Episode 29, Faith, Family, and the Fight for Inclusion with John Fela

Parenting a child with disabilities is never simple—but it can be profoundly transformative. In this episode of Jess Saying, Jessica sits down with John Fela, who calls himself the “Swiss Army Knife of Disability Advocacy.” As the father of a 16-year-old son with autism who is also nonverbal, a former elementary educator of 20 years, and now a national advocate through his work with Joni and Friends, John Fela brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to the conversation. Together, they discuss the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs, the power of faith-based community support, and how one parent’s advocacy has grown into a national platform for change. Get ready for honesty, hope, and the kind of wisdom only lived experience can provide.