U tell me Embracing Our Differences Strengthens Society: Michella Filipowitz
“We are a single community, and we have a responsibility to support one another.” These words from businesswoman, model, and philanthropist Michella Filipowitz capture the essence of her mission. In a candid discussion, she opened up about the significance of embracing diversity, including the inclusion of children with disabilities, and her journey toward breaking down the stigmas that persist in society. Here’s what she shared.
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Although we live in an era of progress and enlightenment, many aspects of our society still fall short in terms of acceptance and inclusion. Despite the fact that 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States are on the autism spectrum, they continue to face biases in the workplace, in schools, and even within their own homes. This harsh reality is one that Michella Filipowitz knows intimately.
At 23, Filipowitz became a single mother to her son, Benjamin, and by the time he was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism. “It was hard to process at first because there wasn’t a history of disabilities in my family,” she recalls. With the steadfast support of her mother, Filipowitz began to understand the importance of accepting and embracing this new reality.
Benjamin’s condition is often referred to as a “hidden disability,” a term coined by the Invisible Disabilities Association to describe physical, mental, or neurological conditions that aren’t immediately apparent, yet significantly impact a person’s daily life. In Benjamin’s case, it’s a delay in speech. “His brain doesn’t connect the same way, so while it isn’t something you can see, it becomes evident when you notice other children meeting milestones that he’s struggling to reach,” she explains. “Watching him fall behind was incredibly painful.”
As Benjamin grew older, Filipowitz became acutely aware of how much he was being excluded from school activities due to his disability. “It broke my heart to see him playing by himself while the other kids played together,” she says. “But it also made me more conscious of what other children in similar situations might be going through.” This awareness sparked her determination to advocate for greater inclusion within the community.
In today’s world, where much of our lives are played out online, it’s easy to make snap judgments about others without understanding their struggles. We live in a culture that often shuns anything that deviates from the norm, but Filipowitz wants to change that. She encourages us to celebrate our differences rather than fear them. Life, she argues, is about accepting one another as we are, not excluding those who don’t fit a certain mold.
“You can’t judge someone without knowing what they’re going through,” she emphasizes. “I have so much empathy for every child and family, and that has made me more aware of the challenges they face. I want to help spread this awareness to the broader community.”
For Filipowitz, this awareness must begin with transforming the education system.
“In mainstream schools, there’s often a reluctance to accept children on the autism spectrum because they’re seen as too disruptive,” she notes. “As a result, these children are often placed in special schools, but that’s not a real solution—it’s just a temporary fix.”
Filipowitz believes that all children, regardless of their abilities, should be educated together so they can learn from each other and understand that everyone has something unique to offer. “Children need to be taught that it’s okay to be different, that they can still play together and be friends. If we integrate children with disabilities into mainstream society, they’ll have a better chance to thrive, rather than being isolated in environments that limit their growth.”
With 1 in 100 children worldwide diagnosed with autism, Filipowitz believes that schools need to prioritize teaching respect, kindness, and acceptance. “We have to support children for who they are and help them reach their full potential, no matter what challenges they face.”
Driven by this belief, Filipowitz co-founded the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting children with disabilities and providing financial assistance to families who are struggling.
“I’m deeply passionate about this cause because I’ve lived it,” she explains. “I’ve been through the process of testing, therapies, and the financial burden that comes with it. I realized that many families don’t have the resources that I was fortunate to have, and that’s why we started this foundation—to help children with autism and other disabilities, and to make sure that families who can’t afford school fees get the help they need.” The foundation also plans to open a home for children who are in difficult family situations, providing them with a safe place to grow and thrive.
“My perspective on life has changed completely,” Filipowitz reflects. Since Benjamin came into her life, she has been driven by a deep desire to help others facing similar challenges. “He’s the reason I am who I am today, and he’s inspired me to make a difference in the world.”
To keep up with Michella Filipowitz’s journey and learn more about her foundation’s work, follow her on social media.
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