Author: alycia

The Heart of Inclusion

alycia sitting in her wheelchair in front of a tree with lights wrapped around it smiling

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.

At its core, inaccessibility is exclusion.

Published: Tuesday February 4, 2025
Image description: Alycia, dressed in all black, sits in her wheelchair, looking down at an inaccessible step. A quote reads: "At its core, inaccessibility is exclusion."

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.

Disabled Leaders Drive Innovation – Here’s Why Your Company Should Pay Attention

Published: Friday January 31, 2025
An pink and green envelope with a sheet of paper popping out that reads " Hire, listen to, and follow disabled leaders"

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 This challenges the outdated notion that disability limits potential, it doesn’t. In fact, it represents one of the greatest untapped sources of growth and innovation.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

Episode 77 – Leah Kaplan: Friendship, Humor, and the Strength to Overcome

Published: Thursday January 30, 2025
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast listen now to leah kaplan episode tile

“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.

Episode 77 Transcript

Published: Thursday January 30, 2025
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

“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.

Episode 76 – Navigating Change: Chantelle Johnson’s Insights on DEI and Entrepreneurship

Published: Thursday January 16, 2025
chantelle johnson on pushing forward with alycia

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson interviews Chantelle Johnson, founder of Talent4dCulture, about leadership, inclusion, and workplace transformation. Chantelle shares her journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, offering insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), sustaining Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and navigating challenges. She previews her upcoming book, “Sustaining ERG Impact,” and provides practical advice for leaders striving to create thriving, inclusive workplaces.

Episode 76 Transcript

Published: Thursday January 16, 2025
pushing forward with alycia podcast tile logo

In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson interviews Chantelle Johnson, founder of Talent4dCulture, about her transition from corporate HR to entrepreneurship. They discuss strategies for fostering inclusive workplace cultures, the significance of data-driven approaches in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and sustaining Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Chantelle also shares insights from her upcoming book, “Sustaining ERG Impact: 12 Months to Lead with Purpose, Recharge with Power.”

Equity Is Accessibility: Why Removing the ‘E’ from DEI Hurts Disability Inclusion

Published: Wednesday January 8, 2025
graphic depicting disability with diversity equity and inclusion with the equity marked out and a question mark next to it

Removing the “E” from DEI weakens disability inclusion efforts. Equity ensures accessibility and empowers an inclusive environment for everyone. In this article, I explore why equity is essential for meaningful change and how sidelining it impacts the disabled community. Let’s champion accessibility and equitable opportunities together for a more inclusive future.

A New Year, A Renewed Commitment to Inclusion

Published: Thursday January 2, 2025

As we step into 2025, I’m doubling down on my commitment to disability inclusion. This year, my focus is on amplifying voices, advocating for accessibility, and inspiring meaningful change. Together, we can build a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. Let’s make 2025 a year of impactful progress.

Episode 75 – Alycia & Marty’s Push Forward into 2025

Published: Thursday January 2, 2025
marty and alycia host episode seventy five of pushing forward with alycia and discuss a recap of last year and the new year ahead

This episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia dives into transformative disability advocacy, featuring personal stories of resilience and empowerment. Alycia spotlights authentic storytelling, community impact, and actionable strategies for redefining inclusion. This episode inspires audiences to embrace diverse perspectives and drive meaningful change. Discover how small actions can lead to big shifts in accessibility and societal awareness.