The Inclusion Effect

In this episode, I chat with Jaycie right after she got back from the Dear Mom conference in southern California! Jaycie is the mom of a child with Down syndrome, and she got to take a weekend to meet with other disability parents, meet some of our fav influencers in this space, and connect. Listen to us recap, name drop, and talk about her takeaways from the conference.You can find Jaycie on Instagram @mrs.conley_213 at and on Tiktok at @jaycieconleyFollow the podcast on Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook @theinclusioneffect.Podcast art by Sara HastPodcast music by Cameron Cornell

This week, in honor of Rare Disease Day on February 28, I talked with a good friend and mom of a rare disease warrior, Marissa. Our conversation covers Marissa's journey with her daughter Lavender, who has been diagnosed with a rare disease called ataxia telangiectasia (AT). We delve into the challenges of diagnosis, the emotional impact on the family, the rareness of AT, community support, research efforts, and the complexity of the disease. Follow Marissa on Instagram @thelavender_path, Tiktok @the.lavender.path, and Facebook at The Lavender Path.www.atcp.orgFollow the podcast on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, and Youtube @theinclusioneffect.Podcast art by Sara HastPodcast music by Cameron Cornell

This week I talked with Sarah Robinson about the the experience of receiving a birth diagnosis of twins with Down syndrome, the dual diagnoses of Down syndrome and autism, the implementation of the Buddy Club respite program, and the creation of an inclusive church community. Follow Sarah on Instagram and Tiktok @down.with.the.robinsons, and follow the Buddy Club on Instagram and Facebook @buddyclubrespiteFollow the podcast on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook @theinclusioneffectIntro song produced and recorded by Cameron CornellPodcast art by Sara Hast

In this episode of The Inclusion Effect, Anna speaks with Nic Flores about his journey as a father of a neurodivergent child and the importance of disability advocacy. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating the diagnosis journey, the impact of parenting on relationships, and the role of fathers in the disability community. Nic shares insights on creating inclusive spaces through his brand, Hi-Fi Friends, and emphasizes the importance of intentional parenting and open communication about differences with children.You can find Nic on instagram @hifi.friendsYou can find the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok @theinclusioneffectPodcast logo by Sara Hast

In this episode of The Inclusion Effect, Anna speaks with Jade Adkins, founder of The Special Education Navigator, about the complexities of disability advocacy and navigating the special education system. Jade shares her experiences as a former special education teacher and the challenges parents face when dealing with IEPs. Follow Jade on Tiktok @spednavigator and Instagram @thespednavigator,, check out her website at specialeducationnavigator.com, get The Special Education Navigator IEP Power Pack at specialeducationnavigator.com/iepnavigatorpack, and email her at spednavigator@jadekiser.comFollow the podcast @theinclusioneffect on Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook.Podcast logo by Sara HastKeywords: disability advocacy, special education, IEP, inclusion, parental rights, education, communication, advocacy services, parenting, special needs

In this episode, I talk with Stephanie about her journey as a disability advocate and mother of a child with Down syndrome. We discuss the challenges of navigating a world that isn't always accommodating to the disability community, the emotional rollercoaster of prenatal diagnosis, and the importance of community support. Stephanie shares her experiences with mental health, the impact of COVID on parenting, and the dynamics between her two sons. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the societal pressures faced by parents, and the current state of disability support in Texas.Find Stephanie on Facebook as Stephanie Ann! Follow the podcast @theinclusioneffect on all social media and leave us 5 stars.Logo by Sara Hast

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness month, I'm sharing a solo bonus episode! I share our diagnosis story of finding out that our child will have Down syndrome all the way up until her cardiac arrest and her health complications started happening. I also share some exciting news - we're adopting!The Inclusion Effect can be found on Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook @theinclusioneffectFollow the podcast, share it with an advocate, and rate and leave a review!Adoption Fundraising Link: https://www.letsfund.us/s/w32xhby?lLogo by Sara Hast

This week I talked with Matthew Schwab, a business owner, self advocate, public speaker, and actor who also has Down Syndrome. You can find Matthew on Instagram and Facebook at @matthewschwabspeaks and at his website https://matthewschwabspeaks.com/

This week is the second half of my conversation with Tiffany, an amazing mother, architect, friend, and also the mother of twins born with Down Syndrome. This week we talk about leaving the NICU, dealing with grief and joy at the same time, finding a community within the Down Syndrome world, and navigating the PICU and medical complexities.

Join me as I chat with Saprina about parenting in the NICU, finding out she was pregnant again after loss, cerebral palsy and what that diagnosis was like, and turning pain into purpose.Find Saprina on tiktok and instagram @myreyahsunshinehtx and @superspecialmamas. Follow the pod on instagram and tiktok @theinclusioneffect and on tiktok @uplifeofaddy.