In this episode, host Oneness Sankara shares how a personal family story became a spoken word musical through community workshops and collective storytelling.

From poetic notes born of isolation and exhaustion → conversations with SEND parents → first public sharing at Certain Blacks Afro Future Festival- to the being joined by and amazing creative team to rehearse and develop the piece and share at The Albany Deptford.

You'll hear:
• The moment her story became bigger than one family
• Why theatre (not blog/talks) was right
• How she protected privacy while staying authentic
• Research themes: isolation, fighting systems, fear for futures
• Why spoken word musical (X-Men revelation included)

SHOW NOTES:

About T21 Alchemy (the play):
Spoken word musical exploring disability parenting, inclusion and African Caribbean British identity through a mother raising a T21 child.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to T21 Alchemy - the play
02:30 Why this story needed telling
05:45 Isolation disability parents face
08:20 From poetic notes → full play
11:15 Themes: unheard, judged, fighting systems
14:30 Why theatre? Collective power
17:00 Spoken word musical format
19:45 Personal vs community voices
22:30 Protecting family/community
25:00 Afro Future Festival debut (clip)
27:15 X-Men moment: possibility in diagnosis

R&D CREATIVES
Writer/Performer: Oneness Sankara
BSL Performer: Jacqui Beckford
Dramaturg: Kwame Kwei-Armah
Director: Matthew Xia
Composer: Christella Litras
Producer: Michaela Waldram-Jones


Key Themes:
Disability parenting • African Caribbean identity • Theatre as activism • Creative process

Connect:
Instagram: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor
www.onenesssankara.com

Supported by Arts Council England
T21 Alchemy podcast episodes and theatre R&D supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram

Beyond the Paperwork: Celebrating Our Extraordinary Ordinary Kids | T21 Alchemy

Dragons on buses, bank card heists, hydrogen peroxide interrogations—this is the joy we're fighting for.

Host Oneness Sankara shares candid conversations with her son (who has T21), flipping the script from advocacy fatigue to family brilliance. While other episodes tackle systems and struggle, E3 centres the chaotic, funny, precious moments that make parenting magic.

What happens:

• Bank card heist: independence meets audacity
• Hydrogen peroxide deep dive + dragons on London buses
• Rock collections + "Mummy dashed me out!" origin story
• Singing Hands memories + www.singinghands.com phase
• T21 Alchemy play excerpt
• Why admin shouldn't steal childhoods

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro with son
02:30 Celebrating joy over struggle
05:15 Bank card heist story
09:40 Singing Hands memories
12:20 Apedemak conversations
18:45 Ordinary moments matter
20:30 T21 Alchemy play excerpt
22:15 Afro-touching moment
23:00 Don't let admin steal childhoods

Key Themes:
Extraordinary ordinariness - Joy amid advocacy - Kids' brilliance - Systems vs family time

Resources:
Singing Hands (Makaton) - Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Connect: @t21alchemy
Share your child's stories!

Supported by Arts Council England
T21 Alchemy podcast episodes and theatre R&D supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

#DownSyndrome #T21 #SENDFamilies #Inclusion #Parenting

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram

Host Oneness Sankara talks with speech therapist Cathy Johnston from the Lejeune Clinic about what parents really need to know about communication for children with Down syndrome (T21).

What you'll learn:

• Speech vs communication—and why the difference changes everything
• Why speech carries such heavy emotional weight for families
• The anatomy behind Down syndrome speech challenges
• When "early intervention" actually starts (it's simpler than you think)
• Practical home tools: Makaton, visual supports, parent-child interaction
• Neuroplasticity truth: there's no "missed boat" for your child

Key takeaways:

• Your child communicates constantly, even without words
• Parent interaction > formal therapy for language growth
• Communication is everyone's job, not just yours
• You're doing enough. You're not alone.

Resources: Lejeune Clinic - Makaton - Hanen "It Takes Two to Talk" - Speech and Language UK

About Cathy Johnston: 20+ years as speech therapist specialising in under-5s with Down syndrome. Works with Lejeune Clinic + NHS, focusing on early intervention and family support.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:53 Cathy Johnston introduction
02:40 Kathy's background
05:17 Parents' biggest communication worries
11:00 Speech vs communication
15:20 Why speech matters emotionally
20:00 Speech-biased society
23:00 Rhythm, music, vocalizing
27:00 Speech anatomy
30:00 Down syndrome speech challenges
32:00 Brain development/neuroplasticity
35:00 Early intervention reality
38:00 Parent advocacy balance
42:00 Communication as team effort
52:00 Makaton + visual tools
55:00 Parent-child interaction
60:00 Closing reassurance

#DownSyndrome #T21 #SpeechTherapy #SEND #Parenting

Resources Mentioned:

• Lejeune Clinic: www.lejeuneclinic.com
• Makaton:https: www.makaton.org
• See and Learn: www.seeandlearn.com
• Hanen Program (It Takes Two to Talk): www.hanen.org
• Speech and Language UK: www.speechandlanguage.org.uk

Part of T21 Alchemy: Black SEND parenting, disability inclusion, and theatre storytelling.
Instagram: @t21alchemy

Supported by Arts Council England
T21 Alchemy podcast episodes and theatre R&D supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram

Welcome to the T21 Alchemy Podcast; where lived experience meets creativity, advocacy, and radical inclusion.

In this debut episode of a brand new season, host Oneness Sankara introduces a groundbreaking creative project born from her journey as a mother to a phenomenal 8-year-old with Down Syndrome (T21). This podcast sits alongside a developing play, exploring disability, parenting, and inclusion through real stories and conversations.

In Episode 1, you'll discover:

• The moment that sparked the T21 Alchemy play
• Why representation matters: the absence of Black and Brown families in Down Syndrome narratives
• How Malcolm Gladwell's research on talent and achievement challenged everything about "developmental delays"
• The self-fulfilling prophecy of low expectations in disability education
• Why early milestones don't determine success
• A powerful excerpt from the play confronting ignorance and ableism

This podcast is for:
Parents, carers, educators, allies, and anyone committed to a more inclusive world that centres disabled families and communities.

About the Host: Oneness Sankara is an artist, advocate, and mother using creativity as a tool for liberation and systemic change.

📌 Subscribe for upcoming episodes featuring play excerpts, conversations with SEND families, and deep dives into community, dignity, and access.

#T21Alchemy #DownSyndrome #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #SENDFamilies #BlackDisability #CreativeActivism

Note: This episode contains a single instance of mild language within an excerpt from the play.

Supported by Arts Council England
T21 Alchemy podcast episodes and theatre R&D supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram

This episode is a part of the T21 Alchemy Series, where we blend the magic of diversity, special needs, and conscious parenting to create a brighter, more inclusive world.


In this special bonus episode, we're lean into the transformative power of challenging our own perceptions and biases. Join me on a brief yet impactful journey as I share my personal experiences and insights on making a difference, one person at a time.

**Key Takeaways:**

1. The Ripple Effect: Learn how every small effort can create a ripple that leads to a more inclusive world. By challenging our own perceptions, we set an example for others to follow.

2. Walking in Someone Else's Shoes: I'll share an important moment from my own life where I confronted my own biases and stereotypes, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.

3. Practical Steps: Discover a practical step for breaking free from preconceived notions, embracing diversity, and actively contributing to a more inclusive society.

4. Your Role: Understand the significant impact each one of us can have in breaking down barriers and fostering a more open-minded, accepting world.

Join me in this short, thought-provoking episode as we collectively take steps to shatter stereotypes and build an inclusive world, one perception at a time. Together, we can make a difference.

Jingles by @jb.rose.singing.vegan.mum
Episode Ad libs by Apedemak Sankara

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram

This episode is a part of the T21 Alchemy Series, where we blend the magic of diversity, special needs, and conscious parenting to create a brighter, more inclusive world.

In this brief and uplifting episode of T21 Alchemy Series, we're celebrating the magic of small wins and the incredible power of humour. Join me for a quick dose of joy as I share personal anecdotes that highlight the beauty of embracing these moments.

**Key Discussion Points:**

1. Embracing the Little Victories:** I share personal examples of small but significant milestones. These brief moments of triumph are truly worth celebrating.

2. Humor's Healing Touch: In facing the ups and downs of our journey's it is illustrated how laughter can be a source of strength.

3.Positivity in a Nutshell: Discover how recognising little wins can create a positive and supportive atmosphere, making these brief moments of celebration even more special.


This short episode is a burst of joy, emphasizing the beauty of every small win and the touch of laughter. Join us for a dose of positivity and celebration in a brief yet delightful journey.

Tune in, and let's share the magic of small wins and the joy of laughter. 🎙️🌟

Jingles by @jb.rose.singing.vegan.mum
Episode Ad libs by Apedemak Sankara

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram

This episode is a part of the T21 Alchemy Series, where we blend the magic of diversity, special needs, and conscious parenting to create a brighter, more inclusive world.

Embark on a riveting episode as Amber Rojas unfolds her amazing journey including extraordinary impact of her daughter's birth video; which went viral. We explore the layers of strength, healing, and the profound power of love in the face of adversity.

From Viral Births to Healing Hearts: A Journey of Love and Power with Amber Rojas

Key Discussion Points

1. Viral Births and Beyond:

Amber shares the intimate story behind the viral video of her daughter Amadeus's birth. Delve into the emotions, challenges, and unexpected moments that defined her multiple birth journeys.

2. Navigating a Heart Operation:

Hear firsthand about what it took to navigate a child's heart operation. Amber takes us through the highs, the lows, and everything inbetween

3. Handling Haters with Grace:

Being in the public eye, Amber discusses the challenges of handling the negativity from detractors and social media haters . Discover how she manages to rise above the noise, maintaining a positive outlook focused on what's best for Amadeus and the rest of her family.

4. Balancing Motherhood:

As a single mother raising five children, one with Down syndrome, Amber sheds light on the distinctive challenges and joys of motherhood. Discover her insights into creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all her children, especially Amadeus.

5. Lessons in Advocacy and Community Building:

Amber is a beacon of support within the special needs community. From cohosting virtual events to launching the "Diversity and Down" podcast, discover the lessons she's learned about advocacy, fostering community, and the transformative power of "getting comfortable by being uncomfortable."

Tune in for an emotional and empowering conversation that transcends the ordinary, as we explore the depths of Amber Rojas' journey—a journey marked by viral moments, heartfelt challenges, and the triumph of love with her beautiful family.

Follow Amber @justwhenyouthinkshesdown
Jingles by @jb.rose.singing.vegan.mum

Episode Ad libs by Apedemak Sankara

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram

This episode is a part of the T21 Alchemy Series, where we blend the magic of diversity, special needs, and conscious parenting to create a brighter, more inclusive world.

In this heartfelt episode of The Purpose Pod: T21 Alchemy Series, we delve into the profound significance of cultivating inclusive communities for individuals with disabilities and their loved ones. Join us as we explore the transformative power of being seen and the freedom to express oneself without the need for apologies or explanations.

Key Discussion Point

This discussion highlights the importance of embracing authenticity and fostering environments where individuals feel empowered to express themselves without the burden of societal expectations or the need to justify their existence.

Tune in as we celebrate the beauty of inclusive communities and the freedom to express oneself authentically, fostering a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued for their unique contributions.

Jingles by @jb.rose.singing.vegan.mum
Episode Ad libs by Apedemak Sankara

Support the show

Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram