What if Stephen Hawking, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions in theoretical physics, had only been seen for his ALS -- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease? Or if Simone Biles, a gymnastics sensation, had been restricted because of her ADHD? Or if Glenna Wright-Gallo, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education who oversees the Office of Special Education and Related Services, had not been encouraged to use her ability to speak and write on behalf of children because of her hearing disability?

All of these high-achieving individuals, and countless others, exemplify what it means to be twice-exceptional: individuals who are gifted but also have disabilities. Such talent often goes unnoticed or unsupported in schools, but Cleveland State University is at the forefront of changing that narrative.

Read more from Claire E. Hughes -- professor of Special, Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Education at CSU's Levin College of Public Affairs and Education -- in her guest column on cleveland.com.