On July 16, 2024, in celebration of Disability Pride Month, Alycia Anderson delivered a keynote titled “The Heart of Inclusion” for Covington & Burling’s Disability and Neurodiversity Firm Resource Group. Addressing allyship, visibility, and accessibility, Anderson highlighted practical steps for fostering workplace inclusion. Her presentation underscored the importance of disability advocacy in the legal profession, contributing to Covington’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
The Rollettes Experience is a transformative event empowering women with disabilities through dance. I was honored to return as a speaker and panelist, joined by my twin sister, Regina, and niece, Ella. Leading sessions and witnessing Ella’s inclusion highlighted the event’s unique community spirit. The experience reminded me of childhood memories, underscoring the importance of belonging. Hosted by Chelsie Hill, the event featured dance, panels, and seminars, fostering growth and connection.
I was honored to deliver my keynote address, “The Heart of Inclusion,” at the 2024 NCPEID Annual Conference, which was held virtually on July 11-12. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for APE and APA professionals to connect with experts and learn about evidence-based practices. Engaging in advocacy initiatives and events alongside my fellow professionals was truly inspiring, marking the start of Disability Pride Month.
I was honored to deliver the closing keynote at the 3rd Annual SIP Virtual Inclusion Conference, themed “Driving Inclusion Forward: Shifting Beliefs into Action,” hosted by Supporting Inclusive Practices on May 9-10, 2024. This free, impactful event, funded by the California Department of Education, provided educators, staff, families, and students with strategies to transform inclusive visions into practical actions. I shared my experiences and insights on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The East Valley SELPA hosted an Inclusion Summit on May 1, 2024, aiming to ensure quality special education programs. Dr. Patty Metheny led the event, featuring discussions on inclusion and training sessions. The SELPA coordinates services for 8,000 special education students across five districts. Their mission emphasizes respect, integrity, and collaboration. Participants praised the impactful keynote, emphasizing the commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of students.
Siemens Belonging Day was a celebration of inclusivity led by Alycia Anderson’s keynote, “Getting to the Heart of Disabling Ableism in the Workplace.” Nichelle Grant’s role in fostering disability inclusion paved the way for this event. Alycia’s return marked a milestone in their partnership, emphasizing the importance of belonging. The collaboration exemplifies commitment to DEI, driving positive change. Belonging Day fostered learning and reflection, reinforcing the transformative impact of inclusivity initiatives.
Disability Inclusive Leadership integrates individuals with disabilities into organizations, recognizing their unique abilities and perspectives as valuable assets. Alycia, a wheelchair user, advocates for disability inclusion based on her 25-year corporate career. She recently delivered a workshop on the topic at Blue Shield of California, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering disability inclusion. Such initiatives promote innovation, brand equity, and better serve the needs of the disabled community while enriching the companies they work for.
Alycia Anderson’s keynote at Humana’s International Women’s Day event resonated profoundly, embodying values of resilience and inclusivity. The meticulously crafted event, attended by nearly 1,000 associates, showcased Alycia’s message of unity and empowerment. Feedback highlighted its impact, fostering a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. As Humana and Alycia chart the path forward, they aim to create environments where kindness and respect flourish, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Alycia Anderson delivered her keynote speech, “Getting to the Heart of Disabling Ableism,” at the University of Lynchburg’s Schewel Lecture Series on March 20, 2024. The event aims to educate and discuss vital topics. This year focused on disability inclusion and combatting ableism. Anderson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and thanked university officials and mentors for their support.
Alycia’s participation in the 2024 NAMI Youth Symposium showcased her dedication to mental health advocacy. Collaborating with NAMI California underscored the importance of eradicating stigma and ensuring access to mental health services. The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and action-oriented discussions, inspiring attendees to make a positive impact. Alycia emphasized the importance of collective action and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to building a more inclusive society.
