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Episode #57: Beyond the Diagnosis: The Realities and Myths of Down Syndrome
Show Notes:
What if you were told that Down syndrome is not something to fear, but rather something to celebrate? In this inspiring episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, host Tonya Wollum welcomes Jennifer Varanini Sanchez and her daughter Sofia Sanchez, who reminds the world that Down syndrome is not scary.
Jennifer and her husband have three sons, the youngest of whom also has Down syndrome. The family adopted Sofia when she was under two years old from an orphanage in Ukraine. Jennifer has since become a Down syndrome and adoption advocate. In this episode, Jennifer shares their experiences with early intervention services, individualized education programs, and inclusive education. Jennifer also provides recommendations for new parents of children with Down syndrome and shares valuable resources for families.
Tune in to learn how Sofia is breaking down stereotypes and thriving as an eighth grader who attends school, plays sports, and is involved in a community theater production. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by this heartwarming interview!
Connect with Jennifer and Sofia:
Instagram:
Jennifer: @thesanchezsix
Sofia: @the.sofia.sanchez
Sofia’s website: www.Sofia-Sanchez.com
Purchase Sofia’s Books: (* As an Amazon Associate I may earn a commission on sales made by using these links.)
You Are Loved
You Are Enough
Resources Mentioned:
Global Down Syndrome Foundation – https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/
National Down Syndrome Society – http://www.ndss.org/
National Down Syndrome Congress – https://www.ndsccenter.org/
Gigi’s Playhouse – https://gigisplayhouse.org/
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network – https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/
Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie
Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie
MOTHERS DAY BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!
Grab your chance to win 2 signed books about Sofia Sanchez, a teen actress, model, and advocate for Down syndrome!
Go to https://waterprairie.com/giveaway for details!
Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Read moreEpisode #56: Building a Supportive Community for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Show Notes:
In this episode, we take a tour of the new location for Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, a non-profit organization that provides support, resources, and programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We speak with volunteers and staff to learn more about the impact Gigi’s Playhouse has on the Down syndrome community. Additionally, we sit down with Michelle and Matthew Schwab, advocates for Down syndrome, to discuss a range of topics related to raising a child with Down syndrome, including medical care, education, and social interactions. Join us for an informative and inspiring conversation about the beauty of Down syndrome and the importance of building a supportive community.
Connect with Matthew:
Website: https://www.matthewschwabspeaks.com/
Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie
Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie
MOTHERS DAY BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!
Grab your chance to win 2 signed books about Sofia Sanchez, a teen actress, model, and advocate for Down syndrome!
Go to https://waterprairie.com/giveaway for details!
Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Read moreEpisode #53: The Power of Inclusion: Insights from a Children’s Book Author and Non-Profit Founder
Show Notes:
In this episode, Tonya continues her conversation from Episode 52 with Amanda Owen, author of the Owen the Wonderer book series and founder of the non-profit, Puzzle Pieces. Owen is the main character of the children’s book series, which includes real people from Amanda’s life. The series aims to start conversations about inclusion and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, and each book includes questions for parents and teachers to help facilitate these conversations. Amanda started the series to provide a tool for parents and educators who may not know how to approach the topic of disability with children. The books are based on Amanda’s experiences as a special education teacher and the founder of a non-profit organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities.
If you missed the first part of this conversation, be sure to listen to Episode 52 to hear Amanda’s story of growing up as the sibling to a brother with a rare genetic condition. She also gives good suggestions on how parents can prepare for their special needs child’s future care. You can watch Episode 52 at https://youtu.be/sapGfxihznY.
Since recording this podcast episode, Amanda has launched another project! She created a Gratitude Journal for moms raising children with disabilities. With the help of 30 mommas from across the country, Amanda made something that she wished her mom had 41 years ago when she discovered her brother had a rare disability.
This journal is meant to not only help moms find joy in the hard, but also build a village of other moms walking similar paths. You don’t have to be alone. This journal will help you connect and find gratitude in your journey raising your child.
You can order your Gratitude Journal HERE! ➡ piecesofme.org/gratitude-journal
Amanda loves to connect! Find her at:
Website: piecesofme.org
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pieces-of-me/id1547078857
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piecesofmebyamanda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecesofmebyamanda/
Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie
Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie
“2 Truths and a Lie” Game:
Can you guess which statements Amanda shared were her truths and which was her lie? Post your best guess in the comments below. We’ll post the correct answer on Instagram next week so be sure to check and see if you were right.
1. Her brother was the 11th person in U.S. with his diagnosis.
2. She is 2 episodes from 100th on podcast.
3. She loves to cook and try new recipes.
Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Read moreTrailer: Welcome to the Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast!
Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to help share some of the stories of parents who are raising incredible children with life challenges. You’ll hear from adults who have made the journey of being a child with a disability and find out what they’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear interviews with organizations and specialists who can help guide parents as they look for support for their child and get connected in their community.
The Water Prairie Chronicles is a series of stories that will inspire you, encourage you, and help you view the people you meet from a new perspective. Episodes are posted every Friday at noon Eastern Standard Time. We’ll add some bonus episodes from time to time with behind-the-scenes and extra content. Episodes are about 30 minutes long, and you can find us at waterprairie.com/listen. Be sure to subscribe and tune in on Friday!
Music Used: “Your Intro” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
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