Special Chronicles Podcast

Special Chronicles Podcast


SCP190: LIVE at NADS2016 Conference (Part 1)

October 03, 2016

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 190, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the 2016 National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS) Next Steps Conference.  Tune-in as we feature fun conversations with Sarah Hart Weir from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS); Marcus and Mardra Sikora from the Black Day Book; Lexi and Sandy from Specs4Us; and many more guests in part 1 of our live podcast from the NADS2016 Conference!
[Podcaster’s Note: Fast forward to any of the time marks below to hear a segment from one of our featured guests.]
Featured Links mentioned:
Tune-in as we hear: Introductions to the conference from self-advocate Alex, NADS President Steve Connors, NADS Executive Director Diane Urhausen, self-advocate Bridget Brown, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Cathy DiVincenzo. [Starts at 6:30]

* National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS)
Facebook: @NADSFan | Twitter: @NADSChicago | Instagram: @NADSChicago

Then, we sit down with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) President Sarah Hart Weir and talk about everything NDSS, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, NDSS new #DSWorks campaign, Able Act, Buddy Walks, #AdvocacyMatters, and much more!  [Starts at 17:30]

* National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) | #DSWorks | Buddy Walks
Facebook: @NDSS1979 | Twitter: @NDSS | Instagram: @NDSSorg | YouTube: @NDSSorg | Pinterest: @NDSSorg

* Sarah Hart Weir, MS – President of NDSS on Facebook: @SarahHartWeir | Twitter: @SarahHartWeir

We than sit down for a fun conversation with Marcus and Mardra Sikora.  Marcus was diagnosed with Down syndrome and is the author of “Black Day: The Monster Rock Band” and Mardra, his mom, is author of “The Parents Guide To Down Syndrome.  Marcus and Mardra talk to us about their books and advocacy work. [Starts at 42:15]

* Mardra Sikora: Author, Speaker, and Advocate for and with her adult son, Marcus – mardrasikora.com | Book: The Parents Guide To Down Syndrome 
* Marcus Sikora: Down syndrome Self-Advocate – About Marcus | Twitter: @MarcusMusical | Facebook: @GrownUpAndDowns | Book: BlackDayBook.com

Finally, we sit down with Lexi and Sandi, who are representatives from Specs4Us.  This is a new superior precision eyewear company that specializes in frames designed to fit children and adults with Down Syndrome and others with special needs.  Lexi, Sandi, and Daniel discuss everything about what Specs4Us is about, their mission, and much more fun!