T21 Podcast

In this episode we explore the topic and importance of support coordination with our guest Jennifer Giordano! Jennifer is the Director of Support Coordination for Webster County. We talk about the importance of advocacy and action steps you can take to support your loved one with Down syndrome.If you are wanting to start an intake to receiving services, you can contact the Springfield or Joplin Regional Office at (417)895-7400February 26th: Disability Rights Legislative Day visit Disability Rights Legislative Day - Power in Unity to learn more!To find your legislator and how to contact them visit house.mo.gov Any correspondence with legislators will be most effective if it is personal. Introduce yourself and your loved one with a disability. Talk about challenges, support needs, and your hopes for his/her life. Urge them to consider the needs of this most vulnerable population when dealing with the state budget. If you would like to learn how you can support Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks and always have ideas for topics you’d like to know more about or guests you’d like to see you can email them to [email protected] shop JOGO visit shopupsidedown.com or in store at 203 W Commercial St. Springfield, MO 65803

Meet Rosie (Jon) and his son Tyson! Rosie is a retired firefighter and shares with us how they navigated learning and supporting independence during Rosie's 24-48 hour shifts at work. Watch to see their fun loving relationship and learn their steps in working towards Tyson's independence.

For this episode we got to learn more of the behind the scenes of the holiday season with the non-profit Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks! Scott and Sarah shared about the events of the season and throughout the year. We got to hear about their fundraising efforts and a recap of this year’s DSGO Santas Workshop!If you would like to learn more about Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks you can search in your app store Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks or DSGO and download their app! You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram @dsgo.lifeFor topics you’d like to know more about you can email them to [email protected]

Join Amy Bullard and Chloe Jones as they explore what it’s like to be a direct support professional for families. Providing support to an individual with disabilities and how it can be a positive life changing experience. To view your Regional Office information visit https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/r...For topics you’d like to know more about you can email them to [email protected]

Meet Cindy Lyons. She plays a vital role of Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks and we are so thankful to have her on the T21 Podcast. Cindy is often one of the first people a new family meets after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. Not only does she encourage them by sharing her own story but she walks a long side them and is a consistent presence for many families. Listen to EP. 8 to learn more about Cindy. See the link below to check out the podcast her children have made about life with Down syndrome.   / @lifewiththelyons  For topics you’d like to know more about you can email them to [email protected]

Meet our guest, Riley Hesterly! Riley shares about his time in school, what he does for work, and Special Olympics power lifting! To learn more about Special Olympics Power Lifting see the link below:https://www.specialolympics.org/what-... See Riley's brand Dudes Scent at the Upside Down Mercantile!https://shopupsidedown.com/collection...See Brew21 on social media! @extrachromosomecoffeeChampions Committed to Kids : https://www.championscommittedtokids....

IEPs can be a very stressful process especially when you are constantly advocating for your child and students. If you are a parent or educator who is navigating these IEP processes we hope this information and perspectives are helpful for you. Below you can find more information on IEP’s.To learn more about the history of the IEP you can visit https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-HistoryAdvocacy, resources and information regarding IEPs in Missouri can be found on the MPACT website below.https://www.missouriparentsact.org/For topics you’d like to know more about you can email them to [email protected]

Routines take patience and consistency. If you are a parent or educator who is working on setting routines with your child or student we hope this episode is encouraging to you and may even give you a few new ideas to try!For topics you’d like to know more about you can email them to [email protected]

One of the most important aspects of the T21 Podcast is hearing from our families. In this episode, we welcomed Gerald and Becky, the incredible parents of Nathan Mathis! As we sat with them, we heard their stories about raising a child with Down syndrome and how Nathan has impacted their lives.

This month on the T21 Podcast our guest Cyrus Taylor the Accessible Recreation Supervisor for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board as well as the local Miracle League Commissioner! Cyrus gives great insight on how you can be involved with accessible recreation and how empowering it is for our friends with differing abilities.Click the link below to learn more about local Accessible Recreation Programs.https://www.parkboard.org/334/Accessi...