In this episode of 'Where the Ramp Ends', host Summer Parrish and Bryce Wooten welcome Mike Dodd, a father and social media advocate for children with Down syndrome. Mike shares his personal journey of parenting his son Grayson, who has Down syndrome, discussing the emotional challenges and joys that come with the diagnosis. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy, representation, and the need for fathers to share their experiences in the disability community. The conversation highlights the significance of inclusion, understanding, and the shared humanity of all children, regardless of their abilities.

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Takeaways

Mike Dodd is a father and social media advocate for children with Down syndrome.

The emotional journey of receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis can be overwhelming for parents.

Advocacy and representation are crucial in the disability community, especially for fathers.

Social media can be a platform for sharing real-life experiences and challenges of parenting a child with disabilities.

Inclusion and understanding are essential for children with disabilities to thrive in society.

Parents should allow their children to experience failure as part of their growth.

The importance of patience and love in parenting children with special needs.

Mike emphasizes that all children, regardless of their abilities, want to be included and accepted.

The need for more fathers to share their stories and experiences in the disability community.

Building a supportive community can help parents navigate the challenges of raising children with disabilities.

In this episode of 'Where the Ramp Ends', hosts Summer Parrish and Bryce Wooten engage with Barbara Whinery, a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. Barbara shares her journey of founding '4RKids', an organization dedicated to providing employment and support for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the importance of community, innovative employment opportunities, and the impact of advocacy on personal growth and communication skills. Barbara emphasizes the need for a supportive village and the legacy she hopes to leave behind, inspiring listeners to take action in their own communities.

https://www.4rkids.com/

https://www.facebook.com/4RKids

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Summary

In this episode of 'Where the Ramp Ends,' hosts Summer Parrish and Bryce Wooten engage in a heartfelt conversation with Tyler Bond, a statewide disability advocate living on the autism spectrum. Tyler shares his personal journey, discussing the importance of individuality beyond labels, the impact of family support, and the misconceptions surrounding autism. He emphasizes the significance of advocacy, both for oneself and within the community, and offers insights on building confidence in social situations. The discussion also touches on the role of parents and educators in fostering inclusion, the experiences gained from the Partners in Policymaking program, and reflections on historical institutions that have shaped the disability rights movement. Tyler's story is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for disability rights and the importance of community connections.

Takeaways

Tyler Bond emphasizes the importance of individuality beyond labels.

Family support plays a crucial role in building confidence.

Misconceptions about autism often stem from media representation.

Advocacy begins with self-acceptance and understanding one's challenges.

Social skills can be developed through consistent practice and encouragement.

Parents should encourage their children to engage in diverse social settings.

Educators must do their research to create inclusive environments.

Partners in Policymaking provides valuable insights into disability rights.

Community connections are vital for personal growth and support.

Historical institutions highlight the ongoing need for advocacy and reform.

In this episode of 'Where the Ramp Ends', Summer Parrish and Bryce Wooten engage with Al Condeluci, a prominent advocate for disability inclusion and community building. Al shares his personal journey into advocacy, rooted in his childhood experiences with his cousin who had Down syndrome. The conversation explores the importance of social capital, the need for inclusive environments, and strategies for building bridges between individuals with disabilities and the broader community. Al emphasizes that advocacy can be gentle and that understanding and attitude play crucial roles in fostering inclusion. The episode concludes with reflections on legacy and the impact of advocacy on humanity.

https://www.alcondeluci.com/

Most caregivers and educators overlook one of the most powerful tools for supporting children with disabilities: understanding trauma and lived experience. In this eye-opening episode of Where the Ramp Ends, mental health advocate Meski Owens shares how rethinking trauma-informed approaches can transform behavior management, foster genuine connection, and ultimately change systems that perpetuate neglect.

Meski, a former nurse turned policy advocate in Oklahoma, reveals the profound impact of viewing behaviors as communication—especially when it comes to children on the spectrum or with other invisible struggles. You'll discover how early intervention, trauma awareness, and community involvement create ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom or clinic. Meski's unique perspective bridges lived experience with policy reform, illustrating how small shifts in mindset can lead to powerful societal change.

We break down:

The importance of viewing trauma as a disability that rewires brain function and how this understanding shifts caregiver responses.

Practical steps to make environments more trauma-informed, emphasizing safety, connection, and dignity.

How advocating for early screening and universal assessments can prevent decades of barriers and misdiagnosis.

Why society's focus on fixing children ignores the systemic roots of behavior and trauma.

The critical role of culture, politics, and parent mindset in creating lasting change for all generations.

This episode matters because neglecting trauma can lead to more behavioral challenges, justice issues, and missed potential. By understanding and implementing trauma-informed strategies, you can become part of a movement that values all children and adults for who they are—flaws, traumas, and all.

Perfect for teachers, parents, policymakers, and advocates committed to rewiring systems and reshaping perceptions—this conversation is a call to action to see every individual as capable, resilient, and deserving of dignity.

Guest Credibility:

Meski Owens is an early childhood policy and family systems consultant based in Oklahoma City. Certified in protective factors and trained in TBRI, PCIT, and Circle of Security, she combines lived experience with policy expertise to empower communities and change lives.

Join us and discover: how shifting our perspective on trauma and behavior can truly change the world, one person at a time.

What if crossing a finish line wasn’t just about winning a race, but about breaking barriers and rewriting perceptions? Rian and Bryce's story will challenge everything you believe about ability, inclusion, and friendship. When Rian and Bryce team up to they create a bond that transforms not only their lives but the narrative around what’s possible for the differently abled community—and for all of us.

In this episode, you’ll discover how a chance encounter in a living room led to a life-changing friendship rooted in vulnerability, trust, and shared purpose. Rian shares the raw, emotional journey of immersing himself in Bryce’s world—navigating society’s obstacles, discovering the depths of patience, and building a brotherhood forged in 140.6 miles of grueling endurance and unwavering loyalty. Bryce recounts their powerful training together, from long bike rides feeling every bump to the unpredictable mental hurdles of an Ironman day that seemed impossible—yet proved that resilience and connection can conquer any challenge.

You’ll hear stories of vulnerability that reveal the extraordinary strength in authentic connection, and practical steps you can take starting today—volunteering, small acts of kindness, or simply asking questions instead of making assumptions. Their journey underscores a profound truth: real change happens when we immerse ourselves in others’ worlds and lead with compassion.

This isn’t just about racing; it’s about redefining human capability. Perfect for anyone craving inspiration, advocates for inclusion, or those eager to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Bryce and Ryan show us that when we choose to see beyond differences, we unlock a powerful truth: we’re all capable of more than we think, especially when we do it together.

Are you ready to challenge your beliefs, deepen your understanding, and be part of a movement that’s changing lives? Tune in now and discover how just one act—one genuine connection—can make all the difference.

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In this introductory episode of Where the Ramp Ends, we sit down to get to know Bryce—his story, his work, and the values that guide how he shows up in advocacy spaces.

Bryce shares how relationships, community, and intentional connection shape his approach to disability advocacy and systems change. We talk about why belonging matters more than programs alone, how listening changes outcomes, and what it really means to walk alongside individuals with disabilities and their families.

This conversation sets the foundation for Where the Ramp Ends: honest dialogue, lived experience, and the belief that progress happens when we build relationships—not just ramps.

Whether you’re a parent, professional, advocate, or ally, this episode introduces the perspective that will help guide many of the conversations ahead.

In our very first episode, hosts Summer Parrish and Bryce introduce Where the Ramp Ends—a podcast about disability, inclusion, and what happens after the bare minimum is met. We talk about why we started this show, what “access” really looks like in everyday life, and why lived experience matters more than performative inclusion.

This episode sets the foundation for future conversations about parenting, policy, culture, history, and the systems that impact people with disabilities and their families. Honest, candid, and grounded in real life, Where the Ramp Ends is about moving past checklists and into meaningful change.