aVERY BRIGHT LIFE

If you think students with developmental or intellectual disabilities can't go to college, think again. :) Join us as Avery interviews her friend "Nicole" (not her real name, but a great drinking game for those who imbibe—you'll see what I mean when you hear the episode). The interview starts at the 20 minute mark if you'd like to skip past me rambling about my hopes and fears about Avery going off to college.More Info About "Inclusive Education College Programs" ***This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

How do you explain religion, spirituality, and big life questions to your person with intellectual disabilities—especially when your own beliefs don’t fit into a neat little box? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode, inspired by a simple but loaded text from Avery: “Are we Christian?” We chat about what religion means, why people believe, and how our family embraces spirituality over organized faith. And the best part? Avery shares her own understanding of religion in a way that’s both sweet and insightful. Tune in for an open, thoughtful, and maybe even a little funny conversation about belief, belonging, and being good humans.Thank you Feedspot for including us in your list of top 35 disability parenting podcasts!!***This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery).Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

If your child is 18+ they can and should vote! This episode is about how we can support people with intellectual disabilities through the voting process. Plus, a good ol' rant about our current bizarro political landscape. Links mentioned in this episode -Elections Canada Voter Registration -Elections Ontario Voter Registration -The Ontario Register of Future Voters is designed for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds so that they will automatically be added to the Register when they turn 18. Register Here -How to get an Ontario Photo Card *** This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

This is something new... something we've wanted to try for a while and we finally did it! Avery recorded most of this episode entirely on her own! Take THAT speech delay. Avery answered five questions about life, in her own words. She kept her answers brief (unlike her blabby co-host) and the results were short and sweet. We'll definitely do this again soon. This young lady has a lot to say. *** This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

This episode is from over two years ago. I'm resharing now because I'm still in the same place, struggling with the same dilemma. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the magic of the holidays and all the merry traditions. But, I'm not a huge fan of the "festive fibs" families and caregivers tell in order to keep the story of Santa and the other holiday characters alive. It just doesn't sit well with me. But neither does spoiling it and robbing my adult child, who has an intellectual disability, from the joy she experiences during the holidays. I'd love to hear about YOUR experience with all of this. Help a jolly mama out. What are your thoughts? *** This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

We have a very special guest joining us on World Diabetes Day. My BFF (who I definitely didn’t have to bully or strong-arm into this) joins us to share her family’s journey through her daughter’s Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis—in the middle of the chaos of Covid, no less! Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and maybe a couple of laughs at how life sometimes throws everything at you all at once. *** This podcast was recorded in Garage Band and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Since it's Halloween, I thought I'd tackle one of the scariest monsters out there—the future. As a mom of a child with disabilities, the unknowns can be downright haunting. So, I wrote a little ghost story inspired by my life as a disability parent—a tale full of bone-chilling doctor's appointments, eerie government forms, and the endless maze of support services. I’ll warn you now: this episode has it all. My over dramatic reading voice? Check. Some awkward sound effects? Yep. A cringe attempt at a witch's cackle? You bet!. But hey, it’s Halloween so I thought, what the hell(fire)? So grab your pumpkin spice latte, find a cozy spot, and join me… if you dare! *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Happy "World Menopause Day!" Wait, is it happy? Or is it more sweaty? Either way, this episode is a little TMI about my own experience with perimenopause and menopause. And, how it affects me, as a parent of a kiddo with disabilities. Sorry in advance for my weird reading voice. Clearly I won't be hired as a narrator at Audible any time soon. *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Join us on the aVery Bright Life podcast as we explore the love/hate relationship parents have with technology, especially when raising kids with developmental disabilities. This episode is about the challenges of dopamine addiction linked to screen time, and a personal experience with Avery. Whether you're navigating the tech in daily life or seeking a healthier balance in your family's tech use, tune in for some practical strategies for creating tech-free zones, reducing screen time, and swapping out fast-paced content for more mindful media. *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

In this episode, I’m catching you up on Avery’s summer camp experience, a sleep study that uncovered some unexpected news, and the frustration of having her surgery canceled last minute due to a nursing shortage. I’m sharing what we’ve been navigating as a family and how we’re finding ways to keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned. *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

In a nutshell this episode is about how brave Avery's parents are for dropping her off at camp. LOL! It's also about Avery's upcoming surgery. And... a bit of a Debbie Downer moment about what I'm worried about and obsessively researching at the moment. I thought I'd share it with you in case you'd like to join me in worrying about this thing that currently, we have no control over, BUT if we put our heads together, maybe we can come up with a plan? Also, get a load of who did the intro and joke in this episode in Avery's absence! *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

This camper is headed off to summer camp... sleep away camp! Ohmygod I'm nervous. This is a first for us. But it's going to be great. We've got this. We've done the research and chatted with our friend, Mabels Labels, Julie Cole. Julie shared her expert packing tips and some valuable "camp for newbie parents" insights. Grab your flashlight and some bug spray and let's do this! *** Mentioned in this episode: Julie Cole Talii Towels Julie Cole’s Ultimate Guide to Camp-eBook *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Content Warning: I share some unpleasant/hateful comments left on our Instagram page. This is not what we had planned for our 100th episode. In fact, I had a really creative and "inspiring" episode planned. But for the reasons mentioned in this episode, it didn't happen. So here we are. Please enjoy this episode where we share a few things learned throughout the course of 100 episodes. And I try to stay on topic. Maybe I'll finally master that by our 200th episode. :) *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

For Rare Chromosome & Gene Disorder Awareness Day I put on my scientist hat (I'm not a scientist... I barely passed high school chemistry class!) and share... in VERY basic terms... what we've learned about chromosomes and genes and how it all relates to rare genetic disorders like Avery's. *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes)

Avery's big brother aka "Bruh" talks about growing up with a sibling who has disabilities. He also shares how he views the future as a 'lion hearted' trustee in Avery's Microboard. *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor messaging button⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

In this ode to Mother's Day and Nurse's week, I share how my mom was the original mama bear (I learned from the best) and talk about nurses and their "secret magic." I also over-share why my husband had to take a flashlight to my undercarriage. 🧐 Avery independently recorded and edited her own jokes this week and recorded a brief segment on what she loves about her mom. 😍 *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor messaging button⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

If you have a child with developmental disabilities, you might want to check out cheerleading. This sport is active, accessible, inclusive, empowering, highly social, and a lot of fun. In this episode we talk about our experience with cheer and Avery hops on to explain what she loves about this sport. This episode was prerecorded and will air on the day Avery's team competes at the World Cheer Competition in Florida. Go Team Canada!! *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor messaging button⁠⁠⁠⁠! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

I'm feeling a little "meh" lately. Not happy, not sad. Just flat. Maybe you can relate? *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our ⁠⁠⁠podcast page⁠⁠⁠. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠Anchor messaging button⁠⁠⁠! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

I don't love talking about the dark stuff. But I feel like the more we know, the better prepared we are to protect our vulnerable kids. *Content Warning—not for younger or sensitive listeners. *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our ⁠⁠podcast page⁠⁠. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠Anchor messaging button⁠⁠! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

We're reposting an old episode this week. Mama's got a sore throat and sounds like a toad, so Avery is helping out with the intro. Please enjoy this happy little episode from 2021. *** Hey! It's Sponge Lisa Tight Pants here. We spongey empath types tend to soak up the vibe around us so when the world is hurting, we hurt too. So, in an effort to avoid dwelling on the dark and heavy feelings, we're trying to highlight some of the bright, fluffy, happy, cute things that are all around us.  Based on the popular and positive TikTok trend where people are listing the little inconsequential things that people do that make them happy, this is our list. We'd love to hear what little human (or animal) behaviours bring you joy.  Read: ⁠Sponge Lisa Tight Pants⁠ *** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery) Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠averybrightlife.com⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠@LisaThornbury⁠ Facebook: ⁠aVERY Bright life⁠ (formerly Forever In Mom Genes) Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our ⁠podcast page⁠. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠Anchor messaging button⁠! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

Kelley wrote the book we've all needed! It's going to become a go-to handbook for so many parents. I wish there had been something like it when we were starting out on our disability parenting journey. I felt pretty alone and lost back then (and still feel that way from time to time, even now). This book is going to spare so many parents from that feeling. I hope you'll have a listen to this longer than usual episode. We talk about the book, get to know more about Kelley (spoiler alert: she's awesome), and connect over our mutual love of tacos and to-do lists. Visit Kelley here: kelleycoleman.com Order her book here: amazon.ca **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify for Podcasters Message Button⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

Phone conversations and video calls, especially for folks with communication disorders and developmental disabilities, can feel awkward and frustrating. We have some strategies that have really helped us over here, so we’re sharing them here. Plus, Avery pops in to share a bit about herself while demonstrating how to use "magic words." FYI... She recorded this segment completely independently! Get your FREE and fully editable Chat Chart here **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify for Podcasters Message Button⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜

What is my problem? Why do your word choices affect me? And why does it bug me? I think I know and it doesn’t exactly paint me in the best light. But, I’m going to tell it like it is because maybe you feel the same way as I do. Or maybe you've seen me go off about certain terms and you think, “What a total Karen McJudgey Pants.” I don’t blame you. But maybe if you hear why I react like this, it’ll make sense? Let’s talk about it and see where we all land on this. *Adult Language Mentioned in this episode: I've Had It Podcast: Jan 4/24 (And agreed! "Brekkie" is the worst!) ABL Episode 2-Not Special ABL Episode 69-New (to us) Disability Language **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify for Podcasters Message Button⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

Have you ever felt, not fake exactly, but maybe a little extra? I've felt like this about epilepsy over the years. But I'm not an imposter, especially after what happened last week. This episode isn't particularly "sweary" but I still put an explicit rating on it because I talk about seizures, which can be upsetting for younger listeners (and 53 year old moms). **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠⁠ Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify for Podcasters Message Button⁠⁠⁠⁠. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

Create your own Seizure Action Plan (SAP) or Medical Action Plan using our free customizable template. In this episode we also talk about our list of go-to "Carrot Shows", which are movies and tv shows that are somewhat nutritious for kids' brains, and a fairly entertaining break from their fave "Sugar Shows." We end the episode talking about why Lisa isn't a total Grinch, even though she's not giving gifts this year. Well, with the exception of THESE gifts. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠⁠ Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠⁠Spotify for Podcasters Message Button⁠⁠⁠. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

*Trigger Warning for childhood trauma I think everyone has traumatic events in their past that play a part in shaping who they are as adults and even how they parent. There were two specific tragedies that happened when I was young. Once you hear what they are, you might better understand why I am the way I am... spoiler alert—over-protective to the max. In this mish-mash episode I talk about that and also about some of the ways I question my parenting. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠⁠averybrightlife.com⁠⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠aVERY Bright life⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠@LisaThornbury⁠⁠ Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠⁠Spotify for Podcasters Message Button⁠⁠. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

⁠Do I know what I'm doing? Not really. But am I trying to figure it out? Of course! Raising a child with developmental disabilities is a life full of love, but it isn't always easy. Especially when information and resources and supports are all over the place and the red tape is thick. In this shortie episode I share how none of us really know what we're doing. And THIS is why I'm on a mission to share the good stuff whenever I stumble upon it. Mentioned in the episode: @MomentsOfJoyPodcast Instagram reel 😢 **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at ⁠averybrightlife.com⁠. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: ⁠@LisaThornbury⁠ Facebook: ⁠aVERY Bright life⁠ Twitter: ⁠@LisaThornbury⁠ Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the ⁠Spotify for Podcasters Message Button⁠. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

We've all heard of PTSD, but have you heard of CTSD or C-PTSD? The "C" has historically stood for "Complex." Some parents have added "Chronic" to the definition. Whether it's lingering trauma to varying degrees or persistent worry about the future, many caregivers live with an unhealthy level of anxiety. And though the stress is often warranted, it needs to be managed. Let's chat about it. Links Mentioned In This Episode: @Open_Future_Learning's Instagram Post Erica's Instagram post about the FREE GreenShield Cares Women’s Mental Health Program Where and How To Sign Up For This FREE Therapy Program **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

Most men are lovely. But sadly, a handful of them are dangerous. We've happened upon a few of those ones recently so I've had to explain to my daughter HOW and WHY she always needs to be cautious. I hate this for her. For all girls. But this is what we do as parents (especially as mamas of daughters with disabilities). We teach them as best we can to keep them as safe as possible. Even if it means forgoing a bike ride into the woods because there's a "creepy" man in there. Also, are you as afraid of rodents as I am? Probably not. Outside animals need to stay OUTSIDE. And. cats are a-holes. ⁠Episode 9. Keeping Our Kids Safe: Abuse In The Disability Community⁠ **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

We're baaaaaack and starting this season off with a topic that's been on my mind for a while... inclusion. Seems like a positive topic, right? WRONG. I mean, the idea of inclusion is on the right track, but actual inclusion? It's a bit of an illusion sometimes. But it doesn't have to be that way... **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchiness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

"Disability Parent Advocate Life" can feel exhausting. But then sh*t like this happens and it's all so worth it. In this episode we share the thing... the pretty incredible thing that happened as a result of this little podcast. PLUS... heads up, we've gone fishing. Not literally because we don't fish. But we've taken off for the summer to rest, relax, work (Avery has a job) and do all the summery things (minus actual fishing). See you back here with bells on, September 7th! Mentioned In This Episode: Ep 80 Data Discrimination **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

It’s shocking when you witness hateful people revealing themselves. And it’s gross to know that many of them are parents because… hate is learned. Kids aren’t born like that. They LEARN to hate and to discriminate by listening to and watching their parents. In this episode we tackle the topic of how intellectually and developmentally disabled people often view dating, gender labels, and "ONE LOVE". It's a lesson EVERYONE can learn from. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

For disabled teens and adults, having a cell phone goes beyond just convenience or entertainment—it can be a lifeline to independence, safety and #accessibility. Shame on Canadian cell carriers for making cell/data plans inaccessible for so many families. There are ways to remove this financial barrier to what should be a fundamental right. Let's talk about it. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

We don't mean to be "Momsters." Our intentions are good, but overstepping and taking over isn't doing anyone any favours. Do you recognize yourself here? Acknowledging that we "occasionally" do this, is the first step in maybe letting go of the reins a little. Mentioned in this episode: I've Had It Podcast (so good, so relatable and so hilarious!) **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

This idea for this episode came from a new comment left on an old post I wrote a decade ago. It was a story about a mom and daughter out doing their thing in the world and feeling stung by the judgement of others. Reading it years later, from a new perspective, I can see how our behaviour could be perceived as entitled or at least annoying. Comments about that I can handle. But the comment left by a stranger based in ableist bigoted hatred? That I can’t handle. So I’m calling it out because for every “Ham Sandwich Human,” there are a hundred people who think like him, but just don’t say it out loud. Warning: Adult Language **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

In the words of the Bare Naked Ladies, haven't you always wanted a monkey? Be careful what you wish for though because monkeys are difficult. Especially the thirsty ones. Know what I mean? No? Have a listen to this episode and see if you might also have a thirsty caged monkey (or ten) in your basement. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury (with assistance from Avery Thornbury). Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

It's our 2 year podiversary! So today we're sharing some behind the scenes insights into this podcast and podcasting in general. At the 24 minute mark Lisa attempts to explain how anyone can create their own podcast easily and for free. Thank you for listening today and for the past two years! We're excited to embark on year three! Giddy-up. Let's do this thing! As mentioned in this episode: Please let us know what disability family focussed podcasts we should add to the growing list on our resource page HERE Check out the She 2.0 Podcast HERE **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, neurodivergent, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster, disability podcast, special needs podcast

Kermit claims it's not easy being green. I challenge him to try being purple for a minute. "Purple People" live with epilepsy—they either have the neurological disorder themselves, or they love somebody who does. This is our second epilepsy focussed episode, which includes a ten question quiz to test your epilepsy knowledge. Our hope is that by sharing what we're learning, we can help get people talking, thinking and caring about epilepsy. Our guest Lisa Gray joins us to share her personal connection to epilepsy and talks about her role at ⁠epilepsy.ca⁠. Thank you Epilepsy Canada for partnering with us for this very special episode in honour of Epilepsy Awareness Month. 💜 ⁠Episode 44: All About Epilepsy⁠ ⁠Faces of Epilepsy⁠ ⁠Podcast: Seizing Life⁠ ⁠Ways to take action⁠ **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

This episode is about FEAR. But don’t be afraid, there's hope. And answers. And possible solutions. Fear is a normal part of life, especially for parents and disability parents in particular. I hope by sharing some of MY fears, you’ll feel seen and less alone. Because navigating this disability family life can be scary. Let’s do this together!  **** 🕶 On the blog... Stair Scare 🕶 Ruth Soukup: The 7 Fear Archetypes And How Figure Out Yours 🎙Huberman Lab: How To Breathe Correctly  📷 Avery's fall... Instagram Post 🕶 When Your Child Chokes **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Spotify for Podcasters Message Button. We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Covid finally got us, but Avery did great. Phew. Who knew I'd be the one to struggle? Hi. It's me. I'm the problem, it's me. This episode is a story time about our Covid experience with a (gross) peak into where we think it got us. *Trigger warning for those with a strong gag reflex. Avery and I also demonstrate the emergency skill everyone should teach their kids. It's not pleasant to talk about, but it's important to empower all kids, typical and atypical, with the information they need to be able to handle medical emergencies and to get help fast. **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Avery joins me for the first eight minutes of this episode. For someone with a profound speech disorder, chatting for eight solid minutes in no small feat. She answers three important questions and then makes an exciting announcement. I'm so proud of this kiddo. Wait, she's no longer a kid. She's a teen heading toward 18 and young adulthood and everything that involves. And it's why we talk about the DSO application in this episode. If your child is 16 and you live in Ontario (I'm assuming other provinces have similar funding and support programs?) it's time to get the ball rolling. It's intimidating and I CAN NOT help you because I'm clueless. However, Avery and I are sussing it out and we'll be back to share some useful step-by-steps. Slap Those Spuds—Embarrassing Parenting Moments (I feel so bad about that lady's flattened spud mound. May it rest in peas and carrots.) Carrot Show-TV shows and social media that feeds your brain / Candy Show-media that is just for fun and has no educational value / Cracker Show- somewhere in between.  **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

This episode is a little vulnerable so... be gentle with me. It starts with my advice on the two best places for families to find support and community for whatever they're going through. And it ends with an apology—or more accurately, an admission of guilt and an explanation for my behaviour.  **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

This episode is a few stories, strung together, from personal experience as a party mama. Some are happy. Some are sad. Some just make me mad. For parents of kids with disabilities, party invitations (or lack of) can be problematic.  I’m sharing because you might relate. Also, hearing about our experiences (though... I didn't handle some of these situations well) might help you better prepare for similar experiences, if and when they come up for you. So as we said in the 80s…party on dudes! **** Links mentioned in this episode:  🕶 Blog Posts About Parties, Inclusion, Being Invited and Not Being Invited...  🕶 Disability Script 🕶 How To Authentically Introduce Your Atypical Child To Typical Peers **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Here are a few NEW (to us) or updated words related to disability we're trying to use in place of the outdated phrases used in the past. I'm not perfect and I still make mistakes. But, I thought while I'm learning and evolving (language wise anyway) I'd share in case these are new to you too.  Rated Explicit because of a tiny f-bomb near the end... in the outtakes.  **** Avery's Joke: "How much does it cost Santa to park his sleigh?" "Nothing, it's on the house." **** Links mentioned in this episode:  🕶 Why Does the term Special Needs Still Exist?  🎙 Ep 2 Not Special 🕶 Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & Definitions 🕶Independence VS Interdependence: @open_future_learning ✎ Stop the export of live horses 🇨🇦 😢 **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Our goal as parents is to give our kids the skills they'll need to live as independently as possible. In this episode we share four fabulous tools that help do just that. We chat about: Smart Watches and air tags Disability Introduction Cards Mydoh (this episode's awesome sponsor!)  PFOs aka "Planted Friendly Observers" These tools make up part of our ever growing Life Skills Toolkit. We think each of them is a winner winner chicken dinner! Mmmmm chicken... (this random reference will make sense when you listed to the chicken restaurant story. I'm still laughing. And licking my greasy fingers).  Be sure to visit the Mydoh website to learn more and to start a FREE trial. If you end up joining, you can use the code AveryBrightLife10 (code expires Dec. 31, 2022) to get $10 added to your account to get you started.  **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

The title doesn't explain what this episode is about at all. I'm terrible at titles. This episode is about how freaking hard it is to let our disabled teens shop or run errands independently. I give examples of WHY it's problematic (and dangerous at times) and what we're doing to make it work.  Here's the Insta Reel where I follow Avery and her friends to the store so she can shop independently, but safely. Episode 9: Abuse In The Disability Community **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us on Instagram or send us an email. Or, show off your techie prowess and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Five friends join in on this episode to share some of the remarks made about them in the past that have been impossible to shake. We should never be commenting on people's bodies, appearances, mannerisms, differences or anything really.  This is also the episode where I talk about how to effectively and respectfully address our kids' questions about differences when we're out in public. And I also may burst into some Quiet Riot.  As mentioned in this episode: @ableismistrash **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our podcast page. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Disability mamas and parents in general have a lot going on and we don't have a lot of extra mental space to work with. This episode is about the 10 ways I've found to help clear out some of the clutter and free up some much needed head space. * Adult Language Gift Hiding Hack **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our podcast page. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Sometimes parents of kids with disabilities, or all parents I'm assuming, struggle with when it's appropriate to step in and went to step back. I personally really struggle with this. These are my thoughts about when stepping in is helpful for our kids and peers who might need some insight into how to interact positively with people with disabilities. And when we should step back and let our kids figure it out. Links Mentioned In This Episode: Sometimes I Speak For My Disabled Child And Here's Why How To Authentically Introduce Your Atypical Child To Typical Peers Put A Disabilities Script In Your Parenting Toolbox **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our podcast page. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster

Reflections on some self-care attempts—exposing which went well and which crashed and burned. This episode is longer than most, but I had a lot to talk about. Not all of it is flattering, but nobody wants sunshine all the time. Some days it rains. Which helps the flowers grow, er, whatever. You know what I mean. LOL!  Links mentioned in this episode: Self-Care for Caregivers How-To  The Insomnia Project Podcast  How to send all unwanted cell calls straight to voicemail The End Of My Booze Cruise **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: averybrightlife@gmail.com Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our podcast page. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: mental health, take a break, self care, burned out, disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster