Rolling back through Washington two weeks before the ADA’s 35th birthday, Marty and I felt history under our wheels. From the Stone of Hope to the Capitol Crawl steps and the South Lawn where President Bush signed the landmark bill, every monument echoed belief, belonging, and becoming. Meeting ADA author Tony Coelho and invoking Judy Heumann’s charge to dismantle barriers reminded us the movement lives on—and so does our responsibility.
Verna Magazine’s new feature traces “Pushing Forward with Alycia” from a living‑room pilot to a global, 100‑episode movement. The article celebrates 45 listening hours, 80 guests, and listeners in 1,350 cities across 70 countries, while spotlighting Alycia’s mission to turn empathy into action—ramps, captions, and equitable workplaces. Episode 100 arrives July 31, closing Disability Pride Month with a joyful call to keep rolling forward together.
In Episode 99 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson speaks with strategist and psychotherapist Jonathan Kaufman about transforming disability pride into corporate advantage. Kaufman shares how living with cerebral palsy shaped his worldview, explains why he calls disability a “language of innovation,” and outlines ways companies can embed inclusion, mental-health awareness, and authentic storytelling into business strategy during Disability Pride Month and beyond. Listen to spark actionable, inclusive leadership insights.
In this full transcript of Episode 99 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, strategist and psychotherapist Jonathan Kaufman joins Alycia Anderson for a deep dive into transforming disability pride into a business advantage. Kaufman recounts moments with Judy Heumann, studies at Oxford and Chicago, advisory work with President Obama, and how his lens shapes leadership, mental-health awareness, and innovation. The conversation offers actionable strategies for embedding disability inclusion across corporate culture.
“Why would you be proud to be disabled?”I get asked that every July. Here’s my answer:Because I am:Proud of the strength.Proud of the creativity.Proud of thriving in a world not built with us in mind and advocating for more every day. I sit here proudly…In this moment, especially in this time right now.In this identity, … read more… Disability Pride Month isn’t just a celebration…It’s a revolution!
Excited to be back at Victoria’s Secret & Co. for round two, this time celebrating DISABILITY PRIDE with my latest keynote: OWN IT: Embrace. Elevate. Empower. In this speech, I reflect the essence of this month – visibility, identity, and the beauty of living authentically. Sharing my personal journey of self-acceptance, amplifying voices, and inspiring … read more… Alycia Anderson Returns to Victoria’s Secret for Disability Pride Month!
A HUGE thanks to the amazing team at ITC Holdings Corp. and Lauren Chandler for having me as your keynote speaker yesterday! The energy, the smiles, the engagement, it was all absolutely incredible. It’s always a gift to share my story, but it’s even more powerful when the room is full of open hearts and … read more… Disability Pride Month – Alycia Anderson’s Virtual Keynote at ITC Holdings
Beyond Diagnoses: Congenital Muscular Dystrophy from Capitol Hill to Center Stage In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ host Alycia Anderson interviews Avery Roberts and Kelly Berger, two formidable advocates living with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). They discuss their journeys in advocacy, the challenges of living with CMD, and the significant role Medicaid plays … read more… Episode 98 – Avery Roberts & Kelly Berger | CMD Advocacy Warriors
Fierce rare disease advocates and friends Avery Roberts and Kelly Berger join Alycia to spotlight congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD)—from Capitol Hill policy fights to artistic breakthroughs and accessible travel adventures. They unpack Medicaid’s lifesaving role, misdiagnosis challenges, breathing support needs, and why authentic disability representation on stage and screen matters. Hear how advocacy, dance, and 40-state road trips fuel community, pride, and action ahead of the ADA’s 35th anniversary milestone.
Marsha Elle, a bionic model, singer-songwriter, and disability advocate, shares her journey of embracing her prosthetic leg and redefining beauty standards. In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ she discusses turning adversity into artistry, the importance of self-acceptance, and the challenges of representation in fashion and entertainment. Marsha emphasizes the power of community, creativity, and self-expression in advancing inclusivity.
