In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, Sarah Soell sits down with longtime friend of DSACO, race ambassador, coach, and event emcee Mark Bravo to talk all things 2026 Down Syndrome Festival & 5K.

Mark shares how he first became involved with DSACO, what keeps him coming back year after year, and why he believes this event has the power to change lives. Together, Sarah and Mark walk through everything you need to know before race day—from the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run to the Awareness Walk and festival activities that bring thousands of people together in celebration of inclusion.

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a first-time participant, a team captain, or simply someone looking to support an incredible cause, this episode will inspire you to join us on September 26 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

In This Episode

• How Mark Bravo became involved with DSACO and the Festival & 5K
• Why this event impacts so many families and community members
• Tips for first-time 5K participants
• What to expect from the 1-Mile Fun Run and Awareness Walk
• Festival highlights and family-friendly activities
• How to participate through the Virtual 5K from anywhere
• Why everyone has a place at the Down Syndrome Festival & 5K

Event Details

Saturday, September 26, 2026 Myriad Botanical Gardens | Oklahoma City, OK

Schedule

• 7:00–8:00 AM – Registration & Check-In
• 8:00 AM – 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
• 9:45 AM – Awareness Walk
• 10:00 AM – Festival Begins
• 11:30 AM – Raffle Drawings

Register Today

Visit dsfestivaland5k.com to:

• Register for the 5K
• Sign up for the 1-Mile Fun Run
• Start or join a fundraising team
• Make a donation
• Learn more about the festival

Connect with DSACO

Website: dsaco.org Email: info@dsaco.org

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, we sit down with Wyatt from British Swim School to talk all about swim safety, adaptive swim lessons, and the importance of water confidence for individuals with Down syndrome.

As summer begins and families spend more time around pools, lakes, and water parks, this conversation is an important reminder that water safety can truly save lives. Wyatt shares practical tips for parents, discusses how swim lessons can be adapted for different learning styles, and explains why swimming is such an important life skill for self-advocates.

You may remember Wyatt from our Spring Break Swim Camp with DSACO, and we were so excited to bring him onto the podcast to continue this important conversation!

In this episode, we discuss:

💦 Why swim safety is especially important for individuals with Down syndrome

💦 Adaptive teaching techniques and building confidence in the water

💦 Safety skills every child should know

💦 How parents can reinforce water safety at home

💦 The lifelong benefits of swimming and water confidence

Thank you to Wyatt and British Swim School for joining us and helping educate our community on such an important topic.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

🔗 Learn more about British Swim School: https://britishswimschool.com/central-okc-norman/

Be sure to share this episode with another family who could benefit from these important swim safety tips this summer!

Communication is a human right, and on today’s episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, we’re taking a closer look at the upcoming Inclusive Communication Conference. We’re joined by the individuals helping bring this meaningful event to life as we discuss the inspiration behind the conference, the importance of accessible and inclusive communication, and how creating spaces where everyone has a voice can make a lasting impact.

Throughout this episode, we dive into how communication goes far beyond spoken words and why access to communication should be available to everyone. We also discuss who the conference is designed for, what attendees can expect throughout the event, and why these conversations are important for families, educators, professionals, self-advocates, and community members alike.

The Inclusive Communication Conference is focused on building awareness, sharing resources, and providing practical tools that support inclusive learning and communication practices. This event creates opportunities to connect, learn from others, and continue growing a more inclusive community where every voice matters.

Interested in attending? Learn more and register here: dsaco.org/icc

And make sure you listen all the way through this episode because there’s a special discount code hidden in the podcast that you won’t want to miss!