Storytelling Transcends Labels: Disability, Empathy, and Advocacy. With Mitch Stevens

We have two episodes for you this week! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the stories we tell ourselves about other people. Especially when it comes to disability. Why do we assume limitation before we ever take the time to understand the person standing in front of us? In this episode, I sat down with Mitch Stevens, author of Transcending Labels, and our conversation challenged a lot of those assumptions. Mitch shares the relationships that shaped his work—friends like Robert, who has Down syndrome, and Stephen, who lives with significant cognitive impairments. And here’s the uncomfortable truth: the moment many people notice a disability, their expectations immediately drop. Why? What does that say about us? We also talked about the power of storytelling. Real stories. The kind that force you to slow down, listen, and actually see someone. Mitch describes meeting families in the autism and disability communities and learning firsthand that advocacy isn’t abstract policy work—it’s deeply human. It’s about connection, patience, and sometimes realizing how wrong our assumptions have been. And honestly, I find conversations like this refreshing. At a time when everything feels loud, divisive, and performative, here’s a reminder that empathy still matters. That community still matters. So maybe the real question is this: what would happen if we started assuming capability instead of limitation? What would change if we actually took the time to know people beyond the labels we assign them? Find more info on Mitch Stevens here: Website: https://www.mitchjstevens.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitch.stevens.186 Learn more about info discussed in the episode: Hal Elrod Monte Mader Real Words With Sam - J Brad Britton SPELLERS - The Movie What If My Pieces Don't Fit? - Marya Sherron 00:00 Introduction and Mitch’s Background 06:38 The Importance of Family and Advocacy 10:43 Exploring the Book: Transcending Labels 15:11 Understanding Special Needs and Disabilities 20:27 The Role of Masculinity in Advocacy 26:12 Networking and Community in Advocacy 30:05 The Impact of Advocacy and Future Goals 43:10 Advocacy and Empowerment in the Autism Community 48:05 Legislative Challenges and Opportunities for Change 51:12 The Importance of Storytelling and Authenticity 57:00 Faith, Humanity, and Community Engagement 01:02:57 Finding Common Ground and Bridging Divides Contact Tabitha: [email protected] https://tabithazeigler.com/