There are stories that don’t just change how we feel — they change how we see.
In this episode of Hope Comes to Visit, I sit down with Dr. Stuart D. Jones, author of For the Love of Stephen, to explore a powerful story about disability, dignity, and the extraordinary worth of every human life.
Stephen was born in 1954 with significant intellectual and physical disabilities during a time when support systems were scarce and understanding was limited. Doctors labeled him broken. Institutions were recommended.
But Stephen’s parents chose hope.
Instead of giving up on their son’s future, they championed him — believing that Stephen deserved dignity, inclusion, and the opportunity to live a full life.
Through the story of his brother, Dr. Jones invites us to reconsider what society often misunderstands about disability.
This conversation explores:
• The difference between pity and dignity
• Why fear and discomfort often shape our response to disability
• The powerful role families play as advocates and protectors
• What it means to truly see someone as whole
Stephen’s story reminds us that the problem is rarely disability itself.
Often, what is broken is our ability to see people clearly.
As Stuart says, “Different is not less.”
This is a conversation about love, advocacy, belonging, and the quiet power of recognizing the worth of every life.
Connect with Dr. Stuart D. Jones here.
Find his book: For the Love of Stephen – here.
If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Thank you for listening to Hope Comes to Visit. If this conversation helps, follow the show, share it with someone who needs hope today, and leave a review – it helps others find their way to these conversations.
New episodes drop every Monday, so you can begin your week with a little light and a lot of hope.
For more stories, reflections, and ways to connect, visit www.DanielleElliottSmith.com or follow along on Instagram @daniellesmithtv and @HopeComestoVisit
xo, Danielle
