T21 Alchemy
T21 Alchemy: Stories of Down Syndrome, Parenting and Belonging
Real talk for parents, carers and allies raising children with Down syndrome, SEND or additional needs; newly diagnosed, pregnant, or supporting loved ones. Also for theatre makers exploring how lived experience becomes performance.
Join Oneness Sankara -a Black British mum, playwright, SEND advocate- as she shares raw family experiences (not leaflets), communication breakthroughs, Black SEND realities, and her spoken word musical *T21 Alchemy*.
New episodes cover:
• Communication and language development
• Independence and future planning
• Parenting identity and relationships
• Turning real stories into theatre
If you've wondered "what does this journey actually become?"—this podcast holds that conversation.
*Early episodes (The Purpose Pod) cover personal growth. New T21 Alchemy episodes focus on Down syndrome parenting, SEND advocacy and theatre.*
T21 Alchemy
Why I See My Child Differently - A Parent’s Beginning After Diagnosis
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Welcome to the T21 Alchemy Podcast; where lived experience meets creativity, advocacy, and radical inclusion.
In this debut episode of a brand new season, host Oneness Sankara introduces a groundbreaking creative project born from her journey as a mother to a phenomenal 8-year-old with Down Syndrome (T21). This podcast sits alongside a developing play, exploring disability, parenting, and inclusion through real stories and conversations.
In Episode 1, you'll discover:
- The moment that sparked the T21 Alchemy play
- Why representation matters: the absence of Black and Brown families in Down Syndrome narratives
- How Malcolm Gladwell's research on talent and achievement challenged everything about "developmental delays"
- The self-fulfilling prophecy of low expectations in disability education
- Why early milestones don't determine success
- A powerful excerpt from the play confronting ignorance and ableism
This podcast is for:
Parents, carers, educators, allies, and anyone committed to a more inclusive world that centres disabled families and communities.
About the Host: Oneness Sankara is an artist, advocate, and mother using creativity as a tool for liberation and systemic change.
📌 Subscribe for upcoming episodes featuring play excerpts, conversations with SEND families, and deep dives into community, dignity, and access.
#T21Alchemy #DownSyndrome #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #SENDFamilies #BlackDisability #CreativeActivism
Note: This episode contains a single instance of mild language within an excerpt from the play.
Supported by Arts Council England
T21 Alchemy podcast episodes and theatre R&D supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram