DSACO: Up for Discussion

As we wrap up another incredible year at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, Kathy and Sarah sit down to reflect on all that 2025 has brought to our DSACO community.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Highlights from the past year and programs that made a big impact
• Growth within our community of self advocates, families, volunteers, and supporters
• What we’ve learned, what we’re proud of, and what’s ahead for DSACO
• Exciting opportunities coming up in the new year and how YOU can get involved

We’re also sharing a few important updates and ways to stay connected with DSACO:

👗 Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show Tickets are on sale now! Join us for a night of inclusion, confidence, and celebration. 👉 Fashion Show Link: https://www.dsaco.org/fundraisers/uniqu3ly-21-fashion-show

🧡 DSACO Board Applications Interested in serving on the DSACO Board and helping guide our mission forward? Applications are open. 👉 Board Application Link: https://www.dsaco.org/news/board-of-directors-application

📅 Bountiful Blessings Calendar A meaningful way to support DSACO while celebrating our community all year long. 👉 Bountiful Blessings Calendar Link: https://www.dsaco.org/bountiful-blessings-calendar

Thank you to everyone who supported DSACO this year. Whether you volunteered, donated, participated in programs, or simply followed along—we couldn’t do this without you.

✨ Here’s to another year of impact, growth, and advocacy.

As always— Keep advocating, keep empowering, and keep educating.

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, we sit down with Dr. Annie Baghdayan, BCBA-D, Executive Director of the National Center for Disability Education & Training and Program Director of OU’s Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS) at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Baghdayan shares her journey into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and disability advocacy, explains what ABA looks like in real life, and clears up common misconceptions surrounding the therapy. We also discuss how person-centered, evidence-based ABA helps individuals build essential life and job-ready skills.

You’ll hear how the OU PreETS program supports students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school, employment, and greater independence. Dr. Baghdayan also shares current trends in ABA, leadership insights, and what gives her hope for the future of inclusive education and employment.

🔗 Best Step Camp: https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs/students/transition/beststep.html

✨ Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show | January 30, 2026 | 📍 The Criterion, OKC | Tickets: dsaco.org/fashionshow

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with parents, professionals, and advocates who believe in inclusion, access, and empowerment.

In this episode, we take listeners behind the scenes of one of DSACO’s most joyful and empowering annual events: the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show. This isn’t just a runway – it’s a celebration of confidence, self-expression, and community. Our models, all self-advocates, step into the spotlight and show the world what inclusion truly looks like.

To help us explore the heart of this event, we’re joined by Amy Douglas, a dedicated leader who has helped shape the fashion show into what it is today. Amy walks us through how the event first began, the inspiration behind it, and how it has grown into one of DSACO’s most beloved traditions. She shares her personal connection to the show, the powerful moments that keep her coming back, and the emotional impact it has on families, volunteers, and the broader community.

What We Discuss

We talk with Amy about the origins of the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show and how the idea came to life. She reflects on the early vision for the event and how it has evolved over the years as more participants, sponsors, and supporters have become involved. Amy also shares memories from past shows, including the unforgettable moments that highlight why this event matters so deeply.

Listeners get an inside look at what it takes to plan a show of this size, from choosing themes and coordinating venues to working with models, volunteers, and families. Amy describes the teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving required to make the evening seamless and meaningful.

We also look ahead. Amy talks about her hopes for the event’s future, how she wants it to grow, and why continuing to create spaces where individuals with Down syndrome can shine is essential for promoting inclusion and awareness throughout Oklahoma and beyond.

Want to Attend?

The Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show returns on January 30, 2026, and it’s a night filled with joy, confidence, and unforgettable moments. Get your tickets here: https://dsaco.org/fashionshow

The holidays are full of excitement — and sometimes overstimulation. In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, host Sarah Soell chats with Jessica McLaughlin, an occupational therapy specialist who works with children of all ages, to explore how families can create calmer, more inclusive celebrations this season.

Jessica shares practical sensory-friendly strategies, explains how play supports development for individuals with Down syndrome, and even gives her favorite “OT-approved” gift ideas that double as therapy tools. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or grandparent, this conversation will help you make the holidays both fun and functional.

🧩 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What “sensory play” means and why it’s important
• Simple ways to recognize sensory overload at home
• How to choose developmentally appropriate toys and gifts
• OT-approved ideas for fine and gross motor skill development
• Ways to include all kids in family holiday traditions

💡 Key Takeaway

Play isn’t just fun — it’s an essential part of learning, growth, and connection. With a few thoughtful choices, families can make the season brighter (and calmer) for everyone.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Learn more about DSACO’s programs and upcoming events: www.dsaco.org
• Email [email protected] for information or to connect with DSACO staff
• Interested in sponsoring a future episode? Visit our website or email us for details

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, host Sarah Soell talks with Renee Sansom Briscoe, Transition Coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), about how DRS helps individuals with disabilities prepare for meaningful employment and independence.

Renee explains how Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provide a bridge from school to adulthood and shares how families can start the DRS application process. This episode offers clear, step-by-step insights into accessing vocational support and real success stories from across Oklahoma.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Who DRS serves and its mission to promote employment and independence
• How Pre-ETS helps students prepare for life after high school
• What to expect when applying for DRS services
• How DRS collaborates with schools, families, and community partners like DSACO
• Real-world outcomes that show the power of inclusion and preparation

Helpful Resources Mentioned:

• Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS): www.okdrs.gov
• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): Explore student programs that build job and life skills – DRS Pre-ETS Overview
• Find Your Local DRS Office: DRS Office Locator
• Plan Your Way Oklahoma: www.PlanYourWayOK.com
• Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO): www.dsaco.org

Contact Information for Renee:

• Renee Sansom Briscoe, Transition Coordinator
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 405-212-7789
• Website: www.okdrs.gov

Sibling Panel

What is it really like growing up with a sibling who has Down syndrome? In this special episode, we sit down with brothers and sisters who share their personal experiences—the joys, the challenges, and everything in between.

Our sibling panel opens up about what they’ve learned, how their perspectives have grown, and the unique bond they share with their brother or sister with Down syndrome. From funny childhood memories to honest conversations about responsibility and advocacy, these stories shine a light on the sibling experience that often goes untold.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The ups and downs of growing up in a household with a sibling with Down syndrome
• Lessons in patience, love, and resilience that siblings carry into adulthood
• The importance of support systems for the entire family—not just parents
• How siblings find their own role in advocacy and inclusion

This heartfelt conversation is perfect for parents, siblings, educators, and anyone wanting to better understand the family dynamics of Down syndrome.

Today we sit down with Dr. Mitchell West, a board-certified OB-GYN, to demystify women’s health across the lifespan—from the first well-woman visit to postpartum care and menopause. We cover what happens at an annual exam, common myths, how to prepare for appointments, and how caregivers can advocate for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. West shares practical tips you can use today, plus red flags that deserve prompt attention.

If you have questions after listening, please email us at [email protected].

Why This Matters (Key Takeaways)

• What a preventive OB-GYN visit includes and how often to go
• Signs and symptoms you shouldn’t ignore (bleeding, pain, breast changes, mood shifts)
• Birth control basics and how to choose what’s right for your body and lifestyle
• Period pain vs. endometriosis—what’s “normal” and what’s not
• Cervical and breast cancer screening guidelines (what to expect at the appointment)
• Pregnancy planning 101, prenatal milestones, and postpartum recovery
• Inclusive care: adapting communication, sensory needs, and consent for women with IDD
• How to prepare for your next visit (questions, meds list, cycle tracking, goals)

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Heather Hancock-Blackburn, a self-advocate and long-time member of the Down syndrome community, to talk about her experiences with dating, love, and marriage. Heather opens up about her journey to finding meaningful relationships, the importance of communication and trust, and what it means to navigate love as a self-advocate.

Listeners will hear Heather share:

• Her perspective on what makes a strong relationship.
• The role of family, friends, and community in supporting love and marriage.
• Challenges she’s faced and how she’s overcome them with positivity and resilience.
• Advice for other self-advocates who may be curious about dating or marriage.

This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and encouragement—reminding us that everyone deserves the chance to love and be loved.

Key Takeaways

• Relationships thrive with patience, communication, and respect.
• Self-advocates can and do experience meaningful, lasting marriages.
• Support systems play a huge role, but independence and self-confidence matter just as much.
• Love stories in the self-advocate community are powerful reminders of inclusion and belonging.

Be sure to follow DSACO to stay updated on future podcast episodes, upcoming events, and resources for self-advocates and families.

. 👉 Learn more about DSACO at dsaco.org

Education opens doors—and at DSACO, tutoring is helping make sure every student has the chance to thrive. In this episode of Up for Discussion, we welcome Bettie, one of DSACO’s dedicated tutors, to share her passion for helping students with Down syndrome reach their fullest potential.

Bettie walks us through what tutoring at the Enrichment Center looks like, from building strong foundational skills to encouraging confidence and independence in learning. She shares success stories of students who have grown academically and personally through one-on-one support, and highlights the importance of creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where each child can shine.

We also talk about how families can get connected with the program, why individualized support matters, and the impact tutoring has not only on the students but also on parents and caregivers who see their child’s progress firsthand. Bettie’s warmth and dedication shine through as she reminds us that tutoring is about so much more than academics—it’s about empowering students, celebrating their strengths, and opening new possibilities for their future.

Whether you’re a parent looking for resources, an educator interested in inclusion, or a community member who wants to learn more, this conversation is a heartwarming look at how DSACO is building brighter futures through tutoring.

In this episode of Up for Discussion, Kathy and Sarah sit down to talk about the unique journey of navigating high school for students with Down syndrome. From IEP meetings and inclusive classrooms to social experiences and preparing for graduation, this episode dives into what these formative years really look like for families and self-advocates.

Whether you're a parent entering the high school phase or an educator looking to support inclusive practices, this episode offers real stories, helpful insights, and practical tips for success during the teen years.

Topics covered:

• Understanding and advocating through the IEP process in high school
• Encouraging independence and self-advocacy in teens
• Tips for navigating friendships, extracurriculars, and social settings
• Preparing for transition plans and life after high school
• Celebrating the growth and challenges that come with these years

Don’t forget to check out our upcoming Down Syndrome Festival & 5K happening September 27 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens! Register today at dsfestivaland5k.com

Want more resources or to connect with other families? Visit dsaco.org