Alycia Anderson Blog

Accessibility Is Not Just Compliance. It Is Human Impact. | GAAD 2026


Published: Thursday May 21, 2026
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On Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026, Alycia and Marty welcome Shawn Jordison, The Accessibility Guy, for a practical and human conversation about digital accessibility, AI, assistive technology, and inclusion. Shawn shares how accessibility became his life’s work, why organizations must move beyond compliance, and how simple tools like headings, alt text, captions, screen readers, and content inventories can make access less overwhelming and more usable for everyone.

Episode 142 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 21, 2026
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In this Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026 transcript, Alycia Anderson and Marty Anderson talk with Shawn Jordison, The Accessibility Guy, about making digital accessibility practical, human, and less intimidating. Shawn shares his lived experience with Charcot Marie Tooth disease, his career in assistive technology, and why accessibility is more than compliance. The conversation explores AI, screen readers, alt text, accessible documents, and becoming an accessibility champion.

It’s Not “Just Fatigue”: The Hidden Reality of ME/CFS with Elizabeth Ansell


Published: Thursday May 14, 2026
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In this powerful episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson welcomes Elizabeth Ansell, founder of #NotJustFatigue, to uncover the hidden reality of ME/CFS. Elizabeth shares her journey from misdiagnosis and medical dismissal to bedbound advocacy, explaining post-exertional malaise, the “Millions Missing” movement, and the urgent need for education, research funding, and federal policy change for millions living unseen.

Episode 141 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 14, 2026
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Read the full transcript of Pushing Forward with Alycia Episode 141, “What If Your Most Impactful Work Happened From Bed?” Alycia Anderson speaks with Elizabeth Ansell, founder of #NotJustFatigue, about ME/CFS, invisible disability, medical misunderstanding, post-exertional malaise, chronic illness advocacy, and building power within personal limits while fighting for awareness, research funding, and a better future.

What the Disability Voting Bloc Actually Needs from American Democracy


Published: Wednesday May 13, 2026
Featured image for “What the Disability Voting Bloc Actually Needs from American Democracy” showing a diverse group of disabled voters in front of a ballot box, including a blonde wheelchair user wearing an “I Voted” sticker, a Black woman casting a ballot, a blind man holding a white cane, a person signing, and another person holding a sign that says “Our Votes. Our Future.” The background includes a faint U.S. Capitol silhouette, patriotic red, white, blue brush strokes, and the series label “Disability & Democracy.”

Disabled Americans are not a political afterthought—they are one of the most powerful and misunderstood voting blocs in the country. This second installment in the Disability & Democracy series examines what the disability community actually needs from American democracy: accessible voting, protected civil rights, strengthened Medicaid and community-based services, accurate data, political recognition, and a democracy that understands disability rights as freedom infrastructure.

America’s Largest Untapped Swing Vote Is the Disability Community


Published: Thursday May 7, 2026
Editorial-style featured image for an article about the disability voting bloc in America. A diverse group of disabled adults stands and sits confidently in front of the U.S. Capitol building at dusk, including wheelchair users and a blind woman holding a white cane. Large bold text reads: “America’s Largest Untapped Swing Vote.” Additional text says: “The disability community is ready. Are we listening?” Statistics displayed on the image highlight more than 41 million eligible disabled voters, 17% of the U.S. electorate, 20–22 million expected ballots cast in 2026, and more than 7 million disabled voters in battleground states. The image uses dark blue and purple tones to convey urgency, political influence, and collective power.

More than 40 million disabled Americans are eligible to vote, making the disability community one of the largest — and least recognized — political constituencies in the United States. As economic uncertainty grows and debates around Medicare, Social Security, and accessibility intensify, disabled voters may become a decisive force in the 2026 midterms. This article explores the untapped political power of the disability electorate and why the conversation can no longer wait.

Do It Scared with Mindy Henderson


Published: Thursday May 7, 2026
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In this powerful episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Mindy Henderson shares her journey from hiding her disability during a 20-year tech career to becoming a leading voice in disability advocacy. Together, Alycia and Mindy discuss accessible air travel, internalized ableism, storytelling, authenticity, and the courage to “do it scared.” This conversation is an inspiring reminder that our stories have the power to create progress and meaningful change.

Episode 140 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 7, 2026
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In Episode 140 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Mindy Henderson shares her journey from hiding her disability during a 20-year tech career to becoming a leading advocate for accessible air travel and authentic storytelling. Alycia and Mindy unpack internalized ableism, disability visibility, social media, advocacy, and the courage to “do it scared.” This inspiring conversation explores how finding your voice and sharing your story can create powerful personal and societal change.

Ali Stroker Refused to Wait for Permission and Made Broadway History


Published: Thursday April 30, 2026
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Tony Award winner Ali Stroker joins Alycia Anderson for a powerful conversation on Broadway, disability representation, and owning your story. From reclaiming the public gaze through theater to making history on Broadway, Ali shares how she built confidence, purpose, and success on her own terms. This episode explores resilience, identity, motherhood, and the courage to stop waiting for permission and start creating your own path forward.

Episode 139 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 30, 2026
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Tony Award winner Ali Stroker joins Alycia Anderson to share her journey from early dreams to making Broadway history. In this powerful conversation, Ali opens up about disability representation, confidence, and learning to be seen on her own terms. From navigating the gaze to owning the spotlight, this episode is a reminder that you do not need permission to create a life that is bold, visible, and fully yours.