In this powerful keynote, I share my journey as a woman, wheelchair user, and advocate, turning ableism, bias, and exclusion into strengths. “OWN It” is more than a mantra—it’s a mindset for empowerment. Learn how to embrace identity, reframe challenges, and unlock your full potential. Gain actionable strategies for resilience, self-advocacy, and breaking societal labels to achieve success. Leave inspired to dream without limitations.
In “Intersectionality through the Lens of Disability,” Alycia Anderson emphasizes the importance of inclusion, intersectionality, and equity, particularly focusing on disability. She shares personal experiences and highlights stories of figures like Frida Kahlo and Maya Angelou to illustrate the impact of disabilities on life opportunities. The speech advocates for inclusive practices and calls for action to embrace differences, promoting a more equitable world.
In “The Heart of Inclusion,” Alycia Anderson explores allyship and the challenge of societal norms to achieve genuine inclusion. Sharing her experience with Sacral Agenesis, she reveals how ableism—manifested through exclusion and stereotyping—affects individuals with disabilities. Anderson highlights key legislation like the ADA and advocates for dismantling biases to embrace diversity. She emphasizes personal growth and urges a shift in societal perspectives to foster environments where everyone’s unique contributions are valued.
Celebrate Black History Month by honoring Black disabled leaders who shaped both racial and disability rights movements. Learn about Brad Lomax, a key figure connecting the Black Panthers to the 504 Sit-In, and Johnnie Lacy, a trailblazer for disability advocacy in education. Discover how their resilience continues to inspire today’s activists, pushing for intersectional inclusion and justice. Their stories deserve the spotlight in shaping our collective history.
At its core, inaccessibility is exclusion. Lets explore shall we? Inaccessibility = unnecessary barriers that prevents employees from fully participating due to a lack of: – inclusive design– attitudes– policies Let’s break down how it shows up: – Physical spaces without ramps, elevators, or accessible entrances.– Digital platforms that aren’t screen reader friendly.– Communication without … read more… At its core, inaccessibility is exclusion.
In business, one of the most transformational actions you can take is to hire, listen to, and follow disabled leaders. This challenges the outdated notion that disability limits potential, it doesn’t. In fact, it represents one of the greatest untapped sources of growth and innovation. For organizations ready to lead, here are key principles I … read more… Disabled Leaders Drive Innovation – Here’s Why Your Company Should Pay Attention
“You don’t need to make the Paralympics your whole life in order to be worthy. Just do it because you love it.” Leah Kaplan’s journey from an orphanage in China to an adaptive athlete proves that resilience and self-acceptance fuel success. In this episode, Leah shares how humor, advocacy, and a relentless spirit help her push boundaries and inspire the next generation.
“We all have barriers, but the real challenge is how we choose to face them. Adapt, advocate, and never back down.” In this episode, Alycia Anderson dives into the power of inclusion, resilience, and breaking societal limitations with Leah Kaplan. Whether it’s in the workplace or daily life, this conversation proves that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a game-changer.
The new administration’s inaugural address signals shifts that threaten progress for people with disabilities, including DEI rollbacks, restrictive gender policies, in-person work mandates, aviation accessibility challenges, and withdrawal from the WHO. These actions risk eroding hard-fought disability rights and equity. The disability community must unite, remain vigilant, and advocate for inclusion and accessibility to preserve and advance progress under this administration.
Leaving the World Health Organization (WHO) undermines U.S. leadership in global health equity, pandemic preparedness, and disability inclusion. As the leading contributor, America’s investments fostered goodwill, trust, and global cooperation. Withdrawal risks isolating the U.S., reducing access to critical disability-related resources like assistive technologies and inclusive healthcare policies, while weakening pandemic preparedness. This decision threatens progress for people with disabilities both domestically and worldwide.
