In this episode, Rich and Heather discuss: 

• The transformative power of adopting a child with Down syndrome on personal perceptions of disability
• Confronting societal ableism and the emotional journey of proving a child's worth
• Rejecting the pursuit of ease in favor of embracing challenges for personal growth and human connection 
• Heather's unexpected literary path and the impact of her work on changing narratives around Down syndrome
• The role of relationships in reshaping views on individuals with Down syndrome and promoting genuine inclusivity

Key Takeaways: 

• Storytelling and advocacy are vital tools in constructing a more inclusive society, influencing how we perceive disability and recognize inherent human value.
• Parents facing the reality of raising a child with disabilities encounter profound shifts in expectations, yet find strength in celebrating their child's unique life and contributions.
• Society's correlation between worth and achievement is scrutinized, emphasizing that one's value shouldn't be tied solely to productivity or ease; difficulties can foster valuable self-discovery and resilience.
• Heather Avis shares her personal experiences, from raising children with Down syndrome to advocating for inclusivity, showcasing the profound impact of embracing differences through her literary works and podcast.
• Building meaningful relationships transcends superficial inspiration, allowing for a nuanced and enriched understanding of the lives and humanity of individuals with Down syndrome.

"It's not about creating an easy path, it's about recognizing the beauty and growth in the challenges we face." — Heather Avis

About Heather Avis: 

Heather is the founder of The Lucky Few, a New York Times best-selling author, award winning podcaster and a Down syndrome advocate, working to create a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. For more than a decade, she has led this effort by shouting worth, shifting narratives and reimagining what it looks like when we embrace our differences. 

The Lucky Few is an invitation to build a kinder, more inclusive world. They accomplish this through a combination of advocacy and activism, narrative-shifting and storytelling. The Lucky Few believes in inspiring and challenging our audiences, calling them to listen, read, share, contribute and support as we work to create a world where differences are embraced and everyone belongs.

Grab a copy of Heather’s book here: https://www.heatheravis.com/everyonebelongs 

Connect with Heather Avis:

Website: https://www.heatheravis.com/ 

Website: https://theluckyfewfoundation.org/tlf-cover 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewofficial/ 

Facebook: http://facehttps//www.facebook.com/TheLuckyFewOfficial/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99_OFh29y9lVqZyHY2Xztw 

Connect with Rich Woo: 

Website: www.catalyst.nm.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richwoo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rich_woo/?hl=en

Book: The Relationship Recession - https://a.co/d/dXlXd71

Email: [email protected]