“You belong here, as you are, who you are. Come be in this place with us.” Down syndrome advocate and author Heather Avis joins Amy Julia to talk about the importance of people with Down syndrome, celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and creating spaces of belovedness and belonging. __ Guest Bio: “Founder of The Lucky Few and The Lucky Few Foundation, Heather Avis is a New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and Down syndrome advocate, working to create a more inclusive world where everyone belongs.” __ Connect Online: heatheravis.comFoundation: theluckyfewfoundation.orgPodcast: theluckyfewpodcast.comInstagram: @theluckyfewfoundation; @theluckyfewofficialFacebook: @theluckyfewfoundation__ On the Podcast: Heather's books: Everyone Belongs;  Different--A Great Thing to Be!; The Lucky Few: Finding God's Best in the Most Unlikely Places;  Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone BelongsPodcast episode: 171. What does belonging actually mean? (Storytelling Tour Recap with Heather + Josh Avis!)Study: Disabilities in Newbery Books Newbery Award Winning Books 1975–2009: How Do They Portray Disabilities?Books: Wonder; Fish in a Tree; Counting by 7s; Out of My Mind; A Storm of StrawberriesCamp: Hope Heals CampVerse: Psalms 139:14For full show notes, transcript, and more, go to: amyjuliabecker.com/heather-avis/ __ BOOK GIVEAWAY: I’m joining Heather and other moms of kids with Down syndrome over on Instagram to give away our favorite picture books and memoirs in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness month. You can find all the details on my October 5, 2022, Instagram post @amyjuliabecker. __ Season 6 of the Love Is Stronger Than Fear podcast connects to themes in my latest book, To Be Made Well, which you can order here! Learn more about my writing and speaking at amyjuliabecker.com. __ *A transcript of this episode will be available soon, as well as a video with closed captions on my Connect with me: Instagram Facebook Twitter Website Thanks for listening!