As we approach a pivotal presidential election, one crucial demographic remains overlooked: the 70 million disabled voters. Our voices are often rendered invisible in political campaigns, despite the significant issues we face. This election is not just about general policies; it’s a matter of survival for many of us. It’s time to make our votes count and demand the attention we deserve.
Alycia Anderson had the incredible opportunity to model adaptive wear at the Runway of Dreams Adaptive Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week. This groundbreaking event, founded by Mindy Scheier, challenges fashion norms and advocates for inclusive, accessible clothing design. For Alycia, walking the runway was a personal dream come true and a celebration of inclusion, challenging traditional beauty standards while making fashion accessible for everyone.
Disability Pride Month 2024 was a powerful journey of advocacy and celebration. Highlights included keynotes at NCPEID’s Annual Conference, Covington & Burling, The Port Authority of NY & NJ, NAIC’s Member Diversity Leadership Forum, and Etsy. Engaging events such as the Rollettes Experience and Blue Shield of California’s ADA anniversary underscored inclusivity. Each engagement, from Sodexo to Stockton Unified School District, reinforced my commitment to year-long disability pride and empowerment.
Alycia, appointed by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, is the first Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise Representative on California’s Insurance Diversity Task Force. Congratulating re-elected Chair Mark Morales and new Vice-Chair Vikita Poindexter, Alycia aims to enhance equity and diversity in California’s insurance market. She looks forward to contributing to the strategic plan and the California Insurance Diversity Survey, promoting opportunities for underrepresented communities.
I’m excited to announce my appointment to the California Department of Insurance as the first member of the Insurance Diversity Task Force representing Persons with Disabilities Enterprise Business (PDBE). This role, conferred by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, aims to ensure the voices of people with disabilities are represented in the insurance industry, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to create a more inclusive industry for all.
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 hasn’t always had a stage, but she’s always had her voice. From a young age, Anderson (Physical Education, ’05), has asserted herself by speaking up and living her core belief: she deserves to be included, just like everyone else. Now she is included and is a distinguished alumna, motivational speaker, and CEO living out her dreams.
In 2024, prioritizing disability inclusion in DEI strategies is crucial for fostering truly equitable workplaces. Addressing systemic barriers and embedding accessibility into workplace culture leads to diverse environments where all individuals can thrive. Disability inclusion should not be an afterthought but a central focus in all diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. It’s essential for organizations to implement actionable plans that elevate access and opportunity for disabled people.
Alycia Anderson expresses heartfelt gratitude for the successes and growth of 2023, reflecting on transformative moments and a future filled with promise. She emphasizes the importance of inclusion, representation, and community in achieving progress and welcomes 2024 with renewed purpose.
Purple Tuesday highlights the importance of improving the shopping experience for disabled consumers. It’s a call for businesses to prioritize accessibility, from store designs to user-friendly websites and products that cater to the needs of people with disabilities. Purple Tuesday advocates for equal shopping experiences, ensuring that every consumer feels valued and included. Businesses are encouraged to adopt inclusive practices, making accessibility a standard practice rather than an afterthought.
