Theme 4 Videos. Cultural Perspectives: Engaging Fathers and Father Figures in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Supports and Services
Fathers and father figures play important roles in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They often bring unique perspectives, strengths, and problem-solving approaches that can support communication, consistency, advocacy, and long-term well-being.
This theme explores the experiences of fathers and father figures and how they support the diverse interests and needs of their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Fathers and father figures may include biological fathers, adoptive fathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, godfathers, and other men who take on parenting or caregiving roles.
Why This Topic Matters
Culture shapes how families define caregiving, parenting, decision-making, and responsibility. In some families and communities, fathers and father figures may be seen as primary decision-makers or income providers. In others, caregiving and decision-making may be shared among parents, extended family, or other trusted people.
When systems do not intentionally include fathers and father figures, they may miss important knowledge about the person's routines, strengths, needs, relationships, and goals. Meaningful engagement helps ensure that supports reflect the whole family system, however family is defined.
Read the Topic Guide
Read the Guide: Engaging Fathers and Father Figures in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Supports and Services
This web-based guide includes key definitions, cultural considerations, reflection questions, and references related to engaging fathers and father figures in intellectual and developmental disabilities supports and services.
Watch the Videos
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Topic Video
Cultural Perspectives: Engaging Fathers and Father Figures in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Supports and Services
Featuring: Juan, Tawara, Dan, Ricardo, and Richard
Culture shapes fatherhood, caregiving, emotion, support, and family roles. This video explores why fathers and father figures are often left out of disability support systems and what it takes to engage them in meaningful ways. It highlights mentorship, connection with other fathers, acceptance, joy, stress, and the importance of creating spaces where fathers feel welcomed, valued, and less alone.
Personal Story Videos
Raising Dustin
Featuring: Steve, Dustin, and Jennifer
Dustin and his father, Steve, share a story of family, patience, advocacy, and belonging. Steve reflects on raising Dustin in a rural community, the challenges their family faced when supports and inclusive spaces were limited, and how creating the Autism Barn became a way to build connection, friendship, and joy. Their story highlights the powerful role fathers and father figures can play in creating spaces where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are welcomed, valued, and understood.
Prince Myles
Featuring: Donald, Myles, and Maxine
Donald and Myles share a joyful father-son bond rooted in love, family, and presence. Their story reflects Donald's journey toward acceptance and the powerful connection between "the King" and "the Prince." It highlights how fathers can support confidence, independence, communication, and a sense of belonging in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About the Speakers and Storytellers
Myles Brown
Myles Brown was born in the Bronx, New York, and diagnosed with autism at age three. With support from his family and New York City District 75 programs, he developed communication, independence, and employment skills over many years. Myles graduated from Beacon at Manhattan High School and later completed a vocational training program at New York-Presbyterian. He now works at Starbucks, has earned his learner’s permit, is building independence, and received the Westchester County National Disability Employment Awareness Award in 2025. His journey is defined not by a diagnosis but by quiet determination, steady progress, and the people who have walked beside him every step of the way.
Juan Dipini
Juan Dipini is a U.S. Navy veteran passionate about serving his local community. With more than 12 years of community involvement, he has supported organizations across Pennsylvania by providing guidance, leadership, and practical advice. Juan is a family man and an autism dad who is actively involved in the autism, special needs, and developmental disabilities communities.
Donald Glenn
Donald Glenn has spent much of his professional life in public service, working for the New York City Housing Authority and the Social Security Administration. He is a devoted husband and father whose life has been centered on family, partnership, and shared purpose. A strong advocate for people with disabilities, Donald has been a steady and important influence in his son Myles’s life, supporting him both in and out of school as a trusted guide, encourager, and constant presence. Despite challenges related to his own disability, Donald has remained a resilient and unwavering source of support for his son. His story reflects quiet strength, consistent advocacy, patience, and unconditional love.
Maxine Glenn
Maxine Glenn is a retired public servant who dedicated 40 years of service to the Social Security Administration.
She held several leadership roles and retired as District Manager of the Long Island City Field Office, where she managed staff and oversaw daily operations, staffing, hiring, and budget responsibilities. Maxine’s professional legacy is rooted in accountability, mentorship, and a deep respect for the mission of public service.
Maxine is active in Allen Memorial Church of God in Christ in Mount Vernon, New York, and continues to value faith, family, service, and community in retirement.
Tawara D. Goode
Tawara D. Goode served as the principal investigator and oversaw the successful implementation and quality assurance of all aspects of the OPWDD-NCCC Partnership. Professor Goode is the Director of the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC). In this role, she is recognized as a thought leader in cultural and linguistic competence and for building the NCCC into a nationally and internationally recognized, award-winning program. She is also the Director of the Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and oversees short-term and ongoing programs for persons at risk for, and with, developmental and other disabilities across the life course, as well as for their families. In 2026, she was appointed Associate Professor Emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Dustin Gonyea
Dustin Gonyea is a 35-year-old autistic man who graduated from College Works through Mohawk Valley Community College and The Arc of Oneida-Lewis. He competes in four sports with Special Olympics and has won gold medals in bocce, bowling, and golf. Dustin recently placed first in a cornhole league with more than 60 players with disabilities. He also spoke as a self-advocate at ADA Day in Madison County.
Steve Gonyea
Steve Gonyea is a father, foster parent, and advocate for people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. His advocacy is rooted in lived experience and a commitment to helping families navigate caregiving while advancing systems change. Through conversations with policymakers, public storytelling, and community action, Steve works to bridge gaps, develop solutions, and inspire others to act.
Dan Habib
Dan Habib is the Inclusive Communities Project Director at the Westchester Institute for Human Development and the founder of LikeRightNow Films. He is the director and producer of nationally broadcast documentary films, including Intelligent Lives, Including Samuel, Who Cares About Kelsey?, and Mr. Connolly Has ALS, among others on disability-related topics. His films have been used worldwide to support inclusive education and disability rights. Dan’s recent projects include the Emmy Award-winning My Disability Roadmap and The Ride Ahead, both co-directed with his son, Samuel Habib. The Ride Ahead follows Samuel as he navigates work, college, relationships, and adulthood while seeking wisdom from disability activists across the country. Dan also gave the TEDx talk “Disabling Segregation,” received national awards for human and civil rights advocacy, and served on President Barack Obama’s President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities from 2014 to 2017.
Richard “Rich” Robison
Rich Robison is Executive Director Emeritus of the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Boston, Massachusetts, where he led the organization for 22 years. He also serves as an instructor in Disability Policy for the LEND Program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Rich has worked in state developmental disability services, served as a chaplain, and served as a part-time pastor. He and his wife, Dotty, have three adult children, two of whom have Down syndrome, and three grandchildren, one of whom also has Down syndrome.
Ricardo Thornton
Ricardo Thornton has advocated for people with disabilities throughout his life and shown that they can achieve great things. His advocacy is shaped by his experience of being forced to live at Forest Haven, an institution for people with intellectual disabilities where abuse was common, choices were limited, and opportunities for growth and learning were nonexistent. He has testified before the U.S. Senate and met national and international leaders, including President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela, and President George W. Bush.