Inclusion and Advocacy for Kids with Differences: A Conversation with Heather Hostetter
In this episode, the host sits down with longtime friend Heather Hostetter, a passionate artist, to discuss Heather's journey in motherhood and her advocacy for children with differences. Heather shares her heartfelt experiences of parenting her daughter Maddie, who was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, resulting in the loss of her left arm. They dive into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with differences, the importance of empathy and inclusion, and actionable advice for parents in similar situations. This candid conversation aims to equip and inspire parents to foster genuine connections and advocacy for children with unique needs.
00:00 Introduction to Heather Hostetter
01:16 Heather's Journey and Family Background
03:51 Parenting a Child with Differences
06:43 Advocacy and Inclusion
12:32 Navigating Social Interactions
28:13 Reading About Differences
29:56 Advocating for Older Children
32:27 Homeschooling Journey
36:43 Teaching Empathy to Kids
39:21 Supporting Other Moms
45:04 Resources and Support Systems
48:21 Connecting with Heather
54:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Resources:
Movies
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Organizations
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