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, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and other disabilities can thrive. Her classes blend contemporary, ballet and lyrical styles, often set to Disney or popular songs that invite creativity, emotional expression, and joy. And...her classes are going virtual so kids with IDD across the country can take dance with her.

You can learn more about The Dance Pointe here - https://thedancepointetx.com/

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 realities of special education in Texas—from STAAR testing to deciding whether a GenEd classroom is right for your child. This heartfelt and practical conversation highlights the challenges, victories, and everyday pursuit of belonging for every child.Resources that Carly Spoke about:SPEDTX - https://www.spedtex.org/TEA - https://tea.texas.gov/Disability Scoop - https://www.disabilityscoop.com/Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities - https://tcdd.texas.gov/ Disability Rights of TX – https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/Federal ARC – ARC.org

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 your child.  Join us for this heartfelt conversation.

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, routine, and mutual respect. This heartfelt conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement for parents, educators, and advocates seeking to nurture the full potential of every child.

Topics discussed include:

• Amber’s reasons for saying “yes” to working with Fritz, her belief in his potential, and how she adapts her teaching style to honor his individuality—focusing on curiosity over compliance.

• Practical school tools, like using a sand timers for emotional regulation.

• Embracing gentle parenting, letting go of perfection, and recognizing that some behaviors are tied to just being a kid.

You can find Amber on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kweensskorner/

Helpful Sections:

9:44 Home school and public school education

17:56 On teaching Fritz

19:35 On working towards a goal

21:10 Do you need a moment? Tactics for handling shut downs....

23:50 Realizing this is just kid behavior

24:25 Responsive Classrooms

27:39 Importance of Learning sounds

29:25 "I have to do this" vs "I get to do this"

30:40 IXL learning

31:56 Math

32:34 Comprehension

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 fully inclusive, customized camp experiences. From ziplining and horseback riding to karaoke and canoeing, every activity is designed to empower campers of all abilities.In this episode you will hear about the camp's profound impact on both children and their families, including a moving story of how one camper’s breakthrough moment helped save his parents’ marriage. Pat also reflects on her own journey as a mother of two sons with learning differences, offering hope, wisdom, and advice to families on similar paths. Learn more about Camp for All here - https://www.campforall.org/Condition specific camps search page - https://www.campforall.org/find-your-...

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 unforgettable adventures like ziplining, horseback riding, silent discos, and fashion shows. Every camper teams up with a one-on-one buddy, creating powerful friendships that last far beyond camp week.Discover how former campers become leaders through the “Beyond Team,” giving back by volunteering in meaningful ways while gaining life skills and service hours. Laura addresses caregiver concerns head-on, explaining how a skilled medical team supports campers’ unique needs, so families can enjoy a well-deserved break.With no age limit and special weeks for siblings, Beloved and Beyond welcomes all who want to belong, grow, and have fun. Laura warmly invites teens, young adults, and adults to join as volunteers, buddies, or cabin parents. For the summer of 2025, they are especially looking for high school boys who would like to volunteer. To learn more about that skip forward to 12:15-13:30.To learn about the camp: belovedandbeyond.org.

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 Down syndrome diagnosis for their son, and learning to embrace vulnerability as a father. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing often begins when we let go of control and choose to love, exactly as we are.

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, families, and the broader community. Monique reflects on her personal experience as a coach and parent, highlighting how Challenger Baseball has been transformative for her son Marley and their family.Links:Challenger Baseball - https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/challenger/about-challenger/