Speaking
About Us
David and Mercedes Rizzo have four children. They write and speak from a faith perspective as parents of a child with autism. David is a physical therapist. Mercedes is an educator. They are available to speak, and have appeared on radio and other media.
David and Mercedes are available to speak on a variety of topics including:
Special Needs Catechesis and Sacramental Preparation
Spirituality, Prayer and Faith Development for Special Needs Parents and Families
Balancing Children, Marriage and Self Care in a Special Needs Family
Ways for Parishes to Welcome and Include People with Disabilities and their Families
Danielle at a Crucifix
“Your words, your ideas, your expertise and most of all your faith were so very inspiring to so many!
Your perspective on prayer certainly enriched all of our participants and will have a lasting effect on their families, children, and beyond”
“Your insightful sharing of how your daughter, Danielle, has blessed your lives was truly inspirational and showed the other mothers a perfect example of just how they too can “embrace the gift”. Many of the participants mentioned how your words inspired and nourished them.”
“It was a privilege to welcome the Rizzo family to the Diocese of Des Moines for theOpening our Eyes and Ears event in 2018. The Rizzo’s provided both our keynote address onWays for Parishes to Welcome and Include People with Disabilities and their Families,as well as a breakout session for parents of children with special needs, titledBalancing Children, Marriage, and Self Care in a Special Needs Family.We have received tremendous feedback from clergy, diocesan and parish staff, and parents that the Rizzo’s were a perfect balance of information and inspiration. They share their story weaved with humor, prayer, and practical advice. We look forward to working with David, Mercedes, and their family again in the future as we continue support our ministry with persons with disabilities.”
“David’s talk on special needs Catechesis at our conference for Catholic special need’s parents ‘Accepting the Gift’, was informative, thorough, and well received by all our attendees. An engaging speaker, the parents in attendance appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and view the resources David and his wife Mercedes have thoughtfully created to help special needs parents instill in their children a love of the Catholic faith.”
Previous Speaking Engagements
Catholic Family Conference
Family Inclusion Ministry Conference
The Catholic Diocese of Trenton Webinar
Mothers of Children With Disabilities at the Malvern Retreat House
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
National Catholic Partnership on Disability Conference
National Conference for Catechetical Leadership Annual Meeting
Mid-Atlantic Congress
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Partners in Faith Formation Conference
Archdiocese of Atlanta Disability Ministry Conference Keynote
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Disability Ministry Conference Keynote
Diocese of Grand Rapids Strengthened In Faith Retreat
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Bishop Ricard Conference
Diocese of Wilmington Catechetical Conference
Diocese of Camden Convocation
Diocese of Providence Faith Formation Conference
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Opening Our Eyes and Ears Conference, West DesMoines, Iowa
Discovery Ministries Retreat
Radio and Television Appearances
Son Rise Morning Show
Christopher Close-up Radio Show
An Engaging Faith with Elizabeth Reardon
Diocese of Trenton Catholic Corner
As the Spirit Leads
Everything Special Needs
The Positive Side on RVNTV
Driving Home the Faith Radio Show
The Gary Zimak Show
The Storytellers with Tony Agnesi Radio Show