Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Engagement at ReelAbilities, shares how living with cerebral palsy led him from “poster child” to reshaping disability representation in film and media. This episode explores how storytelling influences perception, why disability narratives remain misrepresented, and how ReelAbilities is driving cultural change through authentic voices, inclusive filmmaking, and community. A powerful conversation on visibility, identity, and the future of disability in media.
Lawrence Carter-Long shares how growing up with cerebral palsy shaped his life’s purpose in storytelling and media. From poster child to leading ReelAbilities, he explores how film influences perception, why disability representation is still misaligned with reality, and how authentic stories can shift culture faster than policy. This conversation reveals the power of visibility, lived experience, and who gets to tell the story.
What if the biggest barrier to inclusion isn’t accessibility but culture? In this episode, Alycia Anderson and Meghan Connolly Haupt explore how perception, expectations, and shared responsibility shape truly inclusive communities. From workplace leadership to everyday interactions, they unpack why empathy and creativity matter more than compliance alone. This conversation challenges us to move beyond physical access and choose, together, to build spaces where everyone genuinely belongs.
This transcript of Episode 135 of Pushing Forward with Alycia features a powerful conversation with Meghan Connolly Haupt on redefining inclusion. Together, they explore why culture—not just accessibility—shapes belonging in our communities and workplaces. From personal stories to leadership insights, this discussion highlights the role of empathy, perception, and shared responsibility in building environments where everyone can fully participate.
Alycia Anderson shares two powerful, real-life moments that reveal how quickly curiosity about disability can turn into fear. From a child who excitedly said, “I want a wheelchair,” to another who was warned to “watch out,” this story exposes how adult reactions shape perception. This episode challenges us to rethink how we respond and how those responses influence inclusion, belonging, and the next generation of leaders.
Alycia Anderson shares powerful real-life moments with children that reveal a deeper truth about disability: curiosity is natural, but fear is learned. From a 6-year-old who saw a wheelchair as something exciting, to a moment where an adult unintentionally created fear, this episode explores how early interactions shape lifelong beliefs and how the way we respond can either limit or expand inclusion for the next generation.
Alycia Anderson is joined by her sisters, Regina and Corinna, for a deeply personal conversation on sisterhood, identity, and shared growth. Together, they reflect on their lifelong bond, navigating disability and life’s evolving paths, and how their connection has shaped their confidence and purpose. Their story highlights resilience, support, and the power of family in creating belonging.
Host Alycia Anderson is joined by her sisters, Regina and Corinna, for a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation about sisterhood, identity, and shared life experiences. This accessible transcript ensures that Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and text-preferring audiences can fully engage with their story. Together, they reflect on growing up, navigating disability, and how their bond has shaped resilience, confidence, and a lifelong sense of belonging.
Alycia Anderson explores what rare disease patients want the world to understand about living with conditions that are often misunderstood or overlooked. The “zebra” symbol reflects the reality that rare diagnoses are frequently dismissed because clinicians are trained to expect common explanations first. The conversation highlights patient advocacy, the long path to diagnosis, and the importance of listening to lived experience.
Rare disease advocate Lynsey Chediak shares her powerful journey from lifelong patient to healthcare policy leader. Born with a rare skeletal condition, Lynsey has endured dozens of surgeries while navigating a healthcare system not designed for rare disease patients. In this conversation, she and Alycia explore resilience, advocacy, medical barriers, and why patient voices must shape the future of healthcare. Lynsey’s story is a powerful reminder that lived experience can drive real systemic change.
