Shows
Down Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 10 - Camp for All: Where Barriers DisapearIn this inspiring episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, hosts Anne Lewis and Leigh Frillici welcome Pat Prior Sorrells, President and CEO of Camp For All—a truly barrier-free camp serving children and adults with disabilities, medical challenges, and special needs.Pat shares how Camp For All partners with over 65 nonprofits, including hospitals and condition-specific groups, to provide fully inclusive, customized camp experiences. From ziplining and horseback riding to karaoke and canoeing, every activity is designed to empower campers of all abilities.In this episode you will hear about the camp's profound impact on both children and their families, in...2025-07-2225 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 9 - Beloved and Beyond CampJoin hosts Anne Lewis, Monique Johnson, and Leigh Frillici, as they welcome Laura Elder, co-founder and co-director of Beloved and Beyond, a faith-based, fully inclusive camp that transforms the lives of children and adults with disabilities.Laura passionately shares how the camp embraces campers of every ability—whether they walk, roll, or need extra support—and invites them to experience unforgettable adventures like ziplining, horseback riding, silent discos, and fashion shows. Every camper teams up with a one-on-one buddy, creating powerful friendships that last far beyond camp week.Discover how former campers become leaders through the “Beyond Team,” giving back by...2025-07-0426 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 8: Father's Day - We're going to love him...In this special Father’s Day episode of Down Syndrome: 21st Perspectives, hosts Anne Lewis, and Monique Johnson, and Leigh Frillici welcome a deeply personal guest—Anne’s husband, Jake Lewis—for a raw, heartfelt conversation about fatherhood, faith, and the unexpected beauty that comes from life's biggest challenges. Jake shares his emotional journey through addiction recovery, receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis for their son, and learning to embrace vulnerability as a father. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing often begins when we let go of control and choose to love, exactly as we are...2025-06-1449 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 7: Batter up! West U. Challenger's BaseballBatter up! Little League's Challenger Baseball is an adaptive baseball program that opens the world of baseball to children with disabilities. In this episode, cohosts Monique Johnson and Leigh Frillici welcome Mark Potts, the commissioner of West University's Challenger Baseball Program. Mark shares how the league operates, its inclusive design, and the profound impact it has on children, families, and the broader community. Monique reflects on her personal experience as a coach and parent, highlighting how Challenger Baseball has been transformative for her son Marley and their family.Links:Challenger Baseball - https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/challenger/about-challenger/2025-06-0425 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 6: My Little Brother Has Down SyndromeMonique Johnson and Anne Lewis' daughters share heartfelt stories about growing up with brothers who have Down syndrome. From tech troubles to spontaneous dance parties, they reflect on how their brothers have shaped their empathy, sense of responsibility, and future goals. Their moms join in to talk about the journey from fear to pride, and why this unique path is full of unexpected gifts. It's an episode for anyone who has a child or sibling with a disability - highlighting family life and the beauty of sibling bonds.2025-05-1047 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 5 - A New ExtraordinaryIn this inspiring episode, Geralyn Spiesz, OT and founder of the Down Syndrome Action Plan, shares her journey from a Down syndrome diagnosis of her child in 2007 to becoming an advocate for brain-based, individualized support for children with Down syndrome. Drawing from her work as an occupational therapist and her personal experience as a mom, Geralyn breaks down the powerful, neurodevelopmental methods that helped her son—and many others—thrive.Highlights include:• (1:20) Why traditional therapies felt limiting—and what Geralyn did differently• (9:40) How a simple log roll (13:17) and other movements can help reflexes and the br...2025-04-0847 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 4 - AdvocacyFamily to Family Network’s Executive Director, Mary Jane Williams joins us to talk about navigating education and support systems for individuals with disabilities. The discussion includes navigating medical and special education services, the waitlist crisis for services for 18 and over, how to potentially extend health insurance for your adult child and the complexities of guardianship and supported decision making.Family to Family Network - F2FN.orgPhone: 713 466-63042025-03-2149 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 3 - AdvocacyIn this podcast we explore advocacy for children with special needs. Our special guest, Jane Friou, is on the Board of the Down Syndrome Association of Houston. Jane is the mother of an 18-year-old with Down syndrome and she has become a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She shares her personal journey, from navigating early challenges to becoming a force for systemic change in education and healthcare. The discussion highlights the importance of parental advocacy, legal safeguards for special education, medical advocacy, and pushing for stronger individualized education plans (IEPs). The episode provides a wealth...2025-03-2143 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 2 - Hope and ResilienceThis episode features a heartfelt discussion about the emotional life of parents of kids with Down Syndrome. Anne and Monique explore their initial fears and anxieties that arose —concerns about their childrens' futures, how life would change, and the struggle with societal perceptions. They also share how they have grounded themselves in hope, love, and the joy their children bring, emphasizing that while the journey may be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding.2025-03-2046 minDown Syndrome: 21st PerspectivesEpisode 1 - Hello!Welcome! In this first episode, we’ll talk about our goals for the podcast and what you can expect. Anne and Monique share their personal stories of learning in the hospital that their baby was born with down syndrome, what they felt, and how they navigated the reactions of others.2025-03-2016 min