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Where The Ramp Ends

Where The Ramp Ends

Written by: Where The Ramp Ends
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 Where the Ramp Ends is a podcast about disability, inclusion, and what happens when good intentions meet real life. Hosted by Summer Parrish and Bryce Wooten, the show centers lived experience, honest conversation, and the voices of people with disabilities, family members, and advocates working to change systems—not just optics. From policy and history to parenting, culture, and everyday barriers, we talk about what inclusion actually looks like when the ramp ends and real access begins.Where The Ramp Ends Social Sciences
Episodes
  • From Dominating Ironman Races to Building a Movement—Kyle Pease’s Blueprint for Making a Difference

    From Dominating Ironman Races to Building a Movement—Kyle Pease’s Blueprint for Making a Difference
    May 6 2026

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    Most people view success as a straight line — but Kyle Pease's story proves it’s a vibrant, unpredictable journey filled with resilience, love, and breakthroughs. When you're told you're never supposed to achieve what you dream of, Kyle flips the script, showing that passion and grit rewrite expectations every single day. If you're ready to embrace your true potential despite the odds, this episode is your wake-up call.Kyle Pease, a lifelong wheelchair user and Ironman champion, shares how his relentless pursuit of inclusion has transformed not only his life but inspired thousands. From training with Skittles and potato chips to conquering Hawaii’s toughest race, his journey reveals the power of perseverance and community. Kyle dives into how he’s built a foundation that’s helped over 4,000 families—and why asking for help, investing in mental health, and embracing independence are pivotal lessons for us all.You'll discover: Kyle's groundbreaking approach to navigating daily life with cerebral palsy, including independent travel on Atlanta’s Marta system and turning societal misconceptions into opportunities for growth. He reveals the significance of caregivers as family, the emotional highs of crossing an Ironman finish line, and why every obstacle is an invitation to prove what’s possible. Plus, insights on fostering inclusion, the importance of role models, and how a mindset focused on love and hope sparks extraordinary achievements.Living with a disability doesn’t mean living on the sidelines — it means breaking barriers, rewriting success stories, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger. Whether you're a caregiver, athlete, parent, or someone seeking to unlock your own potential, this episode offers radical optimism and actionable wisdom to challenge what you thought was possible.Perfectly suited for those ready to transform limitations into launchpads for greatness, Kyle’s story will stay with you long after the final seconds of the race. Hit play and get inspired to see your own life as a race worth running.

    Guest Credibility:
    Kyle Pease is an Ironman finisher, two-time World Champion, and founder of the Kyle Pease Foundation, dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through sports and community.
    To learn more about The Kyle Pease Foundation click here.

    To learn more about Where The Ramp Ends click here.

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    50 mins
  • Shannon Pinkerton with The Pinkerton Boys Discusses Adoption, Foster Care and Disability

    Shannon Pinkerton with The Pinkerton Boys Discusses Adoption, Foster Care and Disability
    Apr 27 2026

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    Thank you for your support! Most people view Down syndrome and children with disabilities through a narrow, often negative lens — but Shannon Pinkerton flips that perspective on its head. Shannon and her husband adopted six boys, five with Down syndrome, Shannon shares her inspiring, unfiltered journey of adopting, fostering, and loving children who often fall through the cracks of the system — and proving that these kids are capable of more than society expects.In this heartfelt episode, Shannon challenges the stereotypes that shroud disabilities. You’ll discover how her family’s unwavering approach fosters independence, respect, and dignity for her boys, even in moments that seem like setbacks. From navigating foster care and adoption to breaking down misconceptions and confronting societal ableism, her story is a testament to the power of love and advocacy. She shares practical advice on how to treat children with Down syndrome as “normal,” emphasizing that expectations and community support make all the difference.We break down:

    • How to shift your mindset from pity to empowerment
    • The importance of exposing children with disabilities to mainstream settings
    • Why nurturing biological family connections enriches a child's identity
    • The impact of community and social media in fighting stigma
    • Real stories of resilience, including Cameron’s quest to find his biological family and Tracy’s unexpected adoption journey

    Every parent, educator, or caregiver who wants to see beyond labels and unlock the full potential of children with disabilities will find inspiration and actionable strategies here. Shannon’s experience illustrates that when society treats kids with Down syndrome as capable individuals, everyone wins.This episode isn’t just a story — it’s a rallying cry for inclusion, dignity, and love. Perfect for anyone involved in special needs advocacy, fostering, or simply looking to broaden their understanding. Tune in and discover why these kids aren’t just surviving — they’re thriving, with the right support, expectations, and community.Join Shannon and her family in redefining what’s possible — because everyone deserves to be seen, loved, and celebrated.

    You can follow The Pinkerton Boys on TikTok and on Facebook.


    You can follow all of Where Ramp Ends socials and stay informed on our projects here.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ricki Sabia -Senior Education Policy Advisor, National Down Syndrome Congress

    Ricki Sabia -Senior Education Policy Advisor, National Down Syndrome Congress
    Apr 20 2026
    Please rate and review! Hit the follow button and share! Help us grow our audience! Most parents of children with Down syndrome—and even advocates—would agree: understanding and navigating education policy can feel overwhelming and inaccessible. But what if your voice could shape real change, starting today? Ricki Sabia, Senior Education Policy Advisor at the National Down Syndrome Congress, shares the powerful story of how she shifted from a concerned parent to a fierce advocate influencing federal and state policies that impact millions of children like hers—and yours. Her journey proves that even small actions can spark systemic transformation.In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Ricki recounts her initial moments of advocacy sparked at the beach, observing her son’s uncertain future, and how she turned that worry into a call for systemic change. You'll discover concrete strategies for effective advocacy—whether you're confronting IEP meetings for the first time or advocating for inclusive education policies at the national level. Ricki breaks down complex topics like IDEA, federal funding, and the importance of community-based services, making these essential issues accessible and actionable for families everywhere.We break down the evolution of educational inclusion, highlighting how attitudes, policies, and community support have shifted—and why there’s still work to do. You'll learn: how to advocate assertively but collaboratively in school meetings, ways to build lasting relationships with educators, and why your personal story holds transformative power. Ricki shares practical tips for parents feeling intimidated at IEP meetings, and reveals the importance of setting future-focused goals—like independent living and employment—that can dramatically change your child's life trajectory. This episode isn’t just about policy—it's about empowering you to be a catalyst for change. Whether you’re new to advocacy or seasoned in activism, Ricki’s insights remind us that every voice matters. Her inspiring perspective prioritizes inclusion, respect, and the belief that every child can reach their full potential when we work together to dismantle barriers. Perfect for parents, educators, and advocates committed to creating a future of opportunity and respect for all children with disabilities.Join us as Ricki Sabia models how lived experience, persistence, and a passion for justice can turn personal challenges into powerful advocacy tools. Discover how your voice, big or small, can help shape a more inclusive, equitable future—one policy change at a time.All the resources Ricki mentioned in the podcast are here:NDSC website https://ndsccenter.org/NDSC Policy Pulse https://ndsccenter.org/policy/action-center/the-policy-pulse.htmlNational Down Syndrome, Advocacy Coalition (NDAC) information and free application https://ndsccenter.org/policy/national-down-syndrome-advocacy-coalition-ndac/Sign up for NDSC action alerts https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/NDSCCenter/HomeNDSC policy and advocacy resources. Find policy briefs for families on education here https://ndsccenter.org/policy/advocacy-training-resources/briefs.htmlNDSC DC Policy Summit September 29-30 2026. Registration opens May 14. https://ndsccenter.org/policy/ndsc-down-syndrome-policy-summit/TIES Center on Inclusive Policies and Practices for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities https://tiescenter.org/One pager with clickable links for TIES briefs https://ndsccenter.org/file_download/fd5f32f2-7e8d-405f-a0ce-a4c81cb4db10Find all the ways to connect with Where The Ramp Ends here:Where The Ramp Ends
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    1 hr and 3 mins
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