The NDDs Family Circle Author: Dr. Lateshia Woodley

Across communities in the United States, Africa, and around the world, families continue to face significant challenges related to stigma, misinformation, delayed diagnosis, educational barriers, caregiver stress, financial strain, and social isolation. Despite growing awareness, many parents still struggle to find culturally responsive, practical, and hopeful information that supports their journey. To address these challenges, the International Women's Think Tank (IWTT) in partnership with, Ubuntu Community Catalyst and BOOM Trust Kenya, has developed a two-year Parent Awareness & Capacity-Building Curriculum designed to equip caregivers with knowledge, resilience, advocacy skills, and long-term planning strategies. This international collaboration

brings together expertise in education, mental health, disability advocacy, community development, and family empowerment to support families raising children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The curriculum addresses topics including:

• Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

• Acceptance, Grief, and Caregiver Healing

• Therapies and Interventions

• Inclusive Education and Parent Advocacy

• Communication and Behavioral Supports

• Puberty, Safety, and Adolescent Development

• Faith, Spirituality, and Disability

• Financial Planning and Social Protection

• Building Support Systems

• Transitioning to Adulthood and Vocational Pathways

The program is currently being launched for families in Nairobi, Kenya through a partnership

between the International Women’s Think Tank, Ubuntu Community Catalyst, and BOOM Trust

Kenya. Together, these organizations are working to strengthen the capacity of families, reduce

stigma, increase access to information, and build more inclusive communities for individuals

with disabilities. While the curriculum is being implemented internationally, the challenges and

opportunities it addresses are universal and highly relevant to families throughout the United

States.

The African philosophy of Ubuntu "I am because we are" reminds us that community

well-being is interconnected. When families raising children with disabilities are supported,

entire communities become stronger, more compassionate, and more inclusive.

Through this series of workshops, we envision creating more than awareness. We hope to

cultivate a growing community of readers, advocates, professionals, faith leaders, and families

committed to advancing understanding, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with

neurodevelopmental disabilities.