Ep. 128 Debra Vines: From Mother of an Autistic Child to Advocate & CNN Hero
When her son Jason was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old, Debra Vines struggled to find the resources and support they needed. After years of feeling helpless, Debra started The Answer Inc., a nonprofit that supports African-American families in underserved communities in and around Chicago who have been impacted by autism. Their mission is to increase awareness and provide a safer environment for families.
Debra has been acknowledged numerous times for her work. In 2022, she was named one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes. Debra is grateful for all of the awards and accomplishments but says she is most appreciative of the opportunities to shine a brighter light on the disability community.
World Autism Month is celebrated every April. It is an opportunity for people all over the world to acknowledge, discuss and understand autism.
In this episode of Flip Your Script with Kristi Piehl, Debra shares the emotions of grief, shame, guilt and blame that come with being a parent of an autistic child and her hopes for everyone to open their hearts and minds.
CHALLENGE FOR LISTENERS:
Open your heart. Open your mind.
CLOSING QUOTE
“My past is the pathway to my future.”