Description:
For parents who want to introduce inclusion to their children at a young age, meet Joyfully Josie! Through Josie's stories children learn about disabilities, rare diseases, and living joyfully.
Brief description: Nicole Zeitzer Johnson is on a mission to help children understand disabilities, medical complexities, and the importance of inclusion. Joyfully Josie draws inspiration from Nicole's daughter, Josie, who was born with a rare neurological genetic disorder called FOXG1 syndrome, which causes many disabilities. Nicole observed that young children often seem afraid and uncomfortable when meeting Josie. This realization motivated Nicole to create tools for parents and educators to guide children towards understanding, empathy, and inclusion. Joyfully Josie aims to turn these moments of unfamiliarity into joyful, inclusive experiences. In 2017, Nicole co-founded the FOXG1 Research Foundation, which is accelerating research to find treatments for FOXG1 syndrome and related disorders. The foundation has risen rapidly in prominence, partnering with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Before becoming a champion for rare diseases and disabilities, Nicole was a television producer and co-founded the streaming music service, Qello Concerts. Today, she's a vocal advocate, speaking to audiences about disability inclusion and her personal journey as a mother in search of a cure. Nicole resides in New York with her husband, Richard, their son, Tanner, and Josie.