REA-L Conversations is a podcast for families, allies, and advocates who believe in a world where people with intellectual disabilities live full, contributing lives in community. But staying on this path isn’t easy; funding systems pull us in different directions, safety concerns cloud our vision, and ableism shows up in ways that take our breath away.
Through honest discussions, real-life stories, and critical reflection, we unpack what it means to stay true to a vision of inclusion, even when it's hard.
We tackle big questions:
What gets in the way of hope?
How do we hold the line on inclusion when others choose a different path?
What does it take to build trust and stay in the conversation?
This isn’t a space for easy answers or polished talking points. It’s a space for raw, necessary conversations that push back against dominant culture.
🎧 Tune in and be part of the conversation. Because the path to inclusion is one we walk together.
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? Episode 3: Community Is an Action In this episode of REA-L Conversations, Marta Carlucci speaks with Heather and Tamara about rethinking what it means to build community for family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rather than viewing community as a place where people seek acceptance, they describe it as an ongoing practice of reciprocity, relationships, and mutual contribution. Heather shares how the transition t...
26 Feb 2026
Dads on Inclusive Education: Champions and High Expectations
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? REA-L Conversations is a family-led podcast about supporting our family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live regular, equitable, authentic lives rooted in community, not separate from it. Through honest conversation and shared learning, families explore what it takes to hold high expectations and build lives woven into the everyday fabric of our neighbourhoods and cities. These conversations don't offer poli...
14 Feb 2026
More than One Perspective: Dads
Start the Conversation
30 Jul 2025
Developmental Age Thinking: Why It’s Time to Let It Go
Why limit someone's potential based on old stereotypes? People with intellectual & developmental disabilities aren't eternal children. They're valued community members with much to offer. Dive into our latest episode as we dismantle the myth of developmental age and explore the harm it causes to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through heartfelt conversations, we reveal why it's time to recognize and encourage all people to be valued, contributing...
14 Mar 2025
Part 2 Embracing Hope: Holding the Line on Inclusion
Send us a text A podcast of passion and empowerment! REA-L Conversations: Holding the Line on Inclusion 🎙️ What gets in the way of hope? What makes it so hard to stay on the path of inclusion? REA-L Conversations is a frank, unfiltered, and sometimes cheeky podcast where families and allies dive into the tough, messy, and deeply personal realities of ensuring people with intellectual disabilities live fully included lives. From navigating funding pressures to challenging low expec...
2 Dec 2024
Navigating Hope and Fear: Conversations on Inclusion
Hosts Dr. Laura Pinto & Dr. Nalini Joshi lead thought-provoking conversations on navigating hope and fear in inclusive environments, unlocking transformative growth and social progress.
19 Mar 2024
Vision of an Inclusive Life
Welcome to episode three. Of real conversations. Where we dive into a discussion about the importance of articulating our family member's vision of an inclusive life.
We also talk about, Why having a vision of inclusive life is so important. And the fact that we just can't do this alone and we need to surround ourselves with allies and people who have the same vision as we do.
I want to clarify a few things before we get started. You'll also find links to resources that we refer to in the notes.
When we use the term inclusion, we want to be clear that we're describing a life where everyone is valued, including our family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Immersed together with non-disabled peers, friends, neighbors, coworkers, family members, and community members. In their own neighborhoods, communities and cities. We envisioned and strive for the same life, path and opportunities that most Canadians have access to. For example, Growing up and being loved by your family. Going to school. Making and keeping friends throughout your life. Going to post-secondary. Having a career falling in love. Pursuing your own dreams and passions throughout your life. This is the lifelong inclusion we are striving for. And one, we believe has the best chance for our family members to experience the good things in life. A life that most of us take for granted.
Links and Resources:
Definition of Inclusion taken from Inclusion Canada:
https://inclusioncanada.ca/who-we-are/#:~:text=Inclusion%20only%20happens%20when%20the,life%20common%20to%20us%20all.
26 Jul 2023
What is an Authentic Life, Part 2 of 2: The Right to Risk
Join us for part 2 of, What is an Authentic Life? Where we dive into a discussion about risk taking and why it is so important for our family members with an intellectual or developmental disability to have the right to take risks as anyone would.
Taking risks helps us learn more about ourselves and the world around us. If we don't take risks we will never know what it feels like to succeed. This video, 'The 3 Benefits of Risk' summarizes it well, https://youtu.be/IghDM7MxPpk (https://youtu.be/IghDM7MxPpk).
We talk about our experiences in allowing more risk into our family member's lives. What safeguards could be put into place and how can we get out of the way and allow them to experience the opportunities that will reveal themselves?
Lets get rid of the bubble wrap and say 'Yes and How' to real life opportunities!
30 Jun 2023
What is an Authentic Life? Part 1 of 2
We believe families are the catalyst for change that can create a positive shift in the lives of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and the inclusive communities they contribute to.
In this episode Mandy, Sandra, Heather, Tamara talk openly about what an authentic life is and how they support their family member to navigate a life where people with an intellectual or developmental disability are immersed together with their families, friends, colleagues, neighbours and community members; belonging and contributing in the same pathways and life experiences common to us all.
This is part 1 of a 2 part series on 'What is an Authentic Life?' stay tune for our next podcast where we have an engaging discussion on the necessity of taking risks.
Feel free to comment and let us know what you think
Marta, Mandy, Tamara, Sandy and Heather
18 May 2023
Introduction to REA-L
Meet Heather, Mandy, Sandra, Tamara and Me, we are Families Supporting Regular Equitable and Authentic Lives (REA-L). We believe families are the catalyst for change that can create a positive shift in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the inclusive communities they contribute to.
In this episode learn more about who we are, why we're here and how far we will go to ensure our family members vision of an inclusive life is realized.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
9
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
Contact REA-L Conversations Podcast
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of REA-L Conversations Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
