DSACO: Up for Discussion

Planning for life after high school can bring excitement—and plenty of questions. In this episode of DSACO: UP for Discussion, host Sarah Soell welcomes Lori Chesnut to discuss Oklahoma’s Pathways to Partnerships grant and its focus on expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities.

From career exploration and employment to continued education and greater independence, this conversation explores how families, schools, and community organizations can work together to support each young person’s goals.

Topics include:

• Oklahoma Pathways to Partnerships and who the project serves.
• Connecting with transition resources and getting started.
• Career exploration, job training, and independent living skills.
• Working with schools and asking questions during IEP meetings.
• Keeping young people’s interests, choices, and voices at the center of planning.
• Exploring resources through Plan Your Way OK.

Resources:

Explore transition planning resources at Plan Your Way OK.

Learn more about DSACO’s programs and services at dsaco.org.

Not every disability—or support need—is visible. In this episode of DSACO Up for Discussion, host Sarah Soell welcomes Emily from the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma for a conversation about looking beyond appearances and building a more inclusive community.

In recognition of Invisible Disabilities Week, we explore common misconceptions about autism, the experiences others may not see, and how small changes can help individuals and families feel understood and supported.

Topics include:

• Understanding invisible disabilities and support needs
• Responding with patience instead of judgment
• Recognizing sensory and communication differences
• Making schools, workplaces, and community spaces more inclusive
• Listening to autistic individuals and respecting their preferences
• Connecting with the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma for resources and support

Connect with the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma: Visit autismfoundationok.org to learn more about their programs, resources, and ways to get involved.

Save the date! Join DSACO for the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show on Friday, January 29, 2027, at The Criterion!Celebrate our models as they bring their confidence, style, and personalities to the runway. Purchase tickets at dsaco.org/fashionshow.

Learn more about DSACO at dsaco.org. Follow the podcast and share this episode to help keep the conversation going.

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 moments their children challenged assumptions about what was possible. They also explore what “We Wouldn’t Change a Thing” means while acknowledging challenges and advocating for greater opportunities.

In this episode:

• Looking back on diagnosis day and offering encouragement to new parents.
• Celebrating each child’s personality, passions, and dreams.
• Growing alongside DSACO through childhood, school, and adulthood.
• Challenging stigma, low expectations, and barriers to inclusion.
• Looking ahead to a future with greater belonging and independence.

Whether you’re a new parent, a longtime advocate, or someone wanting to better understand Down syndrome, this conversation offers connection, perspective, and hope.

For Down syndrome resources, programs, and support, visit dsaco.org.

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 challenges of planning an event without social media, the community’s response, and the unforgettable moments that made the first Buddy Walk so special.

Listeners will also hear how the original event’s mission—bringing families together, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion—continues through today’s Down Syndrome Festival & 5K.

Join us as we celebrate the people who started this tradition and look ahead to this year’s Festival & 5K on September 26.

Register, donate, or learn more at dsfestivaland5k.com. For additional information and resources, visit dsaco.org.

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 family, friends, businesses, and community members can work together to support DSACO’s mission.

Sarah and Elizabeth also discuss practical ways to begin fundraising, keep supporters engaged, celebrate progress, and help donors understand how their contributions support individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the year.

The Down Syndrome Festival & 5K takes place September 26, 2026. Register to walk, run, create or join a team, donate, and celebrate with us at dsfestivaland5k.com.

For additional information and resources, visit dsaco.org.

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 and family activities to opportunities for connection and celebration, there is something for everyone—and you do not have to participate in the race to enjoy the festival!

Sarah and Rylee also discuss the important role volunteers play in making the event possible. Listeners will learn about the different volunteer positions available, opportunities to help before, during, and after the festival, and what volunteers can expect after signing up. Whether you are volunteering individually or alongside your family, coworkers, school, or community group, no previous experience is necessary to make a difference.

There are many ways to support the Festival & 5K. You can run, walk, volunteer, fundraise, or simply join us as we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and promote inclusion throughout our community.

Join DSACO on September 26! To register to walk, run, and celebrate—or to learn more about volunteering—visit dsfestivaland5k.com.

For additional information and resources, visit dsaco.org.

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 connect with other young leaders. Jen shares what participants can expect from the program, who is eligible to apply, and the lasting impact these experiences can have on future independence and success.

We also discuss the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma, its role in creating positive systems change, and the resources and opportunities it provides for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Learn more:

Youth Leadership Forum and application information: https://oklahoma.gov/ddco/projects/council-trainings/youth-leadership-forum.html

Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma: https://oklahoma.gov/ddco.html

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma: https://www.dsaco.org

Join us for the Down Syndrome Festival & 5K on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Myriad Botanical Gardens! Register, create a team, volunteer, or learn more at: https://www.dsfestivaland5k.com

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 and John J. Sie Center, and the resources available to families, self-advocates and professionals.

They also look ahead at the future of Down syndrome research and explore how families can help create meaningful change in their communities.

In this episode:

• The mission of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
• Why Down syndrome research matters
• The impact of the NIH INCLUDE Project
• Advancements in healthcare across the lifespan
• Resources and support available to families
• Current advocacy priorities and ways to get involved
• Hope for the future of the Down syndrome community

Learn more:

• Global Down Syndrome Foundation
• Michelle Sie Whitten
• NIH INCLUDE Project
• Research and Medical Care Resources
• GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome
• AAP Health Supervision for Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome
• DSACO

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, and empowering individuals with disabilities and their families.

Whether you're a parent just beginning your journey, a self-advocate, a professional, or someone passionate about inclusion, this episode is filled with practical advice, valuable resources, and encouragement to help you confidently navigate services and create meaningful change.

In This Episode

• What advocacy really means—and why it matters
• Tips for navigating IEP meetings, healthcare, and disability services
• How families can build confidence when speaking up
• The importance of self-advocacy from childhood through adulthood
• An inside look at the Oklahoma LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program
• How LEND develops future leaders, professionals, family advocates, and self-advocates
• The Guide to Community Services in Oklahoma and why it's an essential resource for families
• How organizations can work together to create more inclusive communities
• Advocacy at the policy level and how every voice can make a difference
• Preventing burnout while continuing to advocate for those you love

Resources Mentioned

• Oklahoma LEND Program: https://ouhsc.edu/thecenter/Projects/Training-and-Collaboration/OKLEND

• Guide to Community Services in Oklahoma: https://ouhsc.edu/thecenter/Publications/Publication-Details/guide-to-community-services

• Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL): https://ouhsc.edu/thecenter

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, and how collaboration between organizations helps create better outcomes for children and families. We also talk about recognizing when a child may need support, common misconceptions about child advocacy, and ways community members can make a difference.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or community advocate, this conversation offers valuable insight into the importance of protecting and empowering children.

In This Episode:

• The mission of the Child Advocacy Center
• What child advocacy means
• Services available for children and families
• Common misconceptions about child advocacy
• The importance of community partnerships
• Recognizing when a child may need support
• Ways to get involved and make an impact
• What's next for the Child Advocacy Center

Helpful Links:

Child Advocacy Center: https://cacok.com/

Register for the 2026 Down Syndrome Festival & 5K: https://dsfestivaland5k.com