Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Katie Hollis, and New York Special Olympics Athlete/National Down Syndrome Association Board Member, Kayla McKeon, speak on the push to change laws in the effort to create a more inclusive world for all. How they each landed unexpected jobs as lobbyists. And, meet the mind behind the creation of the first Barbie with Down syndrome. It's toy maker Matel's first change to the iconic toy in it's 65-year history.

Barbie's Fashionisa Doll With Down Syndrome

Meet the first Barbie® doll with Down syndrome! Barbie® partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to design a doll that celebrates this community.

https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-fashionista-doll-down-syndrome-hjt05

Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan

The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan is a resource and advocacy organization promoting public awareness and supporting lifelong opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.

https://www.dsawm.org/

NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society)

NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.

https://ndss.org/

Special Olympics Michigan athlete and Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassador, Max Hinga, doesn't know the word "no," despite having heard it from others many times throughout his life. In this episode, Max explains how he's embraced his autism without letting it define him, and why he's encouraging others to "just keep being you."

Learn more on Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors: https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/unified-champion-schools/u-s-youth-ambassadors.

How a Unified pair overcame the R-Word. Meet Special Olympics Michigan Unified Partners, Ajene Robinson and Delaney Seltzer. The two have been spreading a message of Inclusion since high school, letting their voices grow louder instead of silent when disrespected by their peers during a presentation on hurtful language geared toward those with intellectual disabilities.

Spread the Word: Inclusion

Take the pledge to promote respect and inclusion, ending the use of the R-word.

https://www.spreadtheword.global/

Special Olympics Michigan Youth Activation Committee

https://www.somi.org/news/youth-leadership-yac

Inclusive youth leadership is when young people of all abilities are given opportunities to be leaders in their schools and communities. These leadership activities help students find their voices and teach them to become change agents in their communities by promoting equity and acceptance. Social inclusion is best fostered when activities within the classroom, school, and community are designed and implemented by a diverse group of students within a school.

Meeting the Moment - Special Olympics Michigan's newest storytelling platform.

Stories from and inspired by the Special Olympics inclusion movement across Michigan and beyond.

Welcome to Meeting the Moment, the Special Olympics Michigan podcast inspired by our Special Olympics athletes - the true game-changers who stand tall, push comfort zones, and inspire us when it counts - in the moment. Here, we share stories about how Special Olympics game-changers met "their moment" and rose above, to make a more inclusive, just world. 

First five episodes launch Thursday, May 25.

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