On our 2nd Facebook Live Show, we have a discussion on why we need to help the IEP team and society as a whole, not look at our children through a Deficit-based lens. The way an IEP is designed and implemented to be meaningful, as well as effective is based on which lens the team members use […]
So excited to share this new collaboration with my friend and parent of an awesome child with Down Syndrome Brian Herndon. We are excited to announce our new Facebook Live Talk Show Down Right Capable Show. This show was created to help change the way others view Down Syndrome, by highlighting their capabilities rather than their disabilities. […]
I am excited to announce that I have been nominated for three, yes three awards: the WEGO Health “Advocating for Another” (which I won last year and am honored to be nominated again this year” Award, Best in Show Instagram, and Best in Show Blog in the 2018 WEGO Health Awards. WEGO Health is a […]
The Garden Foundation was founded by Taylor Gardner out of the love for her sister Lindsey. After seeing a program who failed her sister, she created a place that individuals with disabilities can come and “bloom where they are planted”. Their vision is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing […]
More than ever, Patient Leaders and Advocates are taking Instagram by storm and amplifying their voices through InstaStories, Hashtags and compelling photos to tell their stories and share their cause. I was proud to be a part of this panel of amazing advocates, to share how I use the platform to share how I use […]
So you know you have a great therapist when you watch her sharing all her tips and tricks with other therapists, so they can get the best from their students. Even as a parent I love watching Hallie Sherman from Speech Time Fun (@speechtimefun) whose energy and smile are so contagious. I would personally love […]
Congratulations welcome to the wonderful world of motherhood! Whether you are a first time Mom or an old pro, a new adventure has begun. As a first-time Mom, I was all consumed with what I wanted my idea of motherhood to look like. I envisioned my “happy, healthy” family on vacation, playing in […]
Hi, I’m Marla! Remember me? LOL! I know it has been a while…I have been busy, let’s just start there! 2017 was a whirlwind year of accomplishing great things, meeting amazing people and doing what I love – advocacy and inspiring others. 2017 in a quick minute: March 2017 – I was accepted to be […]
As you all know October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and what a month it was. From celebrating amazing individuals like my son who are rocking an extra 21st chromosome to advocating for their rights with the National Down Syndrome Society at the first Leadership Summit with over 150 self-advocates like David DeSanctis, actor from […]
March 21, 2017, was an amazing day of advocacy! Why? Because it was World Down Syndrome Day, and I was ACCEPTED to be a panel speaker. Can you imagine my excitement when I received the email from Andrew Boys from DSI (Down Syndrome International)? Never in a million years did I ever imagine that I would […]