E15 — Tired of feeling like you have to “fix” your child—or turn their life into an inspiration story? Parents of kids with disabilities are often pushed toward two extremes: tragedy or triumph. But what if both miss the point? In this conversation, Amy Julia Becker and Matthew Mooney (co-founder of 99 Balloons) offer a healthier way to understand disability—rooted in shared humanity, vulnerability, and real relationships.

Plus: simple language shifts you can use at home and with friends starting today.

Ask Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/

00:00 Intro: Understanding Disability
04:52 The Four Myths of Disability
08:01 Theology and Disability
11:21 The Importance of Relationships in Disability
14:39 Defining Disability: A Shared Human Experience
21:18 Practical Language Shifts in Discussing Disability
25:36 Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Joys

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Websites: 99 Balloons
• Exploring disability as tragedy on Amy Julia’s Reimagining the Good Life podcast: RFK Jr., Autism, and the Story We Need Instead

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WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTube

SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.com

JOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabecker

LISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/

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ABOUT OUR GUEST:

When Matthew Mooney and his wife, Ginny, were 30 weeks pregnant, they learned their son Eliot had trisomy 18. Eliot was born eight weeks later and lived for 99 days. The Mooneys founded 99 Balloons, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities locally and globally. 

Matt now serves on the 99 Balloons Board and lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with Ginny and their three children—Hazel, Anders, and Lena. 

A writer, speaker, and consultant on disability and inclusion, Matthew is also an attorney and received his PhD in Theological Ethics at Aberdeen University. His work has taken him to Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine, Uganda, India, and beyond.

Websites: 99 Balloons :: matthewlylemooney

Social: insta 

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Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.

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