Parenting Children with Limb Differences

About Parenting Children with Limb Differences

Our primary reason for Parenting Children with Limb Differences (PCWLD) is to CONNECT with parents - especially moms - who have children with a limb difference. We hope that you can find some comfort, validation, empathy and community here. This podcast will include interviews with other parents of children with limb differences, discussions with specialists, life experiences shared by adults with limb differences, conversations around education and advocacy, and more.

Publisher

Ali Barnum and Kari Treat

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Aug 2024

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

52 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   The Hidden Power of Letting Kids Play Their Own Way: with Eliette Crenshaw

   A children’s book is doing more than telling a sweet story - it’s helping kids with limb differences feel seen, confident, and capable. Eliette Olivia Crenshaw shares the real-life experiences that inspired Estey Grey Plays Her Own Way, a joyful story about identity, creativity, and learning to move through the world with your own unique strengths. Kari Treat and Ali Barnum talk with Eliette about what it was like growing up with a congenital limb difference, how she first connected with the limb difference community in college, and why representation in children’s books matters so much. She opens up about hiding her hand as a child, learning to answer awkward questions with grace, and the powerful moment she realized her story could become a tool for other kids and families. You’ll discover: how a college club and a 3D-printed prosthetics community changed Eliette’s life why she was initially nervous to enter disability spaces as an adult the real trombone story behind Estey Grey’s “play her own way” message how adaptive tools and medical equity can unlock a child’s potential why parents need stories that make disability conversations feel hopeful, not scary Eliette also shares how kids have responded to Estey Grey with curiosity, joy, and imagination, including one unforgettable moment that proved just how deeply representation can shape what children believe is possible. The conversation also explores the gap in children’s media, the importance of starting disability conversations early, and how families can support kids without making them feel like they have to shrink themselves. This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants a more honest, uplifting view of disability representation. If you’ve ever wondered how a children’s book can change the way kids see themselves and each other, this one will stay with you. Learn more and buy Estey Grey Plays Her Own Wayhere: https://storiesbyelietteolivia.squarespace.com/ (https://storiesbyelietteolivia.squarespace.com/)Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: ⁠limbdifferencecollective.org (limbdifferencecollective.org)⁠ Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

2. 

   13 Jul 2026

   How Community Engagement Transforms Lives: Inside Our Season 3 Highlights

   Experience the transformative power of community, connection, and support in the season finale of the Limb Difference Collective podcast. From inspiring stories at events like Brookfield Zoo’s Limb Loss Awareness Month gathering to groundbreaking programs like Hugs in a Box, this episode reveals how every effort is creating real change for families and individuals with limb differences. Discover how volunteer-led initiatives, innovative outreach, and heartfelt storytelling are shaping a more inclusive future—and why your support matters more than ever. In this season roundup, we highlight the incredible growth of programs that go beyond words to offer tangible support—from adaptive sports days in Michigan to life-changing resource packages for new parents, and collaborations with hospitals and clinics that ensure no family faces this journey alone. You'll hear how these efforts aren’t just about events—they’re building lifelong community connections that empower families from their very first moments. We break down the key initiatives powering this movement: The evolution of our community engagement and outreach programs, including record-breaking attendance at our annual Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month meetup How Hugs in a Box provides comfort, guidance, and affirmation to families navigating congenital amputations and limb loss The impact of our podcast, amplifying real stories from adults, caregivers, and community leaders to foster understanding and representation Upcoming events like adaptive sports clinics, conferences, and inclusive celebrations designed to inspire and unite Why does this matter? Because access to support and a sense of belonging can change lives. Without these programs, many families would face challenges in isolation; with them, they find hope, connection, and strength to thrive. Your involvement fuels this mission—help us reach more families, expand our outreach, and keep stories alive that inspire change. This season finale isn’t just a look back; it’s a rallying cry for everyone who believes in a world where every limb difference is met with acceptance and opportunity. Whether you’re a supporter, a family member, or someone just discovering this community, this episode shows why your voice and contribution are vital. Press play and join the movement toward a more inclusive future. Hosted by Ali Barnum and Kari Treat, two passionate advocates dedicated to building community, confidence, and belonging for the limb difference community. Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast an initiative of the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family. Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: limbdifferencecollective.org Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

3. 

   6 Jul 2026

   Inside the GLASA Gala: Athletes, Community, and the People Who Make It Happen

   This episode is a unique one! Ali & Kari at The Parenting Children With Limb Differences podcast was invited to the GLASA Gala this past April - and we weren't going to pass that up. Kari also serves as a swim coach with GLASA (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association), and her daughter is one of the athletes so being welcomed into this space to capture real conversations from the night felt like a natural fit. GLASA is one of the incredible adaptive sports resources right here in the Chicagoland area, bringing together athletes, board members, young professionals, donors, and supporters. You'll hear from Cindy, Michael, Sophie, Max, Reed, Leo, and Mackenzie. A few of the athletes you'll hear from are heading into Move United Hartford Nationals next week - we're cheering you on! Go get it! Whether you're brand new to adaptive sports or you've been part of this world for years, we think you'll feel what we felt that night: this is a space built on belonging. Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast an initiative of the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family. Learn more about GLASA here: https://glasa.org/ (https://glasa.org/) Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: limbdifferencecollective.org (limbdifferencecollective.org) Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

22 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

83

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Parenting Children with Limb Differences

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.