Southwest Airlines’ Women Empowered Celebration took flight with an unforgettable event championing inclusion, diversity, and empowerment. Alycia Anderson shared her powerful story, inspiring a future where accessibility and equity soar. This transformative journey showcased the strength of women in leadership, breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. Discover how this celebration is shaping a more inclusive world—one flight at a time.
This weekend, I had the incredible honor of being the keynote speaker at the “Own It” Conference at University of California, Davis, themed “Embracing the Celestial.” Speaking before a room filled with bold, brilliant women leaders, students, and changemakers was a reminder of the power we hold when we lift each other up.We explored how … read more… This Disability Advocate Just Delivered a Powerful Message at UC Davis Women in Business Conference —And the Internet’s Listening
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the North Valley Property Owners Association – 2025 Housing Expo! I delivered my keynote, Disabling Ableism: The Modern Pathway to Inclusion in Multifamily, where we explored ableism, disability, and how accessibility is the gateway to true inclusion. Testimonial:*”I want to take a moment to thank … read more… Disabling Ableism in Real Estate: Alycia Anderson’s Powerful Keynote on Disability Inclusion at the 2025 Housing Expo
What started as a small Q&A at Presentation High School turned into a powerful conversation with over 75 students and staff discussing disability inclusion, advocacy, and accessibility. These students asked insightful questions about daily life, misconceptions, media representation, and the future of inclusion. Their curiosity and passion for change were inspiring—proving that the next generation is ready to push for a more inclusive world.
The new administration’s inaugural address signals shifts that threaten progress for people with disabilities, including DEI rollbacks, restrictive gender policies, in-person work mandates, aviation accessibility challenges, and withdrawal from the WHO. These actions risk eroding hard-fought disability rights and equity. The disability community must unite, remain vigilant, and advocate for inclusion and accessibility to preserve and advance progress under this administration.
Leaving the World Health Organization (WHO) undermines U.S. leadership in global health equity, pandemic preparedness, and disability inclusion. As the leading contributor, America’s investments fostered goodwill, trust, and global cooperation. Withdrawal risks isolating the U.S., reducing access to critical disability-related resources like assistive technologies and inclusive healthcare policies, while weakening pandemic preparedness. This decision threatens progress for people with disabilities both domestically and worldwide.
The executive order aimed at reforming federal hiring practices threatens disability inclusion in both government and private sectors. By prioritizing merit-based hiring without addressing the unique barriers faced by disabled individuals, this policy risks further marginalizing them in employment opportunities. The shift away from affirmative action and diversity initiatives could deepen ableism and limit the ability of people with disabilities to access fair and equal job opportunities.
Decades of air travel mistreatment for people with disabilities saw progress under the Biden administration with fines, regulations, and DEI initiatives enhancing accessibility and accountability. However, recent actions by the Trump administration roll back these gains, labeling disability-inclusive FAA hiring as “illegal” and prioritizing ableist rhetoric over inclusivity. Only two of over 80 recent aviation actions address disability, risking accessibility and safety advancements for disabled travelers.
The new administration’s return-to-in-person work mandate threatens progress in disability employment achieved through remote opportunities. Remote work, embraced during the pandemic, provided accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, breaking barriers in employment. By eliminating flexibility, this policy risks reversing gains and creating inequities, leaving many to wonder: will the government prioritize inclusion or leave people with disabilities behind?
The new administration’s executive order invokes ADA rights while targeting gender ideology extremism, raising concerns for marginalized groups. With limited mention of disability rights, this order prompts questions about the administration’s plans for people with disabilities. An attack on one marginalized group affects us all, emphasizing the need for solidarity and vigilance in protecting hard-won progress toward inclusion and equality.
