this second appearance on the podcast, Caroline dives a little deeper into the aspects of Early Intervention, what tools parents can use at home and how therapies for children with Down Syndrome have changed over the years. Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/06/17/13-early-intervention-at-h...

An interview with Melissa Kynoch, known by many for being on the BBC documentary LIFE AND BIRTH along with her sons Dei and Bertie.  Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/06/11/12-our-interview-with-melissa-kynoch-part-2/2/  BBC 'Life and Birth: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000j6v0/life-and-birth-series-1-episode-4  Wouldn’t Change A Thing:Book- https://www...

Our Interview with Rachel Mewes to discuss her interactions with Twitter and their reluctance to combat hate speech toward people with Down Syndrome.  Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/11-the-responsibility-and-power-of-words-on-social-media-interview-with-rachel-mewes/2/   Making Chromosomes Count: http://makingchromosomescount.co.uk   Making Chromosomes C...

An interview with Melissa Kynoch, known by many for being on the BBC documentary LIFE AND BIRTH along with her sons Dei and Bertie.  Episode Transcript:  https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/05/27/10-our-interview-with-melissa-kynoch-part-1/2/   BBC 'Life and Birth: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000j6v0/life-and-birth-series-1-episode-4   Makaton:  https://wetalkmakaton.org  ...

An interview with our daughter Sophia to discuss her experiences of having a brother with Down Syndrome.  Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/9-sibling-advocacy-interview-with-sophia-saux/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...

Interview with Child Development Specialist, Caroline Bencze-Fernandez. She explains the importance of Early Intervention, how therapies have changed throughout her 30 year career and what parents should know.  Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/8-early-intervention-interview-with-caroline-bencze-fernandez/2/    Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD y...

Interview with Julie Picot discussing her birth story, some of the misinformation she encountered and how she dealt with the post diagnosis fears.  Full Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/05/05/7-prenatal-care-and-advocacy-interview-with-julie-picot/2/   Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or vi...

This episode focuses on a sometimes challenging aspect of parenting a child with Down Syndrome. The emotional part of dealing with IEPs, assessments and evaluations that seem to happen right around our children's birthday celebrations. We discuss how we managed these stresses and how we maybe would have done some things differently.  Full Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress...

In this episode we discuss preparations and expectations of IEP meetings, what we wish we would have known years ago and the advantages of having an advocate or attorney by your side.  Full Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2020/04/24/5-preparing-for-your-iep/3/   Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD...