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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Guita Movallali, a passionate advocate, psychologist, and leader in the world of early intervention for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Born and raised in Iran, Guita shares her incredible journey of resilience, determination, and service. From earning a PhD in Psychology to founding Iran’s first parent support organization for families with deaf children, Guita has spent more than 30 years transforming lives through education, language, and inclusion.

Now living in Canada, she continues her mission through leadership roles in nonprofit organizations and her own foundation, all while uplifting families and building accessible systems of support. We talk about her personal and professional experiences, the importance of early childhood connection, and what it means to truly empower families from the start.

If you're passionate about advocacy, inclusion, and global stories that inspire, you won't want to miss this one.

Guita's Bio

Guita Movallali is a passionate leader and advocate in Family-Centred Early Intervention (FCEI) for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, with more than 30 years of experience spanning education, clinical practice, and nonprofit work across Iran and Canada. With a PhD in Psychology and a background in Audiology, Guita has dedicated her life to empowering families and transforming systems of support for Deaf children.

In Iran, Guita founded Parvaneha, the first parent support organization for families with deaf children, and introduced Persian Cued Speech to help deaf children access language visually. She was a university professor for over two decades and led numerous initiatives advancing inclusive early childhood education. Her innovative work earned her the 2016 Educator Award for Excellence and Innovative Leadership from the National Cued Speech Association.

Since relocating to Canada in 2021, Guita has continued her mission as Program & Development Manager at VOICE for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, and currently as Executive Director of the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program®. She founded Faranak Impact Inc. and the Faranak Foundation, where she leads programs focused on family empowerment, inclusion, and early childhood learning.

A strong believer in the power of language, story, and culture, Guita has written, translated, and edited numerous books and children’s stories to reflect the experiences of Deaf children and their families. Through every project, she remains committed to ensuring that every family feels connected, supported, and empowered from the very beginning.

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In this inspiring episode, Katey sits down with Rebeka Acosta, an advocate, educator, and proud mom, to talk about raising children who use their voices with confidence. Rebeka shares how her sons, both navigating medical complexities, have learned to advocate for themselves at a young age.

With honesty, heart, and a touch of humor, Rebeka reflects on the journey of watching her boys speak up for their needs, make their own decisions, and succeed in powerful ways. This episode is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the deep pride of a mom watching her children step into their own strength.

What You’ll Hear:

• How kids can learn to advocate for themselves
• Why trusting your children’s voice matters
• The power of modeling and encouraging self-expression
• Celebrating the small and big wins along the way

You’ll walk away feeling hopeful, empowered, and reminded of what’s possible when we lift each other up.

Rebeka's Bio

Rebeka Acosta is Nevada’s first Board Certified Patient Advocate and the Founder of A+J Patient Advocacy. After a 15-year career in healthcare business, she welcomed two children with complex medical conditions to her family. Those years pushed Rebeka to create a place where support and information would be readily available for families in need.

Rebeka is published in medical journals, has presented at national and state conferences, and was recognized as Pediatric Advocate of the Year at the 2023 Healthcare Advocate Summit. When not advocating, Rebeka enjoys curating a large house plant collection and floating in the pool. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and two teens.

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Listen to Rebeka's first interview on the podcast HERE!

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Author and Advocate Ted Neill joins the show to share his powerful journey from working at a home for orphans in Nairobi, Kenya, and then in human services, to becoming a full-time author of nearly 30 books! We explore his middle-grade book series that celebrates disabilities through young superheroes, as well as his advocacy work amplifying the voices of children he once cared for, who are now grown.

Ted's Bio

Globetrotter and writer Ted Neill has worked on five continents as an educator, health professional, and journalist. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Recovery Today, and he has published a number of novels exploring issues related to science, religion, class, and social justice. He is the 2013 winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Torch of Peace Award. His 2017 novel, The Selah Branch, attempts to confront issues of racism and the divided political environment of the US today and the 1950s. His debut novel, City on a Hill, examines the fault lines of religious conflict in the Middle East. His 2019 novel, Reaper Moon, takes place against the backdrop of a global virus pandemic and explores how the aftermath unfolds along familiar social divides of race and politics. His young adult series, Snog Team Six, is a romp through global mythology, science fiction, video games, the Old West and Southeast Asia. His high-fantasy series, Elk Riders, has won numerous awards including two Kirkus starred reviews. His upcoming series, The Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare, will provide an updated and exciting entrée to seventeen of the bard’s plays for old and new readers alike.

He is also an accomplished author of nonfiction. He is the author of two memoirs about his time working at a home for orphans with HIV/AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya.

Neill’s passion project is his illustrated middle grade series Mystery Force. Mystery Force is a collaboration with friends in the disability community to create a series where children with disabilities are the protagonists and heroes. Mystery Force came about when Neill’s friend who uses a motorized wheelchair and has a canine companion approached him and said, “There needs to me more stories where kids with disabilities can see themselves as heroic.” So, they made one.

Connect with Ted

Website Check out Ted's books on his website under the "books" tab!

Follow Ted on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram @therealauthortedneill

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