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.
At Sequoia Middle School, I had the honor of guiding students to recognize their differences as superpowers, fueling their dreams and inspiring them to change the world. Through an engaging speech and interactive Q&A sessions, I helped ignite their curiosity, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths. This memorable experience highlighted the importance of inclusion and empowerment, as these students began to see their potential to shape a brighter future.
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking virtually at Pluralsight, engaging with their global team and collaborating with their Employee Resource Group, Enable! During my keynote, “The Heart of Inclusion,” we explored practical strategies for advancing inclusion and accessibility, empowering employees to thrive. Thank you to Pluralsight for hosting this impactful event and for your dedication to fostering a truly inclusive workplace. The Q&A engagement was fantastic!
Actors Tobias Forrest and John W. Lawson join Pushing Forward with Alycia to discuss their experiences in the groundbreaking film Daruma. This powerful conversation delves into authentic disability representation, the making of Daruma, and the shift toward inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. Together with Alycia Anderson, they explore how disabled actors bring depth to disability narratives and why these stories must be told from an authentic perspective.
