IDA Ambassador – Michigan

Lainie Ishbia, MSW is a social worker, blogger, & highly regarded speaker with over 25 years of experience empowering adolescents & adults to embrace their imperfections, effectively communicate with others, and live confident & happy lives.

Lainie was born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, a rare and progressive neuromuscular disorder that primarily effects her hands & feet. She understands first hand the impacts of disability on self-esteem & life satisfaction. As a teenager, Lainie struggled with extremely poor body image & low self-esteem, culminating in a suicide attempt followed months of intensive treatment at an inpatient psychiatric hospital at the age of 16.

Through her workshops, writing, & podcasts, Lainie’s dynamic personality, resourcefulness, humor, & positive energy shines through and is contagious. Whether you’re looking for stylish shoes to fit over leg braces, tips for ‘ discreetly balancing at a party, or hacks for applying makeup with hand weakness, Lainie & her website, Trend-Able, have you covered.