We are joined today by a special guest, Michael Hingson, host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. We have shared a lot of time on each other’s podcasts and learned a lot from Michael’s perspective on special education, especially what he experienced in the very early days of special ed. Join us to learn more about Michael’s life and work!

Michael Hingson has a unique story. With a master’s degree in physics, Mike is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate–and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave him every chance to learn, sending him to public schools throughout his life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker and the author of the bestseller, Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust.

Show Highlights:

• Mike’s story: science, sales, the early days of disability law, and a life of advocacy
• Michael’s learning process with guide dogs and white canes
• Michael’s 9/11 experience at the World Trade Center which led to his book, Thunder Dog
• “Disability does not mean a lack of ability.”
• We will have Mike back very soon for Part 2 of this conversation, in which we will discuss his involvement in technology development to help many people with disabilities of all kinds. Stay tuned!

Links/Resources:

Connect with Michael Hingson: Website, Unstoppable Mindset podcast, and Thunder Dog book

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org

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