Michella Filipowitz, co-founder of the DR Family Foundation, is a model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist deeply committed to creating opportunities for children with disabilities. After becoming a single mother at 23 and navigating the difficulties of her son’s autism diagnosis, Filipowitz channeled her experiences into a broader mission to bring positive change to the lives of others.
Today, her foundation offers education for children with disabilities who might not otherwise have access to it. Additionally, she is working on building a shelter for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We currently cover school fees for some children here in Australia, and we’re planning to open a home for kids who are in difficult family situations,” she says. The shelter, expected to open next summer, will not just be a place to stay but a community where people can find resources, safety, and support.
When asked what inspired her to start this journey, she says, “I feel deep empathy for every child and every family. I want to raise awareness in the community.”
Having once watched her son play alone while other children played together, Filipowitz was forced to confront the flaws in today’s society and educational system. Although 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, they are often treated as outsiders, denied the same opportunities to succeed.
“In Australia, the support system is much weaker than in Miami,” she says. “It’s a much harder struggle here, finding schools that would accept him, especially now that he’s about to start kindergarten.”
Filipowitz shares that she had appointments with several private schools, but none accepted her son because these schools “don’t have the capacity or willingness to support children with special needs.”
“I believe mainstream schools hesitate to accept children on the spectrum because they fear they will disrupt other students,” she says. Filipowitz argues that placing children with disabilities in “special schools” isn’t the solution.
When asked how Australia’s education system could improve for children with disabilities, she suggests that classrooms should be more inclusive, teaching children to respect each other, regardless of their differences. “These kids didn’t choose their circumstances,” she says. “They’re born this way, and we need to accept and support them.”
While living in Miami, Filipowitz found an excellent school for Benjamin. Before enrolling, he was non-verbal, but he began speaking Spanish, reading, and developing intellectually with the help of the school’s staff.
“His progress exceeded my expectations,” she says. Inspired by her experience in Miami, Filipowitz believes that integrating children with disabilities into society helps them thrive, rather than isolating them in schools that reinforce their differences.
Fortunately, Filipowitz recently found a public school in Sydney that accepted her son, marking a turning point in their journey. “I cried in the car from excitement. The principal was wonderful and told me there are other children with disabilities at the school who are doing great.”
Filipowitz’s dream is for the education system to integrate children with disabilities more into classrooms, encouraging other students to interact with and accept them as they are.
Recognizing that systemic change won’t come easily, Filipowitz is taking matters into her own hands with the DR Family Foundation. Besides providing educational support, she shares that the foundation will soon start a soccer team for children with disabilities, giving them a chance to play together, socialize, and be part of a community.
“I want it to feel like a community where people can come, spend time, and know that it’s a safe place for everyone,” Filipowitz concludes. Her vision is to create an environment where every child, no matter their background or challenges, can access the resources they need to thrive.
Though raising her son has been challenging, it has inspired Filipowitz to help other parents facing similar struggles. To stay updated on Michella Filipowitz’s journey and philanthropic work, follow her on Instagram at @princessmichella.