Michele A. Leahy
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Michele A. Leahy, MS, founder of Leahy Life Plan, creates lifelong independent living plans for people with disabilities. A Certified Partner Work Incentive Coordinator and a Social Security Administration-approved, program-trained professional, Leahy empowers careers by helping clients understand the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program. Her 100% disability-owned and operated business integrates government, community, and financial supports.
Born with multiple disabilities and a full-time wheelchair user since age 12, Leahy is a sought-after speaker with a natural flair for engaging large crowds with honesty and humor, embodying her life mottos, “Get Busy Living!” and “Say Yes to Access.”
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- That adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and mental health conditions can live independently with the right supports.
- How parents can document their adult child’s functional struggles to secure SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare.
- Why benefits should be viewed as a hand up, not a hand out, when building financial stability.
- How to connect adult children with community services that support employment and independent living.
- That a person with a disability can build a thriving business while transitioning off government benefits.
- Why functional documentation should focus on worst-day challenges, not best-day capabilities, for benefit approval.
- How Work Incentive Planning and Assistance can help clients work without immediately losing essential supports.
- That long-term independence is possible when government, community, and financial supports are integrated.
- How parents can move beyond the “high functioning but can’t work” mindset to set realistic employment goals.
- Why referrals to neuropsychologists and therapists help document functional support needs for disability benefits.
about the show
Women In Power is an entrepreneur TV series featuring female entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, and industry leaders who are building companies, leading teams, and creating impact in their industries.
Each episode gives viewers a closer look at the real stories behind these women’s success, including the challenges they faced, the decisions that shaped them, and the leadership lessons they learned along the way. The series highlights women who have built businesses, broken barriers, grown brands, and created opportunities for others through their work.
Women In Power was created to spotlight female business leaders whose stories deserve to be seen and heard. From early setbacks to major breakthroughs, each episode shows the journey behind the title, the business, and the public success.
For viewers, the show offers inspiration, practical insight, and a deeper look at what it takes for women to lead, grow, and succeed in today’s business world. For featured guests, it provides a platform to share their story, build authority, and inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs and leaders.
