Inclusion Matters: Shining a Light on Hidden Disabilities with Michelle Steiner - Episode 73

Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Michelle Steiner, a writer, speaker, and paraeducator, about her journey living with a learning disability. Diagnosed with dyscalculia in kindergarten, Michelle shares her experiences navigating school, social challenges, and adulthood. She highlights the importance of empathy, the value of community, and how her disability shaped her love for writing, photography, and helping students with disabilities. Michelle also discusses her passion for inclusion, her blog Michelle’s Mission, and her future goals, including publishing a children’s book about dyscalculia and delivering a TEDx talk.

Key Takeaways:

Early Diagnosis Impact - Michelle’s kindergarten diagnosis of dyscalculia shaped her educational journey, leading to specialized support and self-advocacy.

Beyond the Classroom - Dyscalculia affects more than academics—it impacts life skills like telling time, driving, and spatial awareness.

Power of Community - Finding supportive spaces outside of school, like writing groups, helped Michelle build confidence and a sense of belonging.

Empathy in Inclusion - Genuine inclusion starts with empathy—seeing beyond visible struggles and valuing the whole person.

Turning Struggles into Strengths - Michelle’s challenges fueled her passions for writing, photography, and mentoring students, showing that disabilities can be pathways to purpose.

Michelle’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion means ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate equally, with no one left out, and that opportunities are available for all.

Michelle’s Bio:

Michelle Steiner lives with an invisible disability. She has articles published on The Mighty, Non Verbal Learning Project, Dyscalculia Blog, The Reluctant Spoonie, Kalopina Collective, Imagine the World as one Magazine and Word Gathering. She has had her photographs featured in Word Gathering and Independent and Work Ready. She works as a paraeducator in a school with students with disabilities. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats.

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://www.mrsmichellesmission.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013356902200

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 31

No - 40

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