Michelle Steiner:
Unseen, Unstoppable
Growing up with dyscalculia and other learning disabilities, Michelle struggled with school, self-doubt, and societal expectations. Despite the obstacles, she found a path to success and now helps others do the same.
Bio
Michelle Steiner lives with an invisible disability. From the start many people have told her she could not go to college, get her bachelor’s degree, get published or have the job she wanted. She has been able to do all of that and more. Michelle graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in Community Programing. 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. Her photographs were featured in Word Gathering 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.
Topics
- Overcoming the stigma of learning disabilities
- Dyscalculia: More than just being “bad at math”
- The importance of self-advocacy in education
- How to navigate college with a learning disability
- Strategies for building confidence despite setbacks
- The underestimated power of accommodations in education
- Finding success outside of traditional expectations
- How learning disabilities impact social experiences
- Turning struggles into strengths: The mindset shift
- Encouraging resilience in students with disabilities
Guiding Questions
- What was your experience growing up with a learning disability?
- Can you share a moment when you realized you had to advocate for yourself?
- How did you overcome the discouragement from educators who doubted you?
- What specific strategies helped you succeed in college despite dyscalculia?
- How has your perspective on your disability changed over time?
- What are some common misconceptions about learning disabilities?
- How do you help others who are facing similar challenges?
- What role did writing play in shaping your confidence and identity?
- What advice would you give to students struggling with self-doubt?
- How can schools and workplaces better support individuals with learning disabilities?