Alycia Anderson Blog

America’s Largest Untapped Swing Vote Is the Disability Community


Published: Thursday May 7, 2026
Editorial-style featured image for an article about the disability voting bloc in America. A diverse group of disabled adults stands and sits confidently in front of the U.S. Capitol building at dusk, including wheelchair users and a blind woman holding a white cane. Large bold text reads: “America’s Largest Untapped Swing Vote.” Additional text says: “The disability community is ready. Are we listening?” Statistics displayed on the image highlight more than 41 million eligible disabled voters, 17% of the U.S. electorate, 20–22 million expected ballots cast in 2026, and more than 7 million disabled voters in battleground states. The image uses dark blue and purple tones to convey urgency, political influence, and collective power.

More than 40 million disabled Americans are eligible to vote, making the disability community one of the largest — and least recognized — political constituencies in the United States. As economic uncertainty grows and debates around Medicare, Social Security, and accessibility intensify, disabled voters may become a decisive force in the 2026 midterms. This article explores the untapped political power of the disability electorate and why the conversation can no longer wait.

Do It Scared with Mindy Henderson


Published: Thursday May 7, 2026
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode one hundred forty featuring mindy henderson listen now

In this powerful episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Mindy Henderson shares her journey from hiding her disability during a 20-year tech career to becoming a leading voice in disability advocacy. Together, Alycia and Mindy discuss accessible air travel, internalized ableism, storytelling, authenticity, and the courage to “do it scared.” This conversation is an inspiring reminder that our stories have the power to create progress and meaningful change.

Episode 140 Transcript


Published: Thursday May 7, 2026
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

In Episode 140 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Mindy Henderson shares her journey from hiding her disability during a 20-year tech career to becoming a leading advocate for accessible air travel and authentic storytelling. Alycia and Mindy unpack internalized ableism, disability visibility, social media, advocacy, and the courage to “do it scared.” This inspiring conversation explores how finding your voice and sharing your story can create powerful personal and societal change.

Ali Stroker Refused to Wait for Permission and Made Broadway History


Published: Thursday April 30, 2026
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode one hundred thirty nine featuring ali stroker listen now

Tony Award winner Ali Stroker joins Alycia Anderson for a powerful conversation on Broadway, disability representation, and owning your story. From reclaiming the public gaze through theater to making history on Broadway, Ali shares how she built confidence, purpose, and success on her own terms. This episode explores resilience, identity, motherhood, and the courage to stop waiting for permission and start creating your own path forward.

Episode 139 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 30, 2026
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

Tony Award winner Ali Stroker joins Alycia Anderson to share her journey from early dreams to making Broadway history. In this powerful conversation, Ali opens up about disability representation, confidence, and learning to be seen on her own terms. From navigating the gaze to owning the spotlight, this episode is a reminder that you do not need permission to create a life that is bold, visible, and fully yours.

The Concussion That Changed Everything


Published: Thursday April 23, 2026
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode one hundred thirty eight featuring molly gaudry listen now

In Episode 138 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, author and professor Molly Gaudry shares how a concussion reshaped her identity, creativity, and sense of self. From sensory overload and vision disruption to redefining hustle culture, Molly explores what it means to live and create in a body that has changed. This powerful conversation reimagines storytelling, resilience, and the journey back to yourself.

Episode 138 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 23, 2026
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

In this Episode 138 transcript of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Molly Gaudry shares her journey as an author and professor navigating life after a concussion that disrupted her vision, identity, and creative process. From being told she might never read again to redefining hustle culture and boundaries, this conversation explores resilience, sensory processing challenges, and what it means to rebuild a life and voice through storytelling.

She Found Her Voice and Her TEDx Talk Is Changing How We Hear Disability


Published: Thursday April 16, 2026
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode one hundred thirty seven featuring peri finkelstein listen now

Peri Finkelstein is changing how the world understands voice, disability, and visibility. Living with muscular dystrophy, she transformed communication challenges into a powerful platform, culminating in her TEDx talk and growing advocacy. In this episode, we unpack stigma, assistive technology, resilience, and the courage to step out of line. It’s a bold conversation about being heard, redefining identity, and why accessibility is innovation in action.

Episode 137 Transcript


Published: Thursday April 16, 2026
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

Peri Finkelstein is redefining what it means to be heard. Born with muscular dystrophy, she turned communication barriers into a platform for impact, using voice technology to amplify her message on the TEDx stage and beyond. In this powerful conversation, we explore stigma, accessibility, resilience, and why stepping out of line can unlock purpose, visibility, and lasting change for the disability community and far beyond.

Opening Keynote at DDNC 2026: A Disability & Neurodiversity Speaker on Turning Inclusion into Action


Published: Sunday April 12, 2026
Alycia Anderson speaking on stage in her wheelchair, gesturing while delivering her keynote.

Opening the Room: Why These Moments Matter Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum.An opening keynote slot (my favorite)A room full of advocates and allies. Honestly… a perfect event. Last Friday, I had the honor of opening the DDNC 2026 Developmental Disability and Neurodiversity Conference, hosted by Special Care Services. And from the moment I rolled in, … read more… Opening Keynote at DDNC 2026: A Disability & Neurodiversity Speaker on Turning Inclusion into Action