Gifts of Love: A Mother’s Journey of Resilience, Meaning, and Joy

Join the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices for a heartfelt and inspiring webinar as Jadene reflects on more than five decades of parenting her son, Matt, through the complexities of multiple disabilities. With honesty and warmth, she shares the hard-won lessons, unexpected insights, and “gifts of love” that emerged from a journey shaped by both challenge and deep connection.

Through moments of struggle, growth, and reflection, Jadene discovered how to reframe adversity, find meaning in everyday experiences, and cultivate a sense of joy that endures. Her story offers encouragement and perspective for caregivers, family members, and professionals alike reminding us that even in the most difficult seasons, there is opportunity for resilience, purpose, and connection.

Life brings challenges for all of us. Come connect, reflect, and explore how we can navigate them with strength—and uncover the gifts along the way.

Presenter: Jadene Sloan Ransdell, BS, has been a family advocate for nearly fifty years. Her son, Matt was born with Down syndrome and directed the sails of her life. She is an author, and podcast host. As the former co-chair of the NTG Family Support committee, she helped establish the NTG monthly support group. She also created the NDSS Adult Summit. Her first book, Unwrapping the Gifts of Disability: A Mother’s Reflection on Raising a Son with Down Syndrome has received many positive reviews. She is currently writing, A Traveler’s Guide to the Down Syndrome/Alzheimer’s Journey. The podcast is hosted by two other family members and can be found on her website or wherever podcasts are. (Aging with Down Syndrome). Find more information on her website www.agingwithdownsyndrome.com