As the parent of a child with special needs, your heart needs TLC. Shawna McClung knows this personally as a speical needs mother of a six-year-old. In this episode, Shawna shares how changing her perspective gave her confidence to tackle daily tasks. Diana adds practical wisdom from her 48 years of supporting families as a teacher and school psychologist.

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After a holiday break, we are back! Mike and Sarah Ledbetter's innocence about childbirth was stollen when their first child tragically died at birth. Months later, they were devastated to learn that their second child, Gracie, had Down syndrome. Mike and Sarah faced a decision. They could let their hardships drive them apart or draw them together. They chose each other. In this story, Mike shares how his family has grown stronger and his hope has been restored in the process of helping Gracie be Gracie.

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On today's episode we have guest Beth Soderfelt, a dedicated advocate for individuals with special needs who helped start the RISE inclusion program at Marquette Catholic School in Tulsa, OK. She has intentionally prepared her son Aaron for adulthood. Join Beth and Diana Lee for helpful advice on preparing your child with special needs to flourish as a young adult.

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Kaylie Boomer vulnerably shares her journey to discover that her son was blind. After a series of disappointments and trials, she learned that her four-month-old had bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia. Find yourself in this young mother's honest conversation as Kaylee finds her way to hope.

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Grassroots efforts to grow his business brought Michael Amberg through the doors of the Little Light House. The desire to make an impact keeps him here. Michael has used his influence to help kids with special needs through sports camps, corporate fundraisers, and development advice. Learn how you can make a lasting impact by finding what you love and using that to give back to your community.

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Having lost her only nephew when he was only six months old, Lisa has a tender heart toward medically fragile children. Twenty-five years ago, she honored her nephew by raising funds to help other kids. Following the initial success, Lisa learned to leverage corporate sponsorships and school choice tax credits to motivate her friends and coworkers to give thousands of dollars. Here she shares her moving story along with tips and tricks you can use to raise money for your favorite charities.

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Dr. John Henshaw has mobilized hundreds of college students to help kids be kids. Under his leadership, mechanical engineering students have been designing custom equipment for the Little Light House for more than a decade. MADE at TU (Make A Difference Engineering), an inclusive Tulsa University club unifies students to help kids with special needs. Join this great conversation between Dr. Henshaw and LLH Executive Director Anne McCoy to learn how you can make a difference through strategic partnerships.

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Jason Burks is the owner of Retrospec Films and Climb Tulsa and is a champion for kids with special needs. Since 2015 he has made films highlighting the work of Little Light House to show the value of children with special needs. Listen and learn why Jason is so generous with his time, talent, and treasure, and why he sees such value in helping kids be kids. He also fills us in on current projects he his working on with his wife, Tayler Burks. Jason and Retrospec Films helped us get Helping Kids Be Kids started.

Retrospec Films: https://www.retrospecfilms.com

Kaylie Boomer, mother of student who attends Little Light House, passes on her favorite resources for blind or visually impaired kids. Wilder, her child, has bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, but these tips will help you no matter your child's diagnosis. Here are links to recommended resources: CDC Early Intervention Program Referrals by State; Oklahoma ABLE Tech; American Printing House for the Blind; Braille Tales; Seedlings Book Angel Program.

After having five previous typical pregnancies, Rachel Castillo had no concerns about the sixth. So when she went alone to her first doctor's appointment, she was devastated to learn that her daughter had Spina Bifida. Rachel shares how her journey from denial and depression to hope and delight in her precious child.