Mary talks with Lindsey Strickland, founder of “Worth The Conversation” about sexual abuse in the Down syndrome community. They discuss tips on prevention, how to talk with your kids about it, and recognizing the signs of abuse.

Worth The Conversation Wbbsite https://www.worththeconversation.com/

Mary talks with Dr. Brian Skotko, founder of the Down Syndrome Clinic To You (DSC2U). DSC2U is a groundbreaking web portal for information and consultations on Down Syndrome.

DSC2U Website https://www.dsc2u.org/

Mary talks with Ella Cullen, author of “Breastfeeding and Down Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide for Mothers and Medical Professionals”, and founder of Julia’s Way a resource group for mother’s of children with Down syndrome who are having difficulty breastfeeding. Joining the discussion are Jill Rabin, a certified lactation consultant and Rachel Murphy, a mother who has succesfully used the techniques discussed.

https://juliasway.org/

e-mail l[email protected]

Mary interviews Lauren Costabile. Lauren is the founder of Hearts Of Joy International, an organization that arranges heart surgeries for children with Down syndrome in less developed countries.

Hearts Of Joy International Website https://www.heartsofjoyinternational.com/

Mary has a conversation with inspirational 16 year old Reilly Cate who runs a non-profit that delivers gift baskets to families who have adopted children with Down syndrome.

The Trium Tribe https://thetriumtribe.com/

Mary welcomes back Behaviour Analyst Katie Rinald for a conversation about toilet training techniques for older kids.

Katie can be reached at [email protected]

Blackbird Special Education http://blackbirdse.com/

** Special Warning** This program involves a very frank discussion of human biology, puberty, and sexual development. Personal discretion is advised.

Mary has a very frank discussion with Andrea Lee of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation about special needs kids and issues around puberty and sexual health.

Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality: A guide for Parents and Professionals – Terri Couwenhoven
The Girls Guide to Growing Up – Terri Couwenhoven
The Boys Guide to Growing Up – Terri Couwenhoven
Talk Sex Today – Saleema Noon and Meg Hickling (I don’t think I actually mentioned this but it’s a great book that gives scripts for parents to talk about these things with their children, including a chapter on talking to your child with disabilities)
Sex is a Funny Word – Cory Silverberg

LINKS:

Circles of Intimacy – learning about different relationships. https://stanfield.com/product/circles-curriculum-intimacy-relationships-level-1-w1004-18/

Real Talk – Relationship and sexual health education for folks with cognitive disabilities. Lots of great videos to watch that would make for great starts of discussions. https://www.real-talk.org/

Jessy Wollens – Special educator and sexual health educator. https://shift-education.com/

Lindsey Strickland – Sexual abuse prevention worker and Down syndrome parent and advocate. https://www.worththeconversation.com/

Zones of Regulation https://www.zonesofregulation.com/index.html

Ron and Mary talk about her recent fall, breaking her foot, displacing her fibula and badly spraining the other foot. And about the “Mom Community” that came together to help her in a time of need.

Mary talks creativity and much more with dancer, choreographer, T21 Mom, and cancer survivor Starr Muranko. 

Raven Spirit Dance – Chapter 21 https://ravenspiritdance.com/project/chapter-21/?fbclid=IwAR3ujOcgcrVcvoCxYQVudehlZh50beUEiVfRVQ5ej97kZL3UyInRkaaBfLw

Chapter 21 – The Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W_81p-z9zg

Firehall Arts Centre – Chapter 21 Tickets http://firehallartscentre.ca/onstage/chapter-21/?fbclid=IwAR36rvY3wgTl-bK6ix_is2–dub2JyP58YBy-RqN7vdvtkxA2fK6TqPHTGE

Mary chats with Scott Howe, Health Stakeholder Engagement Consultant for Special Olympics BC, and Susan Wang who is a Special Olympian and Bronze Medal Winner at the 2017 Special Olympics held in Austria.

Special Olympics British Columbia https://www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia

Special Olympics Canada https://www.specialolympics.ca/

Special Olympics Worldwide https://www.specialolympics.org/