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 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
An interview at SETWorks Disability advocate and keynote speaker: Alycia Anderson shares her journey, lessons from leadership, and what it takes to make inclusion real, not just aspirational. When it comes to inclusion, most organizations have the right intentions. But as globally recognized TEDx keynote speaker, disability advocate, and inclusion superwoman Alycia Anderson points out, intention doesn’t always translate … read more… Moving Inclusion Forward: A Q&A with Alycia Anderson – SETWorks Interview
Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Engagement at ReelAbilities, shares how living with cerebral palsy led him from “poster child” to reshaping disability representation in film and media. This episode explores how storytelling influences perception, why disability narratives remain misrepresented, and how ReelAbilities is driving cultural change through authentic voices, inclusive filmmaking, and community. A powerful conversation on visibility, identity, and the future of disability in media.
Lawrence Carter-Long shares how growing up with cerebral palsy shaped his life’s purpose in storytelling and media. From poster child to leading ReelAbilities, he explores how film influences perception, why disability representation is still misaligned with reality, and how authentic stories can shift culture faster than policy. This conversation reveals the power of visibility, lived experience, and who gets to tell the story.
What if the biggest barrier to inclusion isn’t accessibility but culture? In this episode, Alycia Anderson and Meghan Connolly Haupt explore how perception, expectations, and shared responsibility shape truly inclusive communities. From workplace leadership to everyday interactions, they unpack why empathy and creativity matter more than compliance alone. This conversation challenges us to move beyond physical access and choose, together, to build spaces where everyone genuinely belongs.
This transcript of Episode 135 of Pushing Forward with Alycia features a powerful conversation with Meghan Connolly Haupt on redefining inclusion. Together, they explore why culture—not just accessibility—shapes belonging in our communities and workplaces. From personal stories to leadership insights, this discussion highlights the role of empathy, perception, and shared responsibility in building environments where everyone can fully participate.
As Women’s History Month closes, I reflect on being featured in the California Department of Insurance’s “Our Stories, Our Impact” series and serving as the inaugural disability-owned business representative on the Insurance Diversity Task Force. Through AB 1140, we are advancing real economic inclusion. This work is about more than visibility. It is about access, opportunity, and ensuring disability-owned businesses are recognized as vital contributors to a powerful and evolving industry.
Alycia Anderson shares two powerful, real-life moments that reveal how quickly curiosity about disability can turn into fear. From a child who excitedly said, “I want a wheelchair,” to another who was warned to “watch out,” this story exposes how adult reactions shape perception. This episode challenges us to rethink how we respond and how those responses influence inclusion, belonging, and the next generation of leaders.
Alycia Anderson shares powerful real-life moments with children that reveal a deeper truth about disability: curiosity is natural, but fear is learned. From a 6-year-old who saw a wheelchair as something exciting, to a moment where an adult unintentionally created fear, this episode explores how early interactions shape lifelong beliefs and how the way we respond can either limit or expand inclusion for the next generation.
