Raising a child with a disability can feel like walking a tightrope—balancing hope, fear, exhaustion, and advocacy, often without a safety net. Christine Staple Ebanks knows this walk all too well. When her son, Nathan, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just nine months old, her world was turned upside down. Yet, in the midst of this challenge, she found a calling that would reshape her life and impact thousands of families worldwide.
Christine’s story is a roadmap for other parents navigating the world of special needs. Through her own journey of advocacy, she has created The Special Needs Mama Bear Empowerment Movement and launched Raising Special Needs Inc., an initiative aimed at uplifting families of children with disabilities. Her voice resonates not only in homes but in classrooms, workshops, and online communities across the globe.
Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Birth of Raising Special Needs Inc.
Christine’s journey began with the realization that there was no manual for raising a child with disabilities, especially in the face of complex systems and limited resources. As a mother in both the United States and Jamaica, Christine saw the disparities parents face in different environments. In the U.S., resources existed but were difficult to access, while in Jamaica, services were scarce, leaving families with little guidance or support.
In this environment of uncertainty, Christine’s mission was born. She spent nearly two decades honing her advocacy skills, not just for Nathan, but for families in similar situations. In 2009, she founded the Nathan Ebanks Foundation in Jamaica, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the rights of children with disabilities and their families. Her work expanded across the Caribbean, and in 2021, she launched Raising Special Needs Inc.—a U.S.-based organization that offers training and consulting to help families and systems meaningfully include children with disabilities.
This journey led to The Special Needs Mama Bear Empowerment Movement, a global platform connecting, uplifting, and equipping parents of children with disabilities. The movement helps parents gain confidence, practical tools, and a voice in their child’s care, education, and inclusion.
“Advocacy isn’t just a skill you learn—it’s a mindset,” Christine says. “When you embrace the power of your voice, you can change the trajectory of your child’s future.”
From Book to Course: A Legacy of Learning
Christine’s transformation from overwhelmed parent to confident advocate didn’t stop at her movement. Recognizing the need for tools that support parents, she wrote eight books, including Raising Nathan Against All Odds: Discovering the Blessings, Joy, and Purpose in Raising a Child with Disabilities. The book was honored with the March 2024 International Impact Book Award and became an Amazon Best Seller for its impact on special needs families. Her forthcoming title, The Special Needs Mama Bear Playbook, continues her mission by providing practical guidance and empowering tools for families navigating disability.
Christine also launched Lose the Fear: Speaking Up with Confidence for Your Special Needs Child, an online course designed to empower parents to speak up in meetings, advocate for services, and create a positive, supportive environment for their children. The course blends practical tips, advocacy strategies, and Christine’s own experiences to give parents a comprehensive framework for navigating challenges.
“The biggest obstacle I hear from parents is fear,” Christine explains. “They’re afraid of the unknown, afraid of being misunderstood, and afraid they’re not doing enough. But with the right resources and community, parents can lose the fear and step into their power.”
The Special Needs Mama Bear Shop: Empowering Parents One Product at a Time
In 2024, Christine launched The Special Needs Mama Bear Shop, an online platform designed to provide parents and caregivers with empowering resources. The shop offers tools such as caregiver journals, communication logs, and custom-designed apparel—all aimed at making life easier and more affirming.
The store isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a movement. Each item is carefully curated to remind caregivers that they are seen, supported, and never alone. Products include motivational books and daily-use journals, designed to uplift parents on their toughest days and help them find strength in the special needs mama bear community. Christine’s belief is that advocacy starts with the individual and radiates outward to families and society.
“Moms and caregivers are the backbone of the special needs community,” says Christine. “We’re handed a diagnosis with limited information and no roadmap. And yet, we rise. When we as moms are supported and equipped, we strengthen everything around us—our homes, communities, and systems.”
The Global Impact: Bridging the Gap for Special Needs Mama Bears Everywhere
Christine’s work spans borders and cultures. Combining her lived experience as a parent-advocate with her professional training, she offers a global perspective on disability advocacy. She has spoken at events in the U.S. and the Caribbean, sharing her insights on how to navigate complex systems, find resources, and build resilience. Her personal connection to families facing similar struggles has made her an invaluable resource to underserved communities.
“I’ve walked through both sides of the challenge,” she says. “I know what it’s like to fight for your child in a place where resources are limited, and I know the frustration of dealing with a system full of resources but difficult to access. My work is about making the process easier for others—whether that’s through education, advocacy, or products that help them feel seen and empowered.”
Christine’s mission goes beyond offering advice; it’s about building a worldwide community that supports each other through the ups and downs of special needs parenting. Through her books, course, and online shop, Christine is creating a space where families can thrive—not just survive.
From Advocate to Entrepreneur: What’s Next?
Christine continues to grow her business and advocacy efforts, focusing on expanding her reach and impact. In addition to existing tools and resources, she is working on new initiatives designed to further support caregivers and empower families to navigate the complexities of raising a child with special needs.
With an unwavering commitment to her mission and a heart rooted in faith, Christine is building a legacy of hope, empowerment, and inclusion for future generations. Her son Nathan, who was given a fifty-fifty chance of surviving childhood, recently graduated high school—a powerful reminder that thriving is possible. “Nathan’s journey reminds me daily that with God, all things truly are possible,” Christine shares. “That’s the heart of everything I do—to help other families believe in what’s possible for their children too.”
For more information on Christine’s work, explore her empowering tools, books, and resources at The Special Needs Mama Bear Shopand connect with her community on social media:
- Facebook:ChristineE.StapleEbanks
- YouTube:TheSpecialNeedsMamaBear
- Instagram:thespecialneedsmamabear
- Website: https://christinestapleebanks.com/
Christine’s advocacy and movement are a testament to the power of turning personal challenges into global change. Through her dedication, she is ensuring that no family ever has to walk this difficult journey alone.
