168 - Thriving Where Life Finds You: Disability, Purpose, and Inclusion with Stephen Wagstaff

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Stephen Wagstaff to explore what it truly means to thrive where life finds you. After a life-altering spinal cord injury at 19, Stephen shares his journey through disability, faith, caregiving, marriage and purpose. Together, they unpack a powerful reframe of inclusion—from doing things for people with disabilities to doing things with them. Stephen also offers honest insight for caregivers facing burnout and introduces the mission behind SwagAbility, a nonprofit walking alongside people through life’s hardest seasons with hope, dignity and practical support.

Key Takeaways:

Doing With - Inclusion means working with people with disabilities, not just doing things for them, honoring their gifts and agency.

Thriving vs Existing - Thriving begins when you find purpose and productivity, even in seasons of pain or limitation.

Caregiver Burnout - Caregivers must ask for help, set boundaries, and seek neutral support before resentment takes root.

Accepting Help - Learning to receive help can be as transformative as learning to give it.

Unwasted Scars - Our hardest experiences can become platforms to serve and bring hope to others.

Stephen Wagstaff’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is shifting from doing things "for" people with disabilities to doing things with "them".

Stephen Wagstaff’s Bio:

Stephen “Swags” Wagstaff is the founder and CEO of SwagAbility, a nonprofit helping people thrive through life’s toughest challenges—disability, caregiving, and trauma recovery. A C5 quadriplegic and former pastor, Stephen shares this mission alongside his wife Julie, a cancer survivor and full-time caregiver. Together, they bring faith, humor, and real-life experience to inspire others to find hope, purpose, and resilience—reminding us all that no matter where life finds you, you can still thrive.

Connect with Stephen Wagstaff:

Website: https://swagability.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwagAbilityInc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwagAbilitylive

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-wagstaff-1a780a279/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 74

No - 92

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