The U.S. Department of Transportation imposed a $50 million fine on American Airlines for repeatedly failing to assist passengers with disabilities, resulting in damaged wheelchairs and mistreatment. The fine highlights the airline’s neglect in providing necessary support, essential to passengers’ dignity and independence. Alycia Anderson expresses relief and hope for improved travel experiences, noting that this landmark action addresses long-standing accessibility issues in air travel.
In a recent CNBC vignette, I highlighted the urgent need for visibility and inclusion for disabled individuals in today’s society. With millions facing daily challenges, it’s crucial that we amplify our voices and advocate for meaningful change. We must ensure that disability issues are not sidelined in political discussions, particularly as we approach the upcoming election. Our experiences matter, and together we can drive awareness and action.
As we approach a pivotal presidential election, one crucial demographic remains overlooked: the 70 million disabled voters. Our voices are often rendered invisible in political campaigns, despite the significant issues we face. This election is not just about general policies; it’s a matter of survival for many of us. It’s time to make our votes count and demand the attention we deserve.
The key to authentic disability inclusion lies in four interconnected principles: intersectionality, accessibility, representation, and self-identity (self-ID). Each element reinforces the others, creating a powerful feedback loop that drives progress. Intersectionality builds community solidarity by acknowledging overlapping identities. Accessibility fosters inclusive environments. Representation empowers through visibility, and self-ID encourages individuals to embrace their identities. Together, these principles advance disability inclusion, pushing society toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
Speaking at Netflix during National Disability Employment Awareness Month was a dream come true for me. As a disability advocate, TEDx speaker, and CEO, I reflected on my journey from a little girl dreaming of the spotlight to addressing major companies worldwide. The experience reminded me of the power of storytelling in advocating for disabled voices and reignited my hope that my story—and others like it—might one day reach the screen.
In Episode 68 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson and her best friend, Katie Davis, reflect on their experience at New York Fashion Week’s Runway of Dreams event. Alycia shares the empowering moment of rolling down the runway for Target’s adaptive fashion line, emphasizing how inclusive clothing positively impacts the disabled community. Katie highlights the importance of showing up, both in personal relationships and professional advocacy, for creating meaningful change. Their bond and shared advocacy for disability inclusion anchor the episode’s uplifting message.
In Episode 68 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson is joined by her lifelong friend, Katie Davis, to discuss their advocacy for disability rights and inclusivity in fashion. Alycia shares her experience walking in the Runway of Dreams for Target’s adaptive fashion line, highlighting corporate partnerships like Netflix and PBS. The episode emphasizes the importance of accessible fashion and offers advice on getting involved in disability advocacy.
The workplace has been pivotal in my life & career, helping me uncover my strengths, push forward limits, challenge the status quo, and break down barriers. It’s where I’ve discovered my purpose, developed as a leader, and experienced the true impact of inclusion. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrated each October, recognizing the contributions … read more… National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
Alycia Anderson delivered a powerful keynote at Virginia Tech’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration, emphasizing the importance of inclusive workplace practices. Her speech highlighted the need for diversity in hiring and the value of accessible environments. The event fostered an open conversation about disability representation in the workplace and how these efforts contribute to a more inclusive society.
Alycia Anderson interviews Chris Ruden, a powerlifting champion, motivational speaker, and disability advocate. Ruden shares his journey of overcoming societal and personal limitations due to his limb difference and diabetes. He recounts how hiding his disability shaped his life and how a moment with a young girl helped him embrace authenticity. Ruden also discusses his achievements in powerlifting, his book The Art of Changing Course, and his appearance on The Titan Games.
