The Resilient Spirit: Michelle Steiner’s Path to Advocacy and Art

Thoughtfully Mindless

Our guest for this episode of Thoughtfully Mindless is Michelle Steiner. Michelle is a disability writer, speaker, photographer, and paraeducator, and she shares her journey with a learning disability. Diagnosed in kindergarten, she recounts the challenges she faced in school, from academic struggles to bullying. Despite being discouraged from pursuing higher education, Michelle defied expectations, earning a bachelor's degree and advocating for herself in college. Michelle details her experiences with disability accommodations and the stigma associated with them, particularly in academic settings. She also discusses her passions: writing and photography, highlighting how these creative outlets helped her cope and excel. Michelle's blog, "Michelle's Mission," combines her writing and photography, offering insights into life with a learning disability. Throughout the interview, she emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, support systems, and focusing on one's strengths. Michelle's blog: https://www.michellesmission.net/