Raising Self-Advocates: A Mother’s Pride in Her Sons’ Strength and Voice with Rebeka Acosta Artwork

The Different Ability® Podcast

Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our Different Abilities shine bright! You are amazing, you are important, you are strong, you are smart and the world needs you just the way you were made! Are you ready to be inspired and encouraged to be the person you were made to be, Different Abilities and all? We know you're ready, so come along, we are all in this together! "You can do anything you put your mind to, with a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up! It's not your disability, it's your Different Ability®!" - Katey

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The Different Ability® Podcast

Raising Self-Advocates: A Mother’s Pride in Her Sons’ Strength and Voice with Rebeka Acosta

July 09, 2025 • Katey Fortun • Season 5 • Episode 224

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In this inspiring episode, Katey sits down with Rebeka Acosta, an advocate, educator, and proud mom, to talk about raising children who use their voices with confidence. Rebeka shares how her sons, both navigating medical complexities, have learned to advocate for themselves at a young age.

With honesty, heart, and a touch of humor, Rebeka reflects on the journey of watching her boys speak up for their needs, make their own decisions, and succeed in powerful ways. This episode is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the deep pride of a mom watching her children step into their own strength.

What You’ll Hear:

How kids can learn to advocate for themselves
Why trusting your children’s voice matters
The power of modeling and encouraging self-expression
Celebrating the small and big wins along the way

You’ll walk away feeling hopeful, empowered, and reminded of what’s possible when we lift each other up.

Rebeka's Bio

Rebeka Acosta is Nevada’s first Board Certified Patient Advocate and the Founder of A+J Patient Advocacy. After a 15-year career in healthcare business, she welcomed two children with complex medical conditions to her family. Those years pushed Rebeka to create a place where support and information would be readily available for families in need.

Rebeka is published in medical journals, has presented at national and state conferences, and was recognized as Pediatric Advocate of the Year at the 2023 Healthcare Advocate Summit. When not advocating, Rebeka enjoys curating a large house plant collection and floating in the pool. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and two teens.

Connect with Rebeka

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Listen to Rebeka's first interview on the podcast HERE!

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