Stigma and Community Support: Disability Advocacy in Haiti with Heather and Papito - Episode 39

Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Heather and Papito, founders of Footprints of the Son, to discuss their work in Haiti with children with disabilities. They share personal stories about starting the nonprofit, addressing stigma in Haitian communities, and building an inclusive school that integrates students with and without disabilities. The conversation highlights the challenges of raising children with disabilities in Haiti and the U.S., emphasizing cultural differences in community support and accessibility. Heather and Papito also provide tips for fostering inclusion and share future goals for their organization.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusive Schools Matter: Creating schools that integrate students with and without disabilities fosters understanding and community.

Stigma in Haiti: Many families hide children with disabilities due to societal judgment, but outreach programs can shift perceptions.

Community Support: In Haiti, close-knit communities provide natural inclusion, contrasting with the systemic yet isolating support in the U.S.

Practical Inclusion Tips: Simple acts like acknowledging families with disabilities in public spaces make a big difference.

Sustainability Focus: Footprints of the Son prioritizes sustainable growth to ensure ongoing support for children and families.

Heather and Papito’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is the community rallying together to support everyone. Community is a huge piece of Haiti. Everyone needs everyone.

Heather’s Bio:

Heather is the executive director of Footprints of the Son, and her and her husband co-founded the organization 12 years ago. Footprints of the Son, Inc is a recognized 501c3 in the states, but primarily all of the day to day operations happen in Northeast, Haiti. The organization’s mission statement is transforming the lives of children with disabilities in Haiti and they do this through their outreach and school programs. Footprints of the Son is all about family preservation and keeping family units intact by offering assistance and resources they need.

Connect with Heather and Papito:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footprintsoftheson_/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FootprintsOfTheSon

Website: https://footprintsoftheson.org/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 19

No - 18

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