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. --- 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? JOIN THE MOVEMENT Join us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $0.99, $4.99, or $9.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Your support makes a difference in our ability to create meaningful content, enable us to cover production costs, and explore additional opportunities to expand our resources. Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!  DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email [email protected] for more information! 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.