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What happens when a simple font sparks a powerful conversation?

In this episode, returning guest Rebeka Acosta is back! This time joined by her teenage son, Taosies, for a real and eye-opening discussion about dyslexia, perspective, and growth.

This conversation started when I sent Rebeka the first three chapters of my book in both a standard font and a dyslexic-friendly font. She didn’t like the dyslexic font… but her son LOVED it. That difference in perspective led to this honest and meaningful conversation.

Taosies shares his personal experience growing up with disabilities and dyslexia—what helps, what doesn’t, and what he wishes more people understood. Rebeka opens up about her journey as a parent, what she’s learned from her son, and how even during this conversation, she began to see things in a whole new way.

This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the best way to understand is to listen, and that our kids often have more to teach us than we realize.

If you’ve ever struggled to understand a different perspective, supported someone with a disability, or want to learn more about dyslexia, this conversation is for you!

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What happens when you refuse to accept the limits others place on you?

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jo Elizabeth Pinto for a powerful conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and navigating a world that doesn’t always know how to support you.

We talk about the importance of having people who believe in you, discovering how you learn best, and building confidence and independence along the way.

This conversation is a reminder that inclusion and advocacy can change everything and that sometimes, all it takes is someone saying, “you belong here.”

Note: There are a few audio difficulties, but the message is absolutely worth the listen.

Jo Elizabeth's Bio

Jo Elizabeth Pinto was among the first blind students to integrate the public schools in the 1970’s when federal laws allowed disabled children to be educated with their peers. She has two college degrees, one in Human Services from the University of Northern Colorado and one in Nonprofit Organization Management from the Metropolitan State College of Denver. She freelances these days as an editor and a braille proofreader.

As an author, Pinto entertains her readers while giving them food for thought. In her fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, she draws on personal experience to illustrate that hope is always an action away.

Pinto lives in Colorado with her husband and their teenage daughter. Their family also includes Pinto’s guide dog Spreckles, a poodle/Maltese mix called Leo, three birds, and an aging family cat who answers to the name Sam-I-Am when he feels like it.

Connect with Jo Elizabeth: Website

Grab a copy of her books below! Bright Side of Darkness, Apples of Gold, Daddy Won't Let Mom Drive the Car, Dancing with the Seasons, Braided Love,

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephany Rios, host of the Homeschool with Steph podcast, homeschooling mom of five, and entrepreneur.

Stephany shares her powerful life story—growing up and stepping into a caregiving role at a young age while her mom battled cancer. In her early 20s, she helped care for her mom, supported her eight younger siblings, along side her dad, and followed in her mom’s footsteps by becoming a nurse. Through it all, she experienced deep loss, resilience, and growth that shaped the woman and mother she is today.

Now a wife and mom of five, Stephany homeschools her four older children while raising her youngest toddler. In this conversation, we dive into her homeschooling journey, how she learned to trust herself as a parent, and the moment she realized her daughter has dyslexia.

This episode is filled with heart, honesty, and encouragement for any parent navigating challenges, trusting their instincts, and showing up for their family in the best way they can.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone learning to trust your voice in life’s hardest moments—this episode is for you.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, motherhood, and embracing your Different Ability®!

Stephany's Bio:

Stephany Rios is the host of the Homeschool with Steph podcast and a homeschooling mom of five. With a background in entrepreneurship as a jewelry business owner, she brings a grounded, encouraging perspective to conversations about homeschooling, motherhood, and helping women trust themselves to lead their families well.

Connect with Stephany:

Website

Instagram

Podcast

Iviana & Co

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Iviana & Co Facebook

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In this final episode of The Different Ability® Podcast for Season 6, Katey reflects on Chapter 28 of Embracing Your Different Ability®, sharing the courage it took to be vulnerable, the mix of emotions she experienced finishing the book, and the practical lessons she’s learned along the way. She discusses how to navigate fear, self-doubt, and external labels while celebrating accomplishments and embracing unique abilities.

Katey offers advice for anyone working toward big goals, including strategies for overcoming obstacles, building a supportive community, and taking the first step toward believing in yourself. She also shares her vision for the Different Ability® brand and encourages listeners to continue advocating, dreaming, and using their voices to make an impact.

📖 Buy the book, Embracing Your Different Ability®:
[Book link]

🎥 Watch additional chapter questions on YouTube HERE!

🌐 Learn more about the book and bonus resources:
[Website link]

Closing Note:
Thank you for joining us for Season 6 of The Different Ability® Podcast. This season has been a journey through personal stories, advocacy, and growth, and we hope it inspires you to embrace your own unique abilities. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, because there may be bonus episodes in the future with even more insights, stories, and actionable advice for your journey.

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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey sits down with her mom, Lynn, to explore Chapter 27 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how Lynn’s perspective on learning disabilities has evolved since Katey’s diagnosis and the vital role of family, community, and support systems in navigating early challenges.

Lynn shares advice for parents and caregivers just starting their journey, what an ideal “village” of support looks like, and how to foster self-advocacy in children. They also reflect on societal misconceptions about learning differences, balancing protection with independence, and encouraging children to embrace their unique abilities with confidence.

📖 Buy the book, Embracing Your Different Ability®:
[Book link]

🎥 Watch additional chapter questions on YouTube HERE!

🌐 Learn more about the book and bonus resources:
[Website link]

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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom dive into Chapter 26 of Embracing Your Different Ability®, focusing on limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and the courage it takes to keep going—even when quitting feels easier. Katey opens up about the moments during the writing process when negative self-talk crept in and how her different ability both challenged and strengthened her along the way.

They discuss the importance of support systems, using tools and accommodations without shame, and why asking for help is a powerful form of self-advocacy. This conversation encourages listeners to take small, intentional steps toward their goals, even when fear or overwhelm tries to take over.

📖 Buy the book, Embracing Your Different Ability®:
[Book link]

🎥 Watch additional chapter questions on YouTube HERE!

🌐 Learn more about the book and bonus resources:
[Website link]

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Places you can reach me at:
Website:
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom reflect on Chapter 25 of Embracing Your Different Ability® and the power of personal storytelling as a catalyst for advocacy and change. Katey shares how speaking at her great aunt Lynn’s celebration of life shaped her confidence as a speaker and reaffirmed her purpose as an advocate.

They discuss stepping outside comfort zones, the impact of encouragement from educators, and why sharing personal experiences can open doors, build connection, and inspire others. Katey also highlights the importance of family support, bringing her parents on stage, and how storytelling continues to play a central role in her advocacy work today.

📖 Buy the book, Embracing Your Different Ability®:
[Book link]

🎥 Watch additional chapter questions on YouTube HERE!

🌐 Learn more about the book and bonus resources:
[Website link]

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Places you can reach me at:
Website:
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 24 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. Katey shares the pivotal mindset shift that led her to embrace the concept of Different Ability®—reframing dyslexia from a limitation into a source of strength. Together, they discuss navigating misconceptions, finding purpose through life’s unexpected turns, and creating “motivation moments” that spark growth and confidence. This conversation also dives into vulnerability in advocacy, the importance of community, and the vision behind protecting and growing the Different Ability® and Motivation Moment® brands. It’s an empowering reflection on turning struggles into strengths and building a purpose-driven life and movement.

📖 Buy the book, Embracing Your Different Ability®:
[Book link]

🎥 Watch additional chapter questions on YouTube HERE!

🌐 Learn more about the book and bonus resources:
[Website link]

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
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Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/
https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/