271. Can Our Kids Have Authentic Friendships In Inclusive Settings? (w/Kathleen Downes)

We’ve had many candid conversations about friendship and inclusion over the years. Today we’re excited to be joined by social worker, blogger, disability activist, and self-advocate, Kathleen Downes. Growing up in inclusive schools during the 90s, Kathleen shares her firsthand experiences, the struggles she faced in forming authentic friendships, and how involvement in disability-specific programs was pivotal in her life. We talk about the challenges that still persist in today’s inclusive settings and the changes needed to support our kids in developing meaningful friendships. This conversation is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and heartfelt reflections, making it an essential listen for anyone committed to true inclusion.

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SHOW NOTES

• Follow Kathleen Downes on Instagram

• Check out Kathleen’s blog The Squeaky Wheelchair

Other episodes like this:

• 5. Friendship with GiGi's Playhouse and Just Like Me Foundation

• 6. Friendship Pt. 2 with Guest, Melynn Henry

• 10. Inclusion - An Educator’s Perspective with Kristin Enriquez Pt. 1

• 11. Inclusion - A Parents Perspective with Kristin Enriquez Pt. 2

• 32. The (Beautiful) Reality of Befriending Someone with Down Syndrome

• 85. Is Inclusion Always The Best Option?

• 128. What To Expect From Inclusive Settings

• 172. Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya Lalvani

• 198. The Best We Can: An Unscripted Conversation on Inclusion In Our Schools

• 208. Growing Through Uncomfortable Conversations (w/Ashley - TLFP Producer & Self-Advocate)

• 218. Creating Inclusion For All Learners (w/Tim Villegas) 

• 221. A Letter To The Parents Of Our Kid's Peers

• 242. Is Inclusion A Privilege?

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you, National Down Syndrome Society for sponsoring this episode!

• Learn more about the NDSS Buddy Walk!

• Listen to Heather & Micha talk about their experience at last year’s NYC Buddy Walk on 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights

Thank you, Enable SNP for sponsoring this episode!

• 47. Planning for the Future w/Phillip Clark from Enable SNP

• 191. Future Planning for the WHOLE Family - ft. Phillip Clark, Enable SNP

LET’S CHAT

Email [email protected] with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

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