This Ability Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Jada Babcock for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation. 

Jada opens up about her journey as a mother, including:  

• Her son’s diagnosis of Chromosome 13 Deletion and how it has shaped their family’s life.  
• Writing her powerful book, An Exceptional Life: A Story of Faith, Missing Chromosomes, & Unconditional Love, which shares their story of resilience, faith, and unconditional love.  
• Co-creating the JOYHeartCollective with Emily Wolf on Etsy, a venture born from creativity and passion to spread joy.  

Jada’s story is a testament to finding purpose, joy, and strength through life’s challenges. Don’t miss this uplifting episode that will leave you inspired and filled with hope! 

Listen now!

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Oser, Marketing Director for Special Olympics Louisiana, for an inspiring conversation about the organization’s mission and impact.  

Craig shares the exciting new vision for Special Olympics Louisiana, highlighting its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion across all communities.  
We also explore:  

• The powerful story behind the Law Enforcement Torch Run  
• How you can get involved as a volunteer and make a difference  
• Upcoming fundraisers that support the incredible athletes  
• Heartwarming success stories of athletes who embody the spirit of Special Olympics  

Don’t miss this uplifting and informative episode about the transformative work happening at Special Olympics Louisiana! 

Listen now and be inspired.  

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Get ready for an inspiring episode featuring Coach Damon, Founder and Owner of Train Unique in Lafayette, Louisiana! Coach Damon shares his journey of creating a gym designed for individuals with special needs. His passion, resilience, and dedication have made him a mentor, friend, and motivator for so many athletes.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

His bold beginnings (and a "disaster" at age 18!) and the life lessons he’s learned through training at Train Unique.

Bonus: Check out the video podcast on our YouTube channel that includes incredible photos of the athletes who bring this gym to life!

Listen now and be inspired by Coach Damon’s story!

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Listen to This Powerful Episode on Autism Advocacy!  

In this episode, we talk with Paul Ganucheau, Board Member with the Autism Society of Acadiana and the first board member on the spectrum. Paul shares his unique perspective on:  

• The importance of peer support groups  
• How to be a better advocate and self-advocate  
• Building partnerships with grassroots advocacy groups like Families Helping Families of Acadiana & LACan  

Paul’s insights and dedication to autism advocacy are truly inspiring. Whether you’re an advocate, a self-advocate, or simply looking to learn more, this episode is a must-listen!  

Tune in now to hear Paul’s story and his vision for a more inclusive community. 

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, we chat with Jade Viator, Director, and Caroline Billeaudeau, Community and Career Coordinator, of the UL LIFE Program. The UL LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) Program is a transformative, individualized certificate program designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Jade and Caroline dive into the program’s core pillars:  

• Academic growth tailored to each student’s needs  
• Career development to prepare for meaningful employment  
• Community involvement and fostering connections  
• Independent living skills to empower students for the future  

The UL LIFE Program offers both a Basic 2-year track and an Advanced 4-year track. Students who complete the program earn a Certificate of Accomplishment through the University of Louisiana College of Education and Human Development. This certificate recognizes their achievements in university courses, LIFE courses, employment training, and community integration.  

Tune in to learn more about this life-changing program and its incredible impact on students and their families! 

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, we sit down with Molly Guidry to talk about her experience raising a teenager with Down syndrome and the incredible accomplishments her daughter has achieved along the way. Molly also highlights the amazing programs offered by the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana and how they’ve made a difference in their lives.

It’s a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss! 

Listen now and be inspired by Molly’s journey and the powerful message of inclusion and support.

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Original recording date: April 2019

In this episode, Ashley Benoit Olivier shares her heartfelt story, including: 

• Her son’s rare disease diagnosis and the challenges they’ve faced as a family. 
• The power of Facebook support groups in building a community of hope and connection.  
•  Insights into Trisomy and the incredible journey of her son, Drew.  

Ashley’s inspiring perspective offers hope, resilience, and the strength of community. Don’t miss this moving conversation!

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Original Recording Date: March 2019

In this episode, Liam Doyle dives into:

• Navigating inaccessible spaces and practical ways to drive meaningful change in accessibility.
• Highlighting wheelchair-friendly places and events in Acadiana that prioritize inclusion.
• Expert tips for traveling in a wheelchair, including essential steps for advance preparation to ensure a smooth journey.

Whether you’re seeking advice, inspiration, or insight into creating a more accessible world, Liam’s perspective will leave you empowered and informed.

Tune in now!

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Podcast Recorded in April 2019:

In this episode, Molly shares the inspiring story of her daughter with Down syndrome and their incredible journey together. It's a conversation filled with love, resilience, and the beauty of embracing differences. This is an episode that will warm your heart and open your mind.

Let Molly’s story remind us all of the power of acceptance and the joy of life’s unexpected paths. In the interview, we also discuss the various types of Down Syndrome: 

• Trisomy 21: About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21.2 With this type of Down syndrome, each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual 2 copies.
• Translocation Down syndrome: This type accounts for a small percentage of people with Down syndrome (about 3%). This occurs when an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but it is attached or “trans-located” to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21.
• Mosaic Down syndrome: This type affects about 2% of the people with Down syndrome.2 Mosaic means mixture or combination. For children with mosaic Down syndrome, some of their cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical two copies of chromosome 21. Children with mosaic Down syndrome may have the same features as other children with Down syndrome. However, they may have fewer features of the condition due to the presence of some (or many) cells with a typical number of chromosomes.

If you enjoy this episode, please rate this episode or provide us with feedback. 

Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.