We’re officially kicking off Season 2 of DSACO: Up for Discussion, and we’re starting with a topic that matters deeply to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and our community: employment.

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Wilson, DSACO’s new Employment Services Specialist, to talk all things employment services, skill-building, and creating meaningful, competitive job opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.

Megan works under DRS employment contracts and plays a key role in helping individuals gain confidence, build workplace skills, and find jobs that align with their strengths and goals. She breaks down what employment services look like at DSACO, who can benefit, and how families can get started.

✨ In this episode, we discuss:

• Megan’s background and what led her to DSACO
• What an Employment Services Specialist does day-to-day
• What DRS employment contracts mean (in simple terms)
• Who is eligible for DSACO’s employment services
• The types of jobs and career paths individuals are exploring
• Skills needed before and during employment
• Why meaningful, competitive employment matters
• Advice for families feeling unsure about employment
• How local businesses and community members can get involved
• What’s ahead for employment services at DSACO

👕 World Down Syndrome Day T-Shirt Preorders

Before you go — World Down Syndrome Day is coming up! DSACO’s World Down Syndrome Day t-shirt preorders are now open, and this is a fun way to celebrate inclusion while supporting individuals with Down syndrome in our community.

🗓 Preorders close February 7 🔗 Preorder link: https://www.dsaco.org/fundraisers/wdsd

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who wants to learn more about employment, inclusion, and advocacy.

Thanks for listening — and welcome to Season 2! 💙💛

As we wrap up Season 1 of DSACO: Up for Discussion, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the conversations that shaped this season and the community that made it possible.

This season covered the full journey of life with Down syndrome — from early childhood intervention and IEPs, to middle school and high school transitions, to adulthood, employment, health, relationships, and self-advocacy. Each episode centered on real experiences, practical resources, and the reminder that support and inclusion truly change lives.

In this finale, Sarah and Kathy reflect on the themes that kept coming up throughout the season: advocacy, independence, connection, and believing in what’s possible for individuals with Down syndrome at every stage of life.

We’re also celebrating one of DSACO’s most meaningful events — the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show, happening January 30, 2026 at The Criterion in Oklahoma City. This incredible night celebrates confidence, inclusion, and individuality, while supporting DSACO programs that serve individuals with Down syndrome and their families all year long.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: dsaco.org/fashionshow

And the conversation doesn’t stop here — Season 2 of DSACO: Up for Discussion launches February 3 with brand new topics, voices, and stories from across our community.

Thank you to everyone who listened, shared, supported, and showed up this season. We can’t wait to continue the conversation with you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Reflecting on Season 1 and the conversations that mattered most
• Supporting individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan
• Advocacy, independence, and inclusion in everyday life
• How DSACO programs create real impact for families
• A look ahead to Season 2 (launching February 3!)
• Why the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show is such a powerful celebration of inclusion

📩 Have a topic you’d love us to cover next season? Email us at info@dsaco.org

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, Sarah sits down with Robin Kohn to talk all about one of DSACO’s most empowering programs — the Self-Advocacy Center (SAC).

Robin shares what SAC is, who it’s designed for, and why self-advocacy is such an important skill for individuals with Down syndrome. From building confidence and communication skills to learning how to speak up for yourself, SAC helps self-advocates grow both personally and socially in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Listeners will hear what a typical SAC session looks like, the kinds of skills participants work on, and the incredible growth Robin has seen in self-advocates over time. Robin also shares meaningful moments and success stories that highlight just how impactful the Self-Advocacy Center can be.

✨ Big news! Applications for the Self-Advocacy Center are officially open. Robin walks through who should apply, what the application process looks like, and offers encouragement for anyone who might feel nervous or unsure about taking that first step.

🎟️ Plus, Sarah reminds listeners about the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show happening January 30, 2026 — a night celebrating confidence, inclusion, and self-expression, with proceeds supporting DSACO programs like SAC.

👉 Apply for the Self-Advocacy Center: https://www.dsaco.org/programs/self-advocacy-center

👉 Get tickets for the Uniqu3ly 21 Fashion Show: dsaco.org/fashionshow