Category: News

What do the new administration’s orders mean for people with disabilities?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025

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.

What does pulling out of the World Health Organization (WHO) mean for people with disabilities?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025
depicts the title of an executive order withdrawing from the world health organization posing a question about how this will effect people with disabilities

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.

How does ending DEI policies threaten disability rights in the United States?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025
depicts the title of an executive order ending dei posing a question about how this will effect people with disabilities

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.

How do recent policies threaten air travel for people with disabilities?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025
depicts the title of an executive order about safety in aviation posing a question about how this will effect people with disabilities

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.

How does the return to in-person work order affect people with disabilities?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025
depicts the title of an executive order to return to in-person work posing a question about how this will effect people with disabilities

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?

What does the fight against “Gender Ideology Extremism” mean for people with disabilities?


Published: Saturday January 25, 2025
depicts the title of an executive order related to laws about gender posing a question about how this will effect people with disabilities

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.

Lights, Camera, Advocacy: A Journey to Authentic Disability Representation in Hollywood


Published: Monday November 4, 2024
tobias forrest on the left and john w lawson on the right

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.

U.S. Department of Transportation imposes a $50 million fine on American Airlines for its mistreatment of passengers with disabilities


Published: Wednesday October 23, 2024
american airlines jets one at the gate and one taxing on the tarmac the heading above the airplanes states american airlines fined fifty million for violating disability laws transportation secretary pete buttigieg said the airline provided unsafe and undignified physical assistance to passengers that at times resulted in injuries

The U.S. Department of Transportation imposed a $50 million fine on American Airlines for repeatedly failing to assist passengers with disabilities, resulting in damaged wheelchairs and mistreatment. The fine highlights the airline’s neglect in providing necessary support, essential to passengers’ dignity and independence. Alycia Anderson expresses relief and hope for improved travel experiences, noting that this landmark action addresses long-standing accessibility issues in air travel.

Distinguished Alumna, Motivational Speaker, and CEO Alycia Anderson


Published: Monday March 4, 2024
chico state distinguished alumni award seal

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.

3 Year Anniversary


Published: Friday October 27, 2023
Alycia and Marty business partners sitting in wheelchairs smiling outside in the city with their dog Milo on their lap wearing black Image is celebrating 3 years in business with a quote that says I’m right sizing workplace obstacles to open minds hearts environments and opportunities to a world of possibility

Celebrating three years of The Alycia Anderson Company, Alycia reflects on challenges, victories, and the ongoing mission to widen pathways for individuals with disabilities. Through keynotes, trainings, and advocacy, the company has made strides in promoting disability inclusion and accessibility in workplaces. Alycia expresses gratitude for the support that fuels their success and looks forward to continued growth in their fourth year.