ABOUT ME

Hello, my name is David Harper, and I’m the founder of Handwoven Hearts. This space was born from my own lived experience with Essential Tremor—a neurological condition that caused rhythmic, uncontrollable shaking in my hands, arms, legs, and neck. For years, I faced judgment, stares, and misunderstanding in public spaces. In 2020, I underwent brain surgery that helped ease the tremors, but the experience left a lasting impact on me. It gave me a deep awareness of how isolating it can feel to live in a world that doesn’t always understand or accommodate you.

That understanding grew stronger when I began working with a family whose 13-year-old daughter, Lisha, is nonspeaking and level 3 autistic. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of being part of their lives. Like many autistic families, they often feel excluded—enduring stares or unkind comments when their daughter experiences meltdowns or when her needs don’t fit within typical public expectations.

Deaf families often face similar challenges. Communication barriers, lack of cultural awareness, and limited accommodations can make everyday interactions difficult and isolating. Too often, these families are left feeling like they don’t belong—misunderstood, overlooked, or forced to navigate the world without meaningful support.

That’s why I started Handwoven Hearts: to create a space where Deaf individuals, autistic individuals, and families like mine and yours can connect, feel understood, and learn from one another. Through educational resources and inclusive connection groups, we work to build bridges of understanding between communities, and to break down the social barriers that keep people apart.

Handwoven Hearts is more than a support space—it’s a growing community built on empathy, respect, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.