TALK Down Syndrome

TALK 21: Jesse Norell is a musician and dad from Minneapolis, Minnesota who just released his album “Aorta Borealis,” which is centered around his daughter, Alyssa, 6 years old, who has Down syndrome and a rare heart condition called Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) Join us in this interview with Jesse as he describes the tough and happy times since Alyssa’s birth and medical issues they have overcome and how that has inspired him to create this full album telling Alyssa’s story. To stream this amazing album (trust me you want to!) go to jessenorell.com/music

We welcome back Melissa Steele from episode #2. This episode we get to catch up on how Melissa's journey has been so far since she gave birth to her beautiful baby girl Joey and her current views of what life is like being a mommy to a child with Down syndrome. (Spoiler Alert!- Remember last time she was nervous and a little scared of what her journey would be like, well ladies and gents, SHE IS DOING GREAT and Joey is growing just fabulously!) Take a listen as we go back in time to reflect Melissa's experience.

Down the Lens is a theatre group that is online based that provides children and adults with learning difficulties a place where they an act, sing, and bring talents to the forefront as well as learn skills such as exploring emotions, creativity, and enhancing social and language skills. Down the Lens was created by Emily Curtis and her sister Sophie and today we get to speak with them both!

This episode we gain mommy insight from guest speaker Amy Harrill. Amy is a mommy of two little angels, Abigail and Presley with her youngest, Abigail having Down Syndrome. Amy’s sister has special needs, so she used that platform to build her perspective on what is now the greatest journey of her life.

This episode we have Eric Lindsay, Director of Student Recruitment and Kevin Phillips, Advancement Officer from Shepherds College. Shepherds College, located in Union Grove, Wisconsin, is  three-year, post-secondary school for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Shepherds College does not only assist in educating and training their students to be self-sufficient aligning with their strengths, but they provide students so much more, such as showing students they are unique and important members of our world. 

To find out more about Shepherds College please visit: www.https://shepherdscollege.edu/

On today's TALK episode we have founder of Voices of Change, Nicole Moehring. Voices of Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the risk of sexual abuse of children with special needs through advocacy, preventative education, support, guidance, and resources. This episode has a trigger warning to our listeners as we discuss heavy topics of sexual abuse among our disabled community. Nicole not only shares her personal experience as mother to two children of special needs who are victims of sexual abuse, but also as an advocate for herself. Grab a tissue box or a sledge hammer, because this one got me ready for fight along side Nicole to protect our babies.

Today we have an awesome dad on the show, Collin Judkins from the “Just Some Dads” podcast. Collin is sharing with us his journey as a new dad to a child with Down syndrome and shining new light on men’s mental health during the process.

This episode we celebrate mother hood. We have guest Laura Sharpe who is an expecting mama of a baby girl who she is naming Lucy and a new mama, Elexes who just had her little angel Dahlia Jayde.

It’s WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY! And we are celebrating with Kim Bhatnagar from Canada with her story about her little Tommy who is a fresh 10 months old. I just love new babies in our community. Come take a listen and celebrate a new life with us on this special day of DOWN SYNDROME!

This episode we are super lucky to have a discussion with the CEO of The Art of Runway, Renadda Wiggins. The Art of Runway is a program designed for people with special needs to learn about self-esteem, self-acceptance, and build confidence while learning runway skills and participating in fashion shows. Renadda gives us insight on working with the Down syndrome community as well as highlighting other special projects geared to assisting those with special needs.