The Invisibility of Disability: Stephen’s Story and the Fight to Be Seen. With Dr. Stuart Jones

I sat down with Dr. Stuart Jones to talk about For the Love of Stephen — but this conversation is bigger than one book. It’s about who we decide is fully human. When Stuart’s brother Stephen was born in 1954, his parents were told to institutionalize him. Put him away. Out of sight, out of mind. They refused. And that decision shaped generations.With the powerful endorsement of Temple Grandin — who reminds us that “different is not less” — we dug into what authentic advocacy actually looks like. It’s not pity. It’s not performative inclusion. It’s asking a radical question: What if he can? What if we stopped obsessing over limitations and started building opportunities? Early intervention matters. Celebrating small milestones matters. And shaming parents? It’s useless and cruel.But let’s talk about the part that makes people uncomfortable. Why are disabled individuals always the last to the table when funding is allocated — and often the first to lose their seat? Who decided their lives were worth less? Legislators? Budget committees? The almighty dollar?Stuart’s brother, Stephen, didn’t have a disability as much as he had an invisibility. All he ever wanted was to be included. If we claim to value diversity, faith, and human dignity — do our policies reflect that? Or are we still hiding behind polite language while pushing people to the margins?Find more info on Dr. Stuart Jones below: Author Stuart JonesBuy For the Love of Stephen HERELearn more about topics discussed in this episode: Temple Grandin Documentaryhttps://www.templegrandindocumentary.com/Contact Tabitha:[email protected]://tabithazeigler.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Autism Advocacy02:53 The Journey of Writing 'For the Love of Stephen'08:55 Historical Perspectives on Autism and Disability14:56 Navigating Challenges and Misunderstandings21:12 Milestones and Celebrations in Autism Advocacy39:20 Advocacy and the Fight for Rights46:40 The Power of Representation in Legislation55:05 The Importance of Context in Storytelling57:00 Connecting Personal History to Broader Narratives01:08:00 Learning from Painful Conversations01:19:52 The Church's Responsibility to the Disabled Community