Who Is Marla Murasko?

Hi, I’m Marla Murasko and when people ask me to share a little about who I am, I share that:

I am an Award-Winning Down Syndrome Advocate, Speaker, Talk Show Co-Host, Author, Community Builder but my “real” job is Mom! The one I am MOST proud of!

I have a passion for advocacy, especially for individuals with Down Syndrome.. I see firsthand the challenges that individuals with Down Syndrome experience, and know personally the barriers that parents face when advocating for the rights of their child.

I am dedicated to spreading awareness for inclusion and understanding for individuals with Down syndrome. And I love to empower Moms to find their advocacy voice!

As a recognized speaker I have spoken on several different stages, but my proudest moment was when I had the privilege of speaking on the global stage at the United Nations for World Down Syndrome Day in 2017.

My life’s mission is to help make the world a more accepting place for my son and for all individuals with Down syndrome and all abilities. I am proud to say that last year my family launched our nonprofit called “Special & Determined”, whose mission is to help families of children with Down Syndrome by providing financial support for therapeutic services and early interventions, to build a path to a more accepting and inclusive society, where all individuals with Down Syndrome can contribute.

What I Do?

So when asked what is it that I do? I share that:

I am passionate about educating society on the acceptance and inclusion for individuals with Down Syndrome. So people see their “capabilities“, not their disabilities.

How do I do this:

• Speaking at nonprofit events, schools, community events
• Co-hosting my Facebook Live Talk Show Down Right Capable
• Being a member of the National Down Syndrome Society Inclusive Education Task Force and being an NDSS DS-Ambassador, attending advocacy events
• Being a member of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Public Awareness Committee
• Vice-President, of family run nonprofit Special & Determined where we provide financial support to families of children with Down Syndrome so they can access early intervention and therapeutic services
• Community Builder -I love bringing moms together to help share our stories, provide support, resources and encouragement to each other. Through my private Facebook group “Moms of Down Syndrome” Moms come to have “real conversations” in a safe place.
• I have authored two books “Jacob’s Journal - My Journey Home” and “Adventures with a Special Traveler”

Why I Do What I Do

The day my son was born, a whole new journey started for me. That of an ADVOCATE! My family and I quickly became his biggest and loudest supporters.

Why? Because he deserves the same opportunities as his peers.

You can follow me at my website: www.marlamuraskospeaker.com and you find all my social media platforms there.