REA-L Conversations Podcast
REA-L Conversations Podcast
Marta Carlucci and the REA-L Team
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.  
Community is an Action
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...
Jul 8
30 min
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 p...
Feb 26
20 min
Dads on Inclusive Lives:  Evolving expectations and the early years
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? February is Inclusive Education Month, and we’re kicking off a three-part series featuring three dads who don’t take their role lightly. In this first episode of REA-L Conversations, Marta sits down with Alex, Pepe, and Domenic to talk about how their understanding of an inclusive life has evolved over time. They speak honestly about: The power of having just one champion who believes in your childHow labels in school can open doors to f...
Feb 14
24 min
Developmental Age Thinking: Why It’s Time to Let It Go
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? 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 recog...
Jul 30, 2025
18 min
Part 2 Embracing Hope: Holding the Line on Inclusion
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? 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 f...
Mar 14, 2025
21 min
Navigating Hope and Fear: Conversations on Inclusion
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? In our latest conversation, we explore the delicate balance between hope and fear that shapes our journeys as families. From navigating inclusive education to envisioning inclusive futures, we discovered the transformative power of leading with hope—active hope that fuels progress, creativity, and resilience. By holding clear visions and embracing honest dialogue, we remind each other that every small step forward builds a foundation for...
Dec 2, 2024
32 min
Vision of an Inclusive Life
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? 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...
Mar 19, 2024
27 min
What is an Authentic Life, Part 2 of 2:  The Right to Risk
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? 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 Ri...
Jul 26, 2023
20 min
What is an Authentic Life? Part 1 of 2
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? 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 ...
Jun 30, 2023
19 min
Introduction to REA-L
Does this podcast resonate? Let us know what you think? 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 fami...
May 18, 2023
11 min