Meet Jake Pratt.Jake played high school football, went to the school prom, earned his diploma, has a girlfriend, got his driver's license, experienced college life, makes lifelong friendships, was hired at UPS, is living his best life, has Down syndrome, destroys stereotypes.
The world lost pioneering Down syndrome advocate Carl Erskine on April 16, 2024, at the age of 97. Carl and his wife Betty, were involved deeply with the Special Olympics and charities which aimed at helping people with developmental disabilities such as his son Jimmy. Carl Erskine was a MLB All-Star, World Series Champion, ally of Jackie Robinson and the last surviving member of the “Boys of Summer” Brooklyn teams of the 1950’s. To honor Carl’s life, we revisit our episode with documentarian Ted Green discussing his film ’The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story’. As Ted says in this conversation, Carl and Betty are the perfect embodiment of what is on Jackie Robinson’s tombstone.
“A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives“.
Godspeed Carl.
FULL EPISODE: https://ifweknewthen.podbean.com/e/170-celebrating-the-life-of-carl-erskine-with-ted-green/
169. The Annual DSDN Retreats with Ben Hughes
This week we are fortunate to have Ben Hughes back on the podcast to discuss the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network's (DSDN) annual “Rockin’ Retreats” that offer our community the connection and respite caregivers truly need.
LISTEN NOW - https://ifweknewthen.podbean.com/e/169-the-annual-dsdn-retreats-with-ben-hughes/
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network - DSDN
Assume that I can, so maybe I will.
This is the best!!!!
#Downsyndrome
#DownsyndromeAdvocacy.
Storms will come; there is no way around it, and I have learned you can't escape the rain; just be sure you have the right shoes and umbrella. ~ Lori Saux
Disneyland!
Always a great time at Disneyland.
Backgammon dice can be a fun way to practice addition skills.
Playing with Backgammon dice is a fun way to practice math. 
Backgammon dice can be a fun way to practice addition skills.
Believe
Repetition and keep encouraging.
Just know: It will happen.
Sometimes it’s the little things.
AirPort!
Making memories.
Sometimes it’s the little things. Airport!
Feeling out the Cello.
Let’s make a goal of getting an instrument in our kid’s hands a few times a week. No pressure are first, just make some music!! 💛💙
Very impressive! #DownSyndrome #nunchucks #nolimits
Nunchucks
Very impressive!
#DownSyndrome #nunchucks #nolimits
When we received Liam’s diagnosis we were first told all the things he wouldn’t do. As the years have gone by, we have learned not to always believe the projections. Liam defines who he is, and he’ll show us what his life will become.
