In Episode 49 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson interviews Samuel Benifield-Chivore, a teenager thriving despite his AVM diagnosis. Samuel, an honor roll student and founder of Samuel’s Bricks, discusses overcoming challenges, turning hobbies into a business, and the importance of family support. His mother, Benita, joins to share her advocacy efforts. Samuel emphasizes self-advocacy and finding new interests, like acting in school plays, while pursuing future goals.
Appearing on Kimberly Daya’s podcast was a deeply personal and empowering experience. I shared my journey overcoming sacral agenesis and highlighted the importance of representation, accessibility, and allyship. Our conversation emphasized the need for inclusive environments and the power of collective action in fostering empathy and understanding. Kimberly’s platform exemplifies allyship, amplifying diverse voices and promoting a vision of a more inclusive future.
In Episode 48 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Ryan Hudson-Peralta, founder of “Look Mom, No Hands,” shares his journey overcoming congenital limb deficiency. As a designer, speaker, and advocate, Ryan turns challenges into creative solutions, emphasizing that the only limits in life are self-imposed. He discusses founding Equal Accessibility, enhancing inclusivity in physical and digital spaces, and introduces his new product, “Door Nub,” for improved accessibility.
In Episode 48 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Ryan Hudson-Peralta, founder of “Look Mom, No Hands,” shares his journey of overcoming congenital limb deficiency. Ryan, a designer, speaker, and advocate, discusses how he transforms challenges into creative solutions, advocates for equal accessibility, and inspires future generations. His story emphasizes living without limits and reshaping the world for greater inclusion. Ryan also introduces his new product, “Door Nub,” enhancing daily accessibility.
I was honored to deliver the closing keynote at the 3rd Annual SIP Virtual Inclusion Conference, themed “Driving Inclusion Forward: Shifting Beliefs into Action,” hosted by Supporting Inclusive Practices on May 9-10, 2024. This free, impactful event, funded by the California Department of Education, provided educators, staff, families, and students with strategies to transform inclusive visions into practical actions. I shared my experiences and insights on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In this episode of “Listen for Real” podcast, Jen Oliver and I foster an authentic conversations that drives personal transformation around the misconceptions about ability and disability. Jen emphasizes the power of honest dialogue to create deeper connections and community, and she invited me to join her on this journey of real conversations, offering insights and challenging the echo chamber. Listen to this episode for our thought-provoking discussion.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), observed annually on the third Thursday of May, promotes digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It aims to raise awareness, promote inclusive design, provide education, and build community. Activities include workshops, webinars, and challenges. Recent advancements include WCAG 3.0, improved mobile accessibility, AI integration, updated legislation, corporate initiatives, and accessible VR/AR technologies. GAAD highlights the importance of accessibility and fosters a more inclusive digital world.
In Episode 47 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia Anderson and Marsten “Marty” Anderson celebrate Mother’s Day by sharing stories about their mothers’ impactful lives. Alycia reflects on her mother Marsha, who passed away when Alycia was seven, highlighting her mother’s resilience and love. Marty honors his mother Peggy’s dedication as a single mother of nine, emphasizing her advocacy and strength. Both stress the importance of family and lasting legacies.
In Episode 47 of “Pushing Forward with Alycia,” Alycia and her husband Marty honor their late mothers, Peggy and Marsha. Marty shares Peggy’s journey from valedictorian to resilient mother of nine, emphasizing her strength and dedication. Alycia reflects on Marsha’s brief but impactful life, highlighting her kindness and love. They discuss the profound lessons their mothers imparted, focusing on resilience, love, and the importance of family.
The East Valley SELPA hosted an Inclusion Summit on May 1, 2024, aiming to ensure quality special education programs. Dr. Patty Metheny led the event, featuring discussions on inclusion and training sessions. The SELPA coordinates services for 8,000 special education students across five districts. Their mission emphasizes respect, integrity, and collaboration. Participants praised the impactful keynote, emphasizing the commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of students.
