Alycia Anderson Blog

Empowering Minds: Alycia’s Experience at the 2024 NAMI Youth Symposium


Published: Saturday March 23, 2024
alycia sitting in her wheelchair below a large screen projecting the nami california logo

Alycia’s participation in the 2024 NAMI Youth Symposium showcased her dedication to mental health advocacy. Collaborating with NAMI California underscored the importance of eradicating stigma and ensuring access to mental health services. The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and action-oriented discussions, inspiring attendees to make a positive impact. Alycia emphasized the importance of collective action and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to building a more inclusive society.

Episode 39 – Wheels of Change | Welcome Dr. Lindsay Ulrey


Published: Thursday March 21, 2024
doctor lindsay ulrey is on pushing forward this week for the thirty ninth episode

Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a licensed psychologist and advocate for motherhood among wheelchair users, shares her journey on “Pushing Forward with Alycia” podcast. Dr. Ulrey, a mother of two, discusses her disability identity after acquiring a spinal cord injury. She emphasizes the importance of community support and her initiative, Wheel Good Motherhood, providing resources and a safe space. The podcast highlights empathy and the need for understanding in navigating life’s transitions.

Episode 39 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 21, 2024
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

Dr. Lindsay Ulrey, a clinical psychologist, joins Pushing Forward with Alycia, sharing her journey of adapting to motherhood as a wheelchair user. She discusses the inception of Wheel Good Motherhood, aiming to empower mothers on wheels and navigating perinatal mental health. The episode highlights her transition into motherhood, the importance of community support, and embracing change. Dr. Ulrey emphasizes staying open, curious, and continuously learning through life’s transitions. Connect with her via Wheel Good Motherhood and her personal website.

My Episode with Jillian Curwin on Always Looking Up


Published: Monday March 18, 2024
jillian curwins always looking up podcast tile

In a recent episode of Jillian Curwin’s “Always Looking Up” podcast, Alycia reflects on her experience before hosting Curwin on her own show. They delve into disability advocacy, Alycia’s leadership choices, DEI efforts, and the importance of brands listening to disabled voices. Alycia emphasizes the power of boldness.

Episode 38 – Jillian (Ilana) Curwin: Dwarfism Champion and Advocate


Published: Thursday March 14, 2024
jillian curwin dwarfism champion and advocate joins us in episode thirty eight of pushing forward with alycia

Jillian Curwin, a champion for dwarfism and disability advocacy, discusses her journey on the “Pushing Forward with Alycia” podcast. She shares her motivations for starting her podcast, “Always Looking Up,” focusing on living in a world not designed for people with disabilities. Curwin emphasizes the importance of representation in fashion and media, urging brands to push through fear and continue championing diversity. Her mantra: “Height is just a number, not a limit.”

Episode 38 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 14, 2024
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

Jillian Curwin, also known as Jillian Ilana, joins Alycia Anderson on “Pushing Forward with Alycia” to discuss her advocacy work for the dwarfism community. From her podcast “Always Looking Up” to challenging perceptions in fashion, Curwin emphasizes inclusivity and representation. Inspired by Sinead Burke’s British Vogue cover, she highlights the importance of media representation. The episode delves into dwarfism insights, fashion advocacy, respectful engagement, and the impact of her podcast.

International Women’s Day Keynote at Humana


Published: Friday March 8, 2024
Alycia with a group of Women at Humana event

On International Women’s Day, I joined a diverse gathering at Humana Headquarters, celebrating women’s solidarity and power. Organized by Access, DEI, and Women’s NRGs, the event united hundreds in-person and over a thousand virtually. As keynote speaker, I highlighted disability inclusion. Notable figures like Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and Humana CFO Susan Diamond contributed, making it a jubilant affair with music, food, and inspiring touches.

Episode 37 – Diva’s Dialogue | Dr. Donna Walton’s Path to “Diva’s with Disabilities”


Published: Thursday March 7, 2024
doctor donna walton joins pushing forward with alycia for episode thirty seven

Dr. Donna Walton, founder of Divas with Disabilities Project, discusses her journey and mission with Alycia Anderson. Walton’s personal struggle with disability led to empowering others through representation and resilience. Divas aims to reshape perceptions of disability, especially for black and brown women, advocating for inclusive spaces and amplifying voices globally. Walton’s story of perseverance, from facing cancer to acting roles, exemplifies the importance of never abandoning dreams.

Episode 37 Transcript


Published: Thursday March 7, 2024
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

In this heartfelt episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Dr. Donna Walton shares her transformative journey from aspiring dancer and actress to advocate for women with disabilities. Through the Divas With Disabilities Project, she champions representation and resilience. Walton’s story, marked by overcoming bone cancer at 18, inspires listeners to pursue dreams relentlessly. Her impactful work extends globally, advocating for inclusivity and meaningful representation. The episode encapsulates resilience, triumph, and unwavering determination.

Disabling Ableism at MTSA Conference 2024


Published: Monday March 4, 2024
alycia sitting in front of the michigan state capital building in her wheelchair

On February 21, 2024, I delivered the opening keynote at the Michigan Transition Services Association’s annual conference, addressing disability inclusion. MTSA supports educators, agencies, parents, and individuals with disabilities. Grateful for the opportunity to share “The Heart of Inclusion” and “Disabling Ableism” with over 2,000 attendees, I commend MTSA’s impactful work.