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If you’ve ever wondered what travel looks like when you have a hidden or learning disability, or how to navigate airports, hotels, and new places with confidence and the right resources, then take a listen as my guest Michelle shares her experience as a traveler with dyscalculia and speaks about her home region of Butler and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Originally from Butler, Pennsylvania, Michelle is a writer, blogger, photographer, and paraeducator whose work is deeply rooted in advocacy. She is the founder of Michelle’s Mission, a blog dedicated to encouraging, empowering, and educating people with and without disabilities. Living with dyscalculia — a learning disability that affects math skills, visual perception, and sense of direction — Michelle has found ways to not only navigate daily life independently but to travel with intention and confidence.
In this episode, Michelle takes us through the charming small-town character of Butler and the cultural richness of nearby Pittsburgh, sharing her favorite spots for art, nature, food, and photography. She then speaks openly about what accessible travel actually looks like in practice — from airport programs like the Hidden Sunflower and Flight Ambassador services, to hotel booking questions every traveler with a disability should ask. Michelle also reflects on how her first solo flight became a turning point for her confidence and independence, and why she believes life is simply too short to let a disability keep you from seeing the world.
After the interview, Triston shares thoughts on accessible and intentional travel.
Main Points & Some General Points/Stories Discussed
Location: Butler & Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Travel Topics: Traveling with a Disability
Main Points
- 00:00:00 – Cold Open
- 00:02:21 – Get To Know Michelle “The Person”
- 00:14:53 – Insight on Butler, Pennsylvania
- 00:22:08 – Insight on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 00:29:17 – Get To Know Michelle “The Traveler”
- 00:47:44 – Travel Topic: Travel with a Disability
- 01:05:03 – Rapid Fire Questions & 30 Seconds of Glory
- 01:07:48 – Post Interview: Triston on Travel with a Disability
General Points/Stories
- Michelle shares how growing up with dyscalculia shaped her resilience, her love of writing, and her path into disability advocacy
- Michelle explains how not being able to drive turned into an unexpected gift — noticing details, flowers, and moments others miss
- Michelle discusses Butler as a walkable small town with hidden gems and a tight-knit community feel
- Michelle talks about Pittsburgh’s rich arts and museum scene and how a reciprocal museum membership (NARM/ROM) can make cultural travel more affordable
- Michelle shares her experience using the Hidden Sunflower Program and Flight Ambassador service on her first solo flight
- Michelle breaks down the travel planning process for someone with a hidden disability — from airport research to hotel questions
- Michelle explains the ADA and how universal design in travel spaces benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities
- Michelle reflects on how her first solo trip to Florida became a major confidence milestone
Things to See and Do
Butler, Pennsylvania
- Maridon Museum — Asian art and cultural museum
- Penn Theater — historic theater undergoing remodeling
- Butler Art Center — local arts hub and community space
- Cummings Coffee — charming family-owned coffee shop in a former candy store, downtown Butler
- Vintage Coffee Shop — cozy spot with great drinks and eclectic décor
- Chantin Palace — a local Chinese restaurant favorite
- North Country Brewery — craft brewery in nearby Slippery Rock
- Moraine State Park — man-made lake park with boating, swimming, and wildlife including beavers
- Preston Park — small local park ideal for walking and nature photography
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Phipps Conservancy & Botanical Gardens — seasonal flower shows year-round including orchids, spring blooms, and a Christmas show
- Carnegie Museum of Art — world-class collection in the cultural district
- Andy Warhol Museum — dedicated to Pittsburgh’s most iconic artist
- Mattress Factory — multi-building contemporary art museum (not a mattress store!)
- Westmoreland County Museum of Art
- Pittsburgh Aviary — unique bird experience
- Sesame Inn — beloved Chinese restaurant, a Michelle and husband favorite
- Capitol Grille — upscale dining great for special occasions
- Pittsburgh International Airport — offers the Hidden Sunflower Program and Flight Ambassador Program for travelers with hidden disabilities
Resources Mentioned
- Michelle’s Mission — Michelle’s blog on disability advocacy and empowerment
- Hidden Sunflower Program — hidden disability badge program available at select airports
- Flight Ambassador Program — volunteer-based airport navigation service for travelers who need extra assistance
- NARM / ROM Reciprocal Museum Membership — museum membership program offering free or reduced admission at participating institutions nationwide
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) — US federal law requiring reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in public spaces
- Southwest Airlines Companion Pass for Caregivers — program allowing a caregiver to fly free when accompanying a passenger with a disability (check current eligibility)
Connect With Michelle
–Michelle’s Mission (Advocacy Website & Blog for Disabilities): www.michellesmission.com
-Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966/
-Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/steiner7250/
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