On Pushing Forward with Alycia, producer Zian Chavez shares the making of We Are The Most Beautiful People, a documentary centering disabled adults redefining beauty worldwide. They discuss intersectional identities, lived experience with MS, and stories exposing ongoing ableism—from inaccessible celebrations to everyday barriers. Alycia and Zian explore art therapy’s role in healing, global solidarity across communities, and why disabled leadership and dignity should shape culture, policy, and inclusion everywhere.

In Episode 105 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson sits down with Sarah Crawford—CEO of TLC and a North Carolina state representative—to explore her impactful advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From family roots in service to leading both nonprofit and legislative efforts, Sarah discusses the mission of TLC, funding challenges, caregiver recognition, and the pressing need for systemic change to empower vulnerable families and direct‑care workers.

Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC and North Carolina legislator, shares how service—and a belief that ‘when government works well, it works for those who need it most’—guided her journey from Congressional intern to nonprofit leader. During her tenure at TLC, she’s grown services from just a few families to over 2,000, providing residential support, therapies, and navigation. Her vision? Inclusive choice, valued care workers, and service-driven advocacy at every level of leadership.

In this inspiring episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia Anderson, Paralympian Roderick Sewell shares how resilience, determination, and a champion’s mindset shaped his journey to success. From overcoming obstacles to breaking barriers, Roderick’s story offers powerful lessons on perseverance and personal growth. Join Alycia as she explores what it takes to rise above challenges and embrace the mindset of a true champion.

Read the full transcript of Pushing Forward with Alycia Anderson Episode 104 featuring Paralympian Roderick Sewell. In this candid conversation, Roderick shares how resilience, determination, and a champion’s mindset shaped his journey from overcoming obstacles to achieving success. Explore his powerful insights on perseverance, leadership, and growth, and discover why his story continues to inspire audiences around the world.

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson interviews Treasa Praino, a legally blind disability advocate, university instructor, and human‑rights specialist completing her PhD at Syracuse University. They explore her journey from facing early discrimination to shaping inclusion through her work in federal probation, education inequities, and transformative projects in South Africa. Treasa emphasizes presuming competence, valuing interdependence over independence, and recognizing how cultural contexts redefine disability. ‘Don’t be afraid, be curious…’ she urges.

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Treasa Praino—legally blind, a disability advocate, instructor, and human-rights specialist—reflects on how disability is shaped by context. She contrasts her experience navigating New York City, where accessibility is taken for granted, with life in New Jersey, where lack of infrastructure amplifies disablement. Treasa underscores that interdependence and presuming competence are essential, and that disability doesn’t define a person—it’s shaped by time, place, and society.