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.
In Episode 67 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson interviews Chris Ruden, a powerlifting champion, motivational speaker, and disability advocate. Born with a congenital limb difference and Type 1 diabetes, Chris shares his journey of overcoming adversity, breaking world records, and advocating for disability rights. He discusses self-acceptance, dismantling ableist stereotypes, and inspiring others to embrace their strengths. Chris emphasizes that disability is an opportunity to thrive and claim visibility.
“Disabled employees can do any type of job. Even the jobs we have been historically counted out for.” Alycia Anderson Waitress from my wheelchair, this was my first job out of high school. And I did it well. I could carry 15 margaritas on my lap and zip through that restaurant weaving through tables faster … read more… NDEAM – Advancing Inclusive Employment
In this episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Kam Redlawsk, a self-taught artist, discusses her journey living with GNE myopathy, a rare degenerative muscle disease. She shares how her art, particularly her “Monster and Me” illustrations, helps her express the emotional complexities of disability and connect with others. Kam’s work emphasizes empathy, visibility, and acceptance of disability. She also highlights her advocacy for inclusive design and her passion for creative projects, including her upcoming children’s book and potential TV series “Chair Devils.”
In Episode 66 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, artist and disability advocate Kam Redlawsk shares her journey living with dystonia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Kam discusses how her monster-themed art symbolizes her personal challenges and her fight against ableism. A life-changing Google search connected her with a supportive community, inspiring her to use art as a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about disability and fostering connection.
The podcast episode “Disabled and Unapologetic” features Alycia Anderson in conversation with Cassidy Huff. They discuss the importance of authenticity, confidence, and owning one’s disability. Alycia and Cassidy share their personal experiences, highlighting the value of being unapologetically disabled in a world often shaped by exclusion. Their discussion emphasizes empowerment, the need for representation, and breaking societal barriers to create more inclusive spaces for people with disabilities.
In Episode 65 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Jess Gregory discusses her journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and how poetry became a powerful outlet for healing from medical gaslighting. Despite years of misdiagnosis, Gregory channeled her frustrations into advocacy and writing, particularly through her 2023 book Burn’s Unit. Gregory emphasizes self-trust, the importance of disability-informed therapy, and hopes her work empowers patients to find strength amidst chronic illness and trauma.
In Episode 65 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Jess Gregory, a poet and advocate with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), shares her journey from medical gaslighting to empowerment. Through her poetry, particularly in Burns Unit, she channels frustration into advocacy, offering hope and healing. Jess discusses challenges with misdiagnosis, the importance of disability-informed therapy, and advice for both patients and medical professionals. Her story inspires others facing similar struggles with chronic illness.
Alycia Anderson was featured in Planetary Health First, Mars Next issue #126, where she discussed the importance of integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) across industries and spaces, including planetary exploration. Alycia emphasized that DEIA is crucial to creating equitable opportunities, fostering innovation, and ensuring that future endeavors—both on Earth and in space—reflect a society where everyone can participate fully.
