Actor, Producer, Director, DS Advocate, and Motivational Speaker Brian Donovan has an in depth conversation with Mary and Ron about his sister Kelly. The conversation roams from Brian & Kelly’s inseparable relationship that he documents in the film “Kelly’s Hollywood”, to his advocacy work, motivational speaking, and growing up in a very special neighbourhood in the ‘60s and ‘70s

Brian Donovan Web  http://www.briandonovan.org/

Kelly’s Hollywood  http://kellyshollywood.com/Welcome.html

Brian Donovan – You Can Change The World   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj9TkAwc6-0

Mary talks with Jen Jacob, Founder of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, about their work with health care professionals so they better understand Down syndrome, and issues such as the impact of delivering the diagnosis. They also talk about the increasing success of the Rockin’ Mom’s Retreat.

https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/

Mary talks with Jenna about a form of Down syndrome called Translocation that can be inherited under certain circumstances. It’s a fascinating and easy to understand look at the genetics of Down syndrome.

Mary has a wide ranging discussion with Cally Wesson, CEO of British Columbia’s chapter of Variety The Children’s Charity. Cally explains the history of Variety, services that they provide, volunteers, and events they put on, including the annual Show Of Hearts Telethon. Recorded on location at the Variety offices in Burnaby B.C.

https://www.variety.bc.ca/

https://variety.org/

T21Mom – Episode 9 : Hina, the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation’s Occupational Therapist joins us for a conversation about how children with Down syndrome can learn to understand and control their body’s movements, and why the term “Occupational” is a bit of a misnomer.

Understanding Sensory Processing  – https://www.spdstar.org/basic/understanding-sensory-processing-disorder

Developmental Progression Pyramid – (the pyramid is included in these presentation notes that can be found on the DSRF website) https://www.dsrf.org/media/Lille%20Ryan%20and%20Hina%20Mahmood%20Increasing%20Independence%20in%20School%20Aged%20Children%20with%20DS%20FINAL.pdf

When to Consult an OT – Document that outlines what types of skills OTs can work on with kids. http://www.dsrf.org/media/When%20to%20consult%20an%20OT.pdf

Mary talks about life as a single mother of a special needs child. Mary’s experiences as advocate, parent, doctor and therapist make for a lively discussion.

Mary chats about the annual Run Up For Down Syndrome event at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC, her fundraising efforts, and the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.

Receiving the Diagnosis

Mary talks about her experience receiving Ainsley’s Down syndrome diagnosis through pre-natal testing, and her process of acceptance.

This is it! The very first episode of T21 Mom! Sit back, relax and meet Mary (and Ron).