Navigating Disability Advocacy with John Fela and Katy Moffitt

In this episode of ADC's Parenting Adult Children podcast, host James Moffitt is joined by John Fela and Katy Moffitt to discuss the challenges and experiences of parenting children with disabilities. John shares his journey as a parent of a nonverbal autistic son, highlighting the fears and realities of finding suitable care and community for his child. Katy, with her extensive experience in special education, adds insights into the educational needs and social dynamics of children with disabilities. The conversation delves into the importance of community support, the role of churches in disability ministry, and the need for awareness and acceptance in society.

Keywords

parenting, disability advocacy, autism, special education, community support, church ministry, awareness, acceptance, nonverbal communication, special needs

Takeaways

• John Fela describes himself as the 'Swiss Army knife of disability advocacy.'
• John's son, Chris, is nonverbal and autistic, requiring specialized care.
• Katy has over 25 years of experience in special education.
• The importance of finding a supportive community for families with disabilities.
• Challenges in finding suitable educational and living environments for children with disabilities.
• The role of churches in providing support and inclusion for families with disabilities.
• John emphasizes the need for awareness and acceptance in society.
• The fear of the future and loneliness as a parent of a child with disabilities.
• The significance of communication tools like TouchChat for nonverbal individuals.
• John's advocacy work includes writing, speaking, and creating support groups for fathers.

Title Options

• Navigating Disability Advocacy with John Fela
• Parenting Challenges: A Journey with John and Katy
• Building Community Support for Special Needs Families
• The Role of Churches in Disability Ministry
• John Fela: A Voice for Disability Advocacy
• Understanding Autism: Insights from John Fela
• Special Education and Parenting: Katy's Perspective
• Creating Inclusive Communities for Disabilities
• John Fela's Advocacy Journey
• Supporting Nonverbal Communication in Autism

Sound bites

• Swiss Army knife of disability advocacy
• Fear of the future and loneliness
• Importance of community support
• Role of churches in inclusion
• Awareness and acceptance in society
• Nonverbal communication tools
• Challenges in special education
• Building support groups for fathers
• Navigating disability advocacy
• Creating inclusive communities

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
• 00:00:00 John Fela's Advocacy Journey
• 00:00:00 Parenting a Nonverbal Autistic Child
• 00:00:01 Educational and Living Challenges

Listen here for our sponsors list. Many thanks to them for helping to underwrite the costs of producing this podcast.