Category: Things to Know

Inclusive Costumes, Inclusive Design: Why Adaptive Products Matter This Halloween and Beyond

Published: Friday October 31, 2025
alycia as a butterfly and marty as an astronaut are pushing away from a ghost with bats flying around them

As Halloween 2025 approaches, the excitement of costumes is layered with reflection. For us, the rise of adaptive wheelchair-friendly options was once a win but now those options are shrinking. Designing with disability in mind isn’t just moral, it’s strategic. Inclusive, adaptive products open broader markets, spark innovation and foster belonging. When costuming or any product fails to include people with disabilities, organizations lose more than presence. They lose potential, culture and growth.

Start Anticipating Accessibility Needs, Not Just Responding to Them

Published: Tuesday June 3, 2025
Image Description: A black tile with a quote written in white "True Inclusion Anticipates"

True Inclusion Anticipates…Inclusion isn’t about reacting after someone is left out but it’s about thinking ahead so no one is. True inclusion anticipates accessibility needs before they’re ever requested. It’s proactive, thoughtful, and embedded into everything we do. True inclusion is when we lead with intention and create spaces that welcome everyone from the start. … read more… Start Anticipating Accessibility Needs, Not Just Responding to Them

From Lived Experience to Lasting Change: The Power of Disability Storytelling

Published: Saturday May 31, 2025
Alycia and Marty both sitting in wheelchairs at the end of Alycia's keynote during a QA session having fun with the audience. With a quote The power of storytelling isn’t in the words—it’s in the connections it builds.

Advocacy isn’t just about policies, statistics, or corporate initiatives. At its core, It’s about people. It’s about real, lived experiences that challenge perspectives and stimulate action. Facts may educate, but stories? Stories transform the way we understand the world in so many ways.We move beyond awareness into empathy, and from empathy into action. Storytelling gives … read more… From Lived Experience to Lasting Change: The Power of Disability Storytelling

Inaccessibility = Exclusion: 6 Barriers and 5 Solutions Every Organization Needs to Know

Published: Monday May 26, 2025
Alycia, dressed in all black, sits in her wheelchair, looking down at an inaccessible step. A quote reads: "At its core, inaccessibility is exclusion." create a meta discription, a viral title, keywords

At its core, inaccessibility is exclusion. Lets explore shall we? Inaccessibility = unnecessary barriers that prevents employees from fully participating due to a lack of: – inclusive design– attitudes– policies Let’s break down how it shows up: – Physical spaces without ramps, elevators, or accessible entrances.– Digital platforms that aren’t screen reader friendly.– Communication without … read more… Inaccessibility = Exclusion: 6 Barriers and 5 Solutions Every Organization Needs to Know

The $13.5 Trillion Case for Disability Inclusion: What Most Workplaces Are Missing

Published: Saturday March 29, 2025
In her interview with Popsize UK, disability inclusion speaker Alycia Anderson shares why fear and stigma—not capability—are keeping 80% of disabled individuals out of the workforce. Discover the urgent business case for inclusion and the $13.5 trillion opportunity we're ignoring.

People with disabilities are one of the most untapped and undervalued talent pools in the world. In my recent Popsize UK interview, I was asked:“What would you like people to know about the real potential of people with disabilities in the workforce and in society?” Here’s what I shared:“Only 20% of people with disabilities are … read more… The $13.5 Trillion Case for Disability Inclusion: What Most Workplaces Are Missing

Disabled Leaders Drive Innovation – Here’s Why Your Company Should Pay Attention

Published: Friday January 31, 2025
An pink and green envelope with a sheet of paper popping out that reads " Hire, listen to, and follow disabled leaders"

In business, one of the most transformational actions you can take is to hire, listen to, and follow disabled leaders. This challenges the outdated notion that disability limits potential, it doesn’t. In fact, it represents one of the greatest untapped sources of growth and innovation. For organizations ready to lead, here are key principles I … read more… Disabled Leaders Drive Innovation – Here’s Why Your Company Should Pay Attention

Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future

Published: Tuesday December 3, 2024
symbols for different types of disabilities circled around a heart next to the text stating international day of persons with disabilities december third all of this laid above the IDPD flag of tricolored gold silver and bronze horizontal stripes

In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Alycia Anderson highlights the vital role of disabled leadership in building an inclusive, sustainable future. She stresses the need for amplifying diverse voices to break down societal and professional barriers. By recognizing the unique contributions of disabled individuals, we can foster a culture of equity and innovation that benefits everyone. Discover how disability leadership paves the way for progress.

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.

A Recap of My Journey through Disability Pride Month | July 2024

Published: Friday August 2, 2024
alycia making a heart with her hands next to a disability pride flag and words that say july is disability pride months

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.

Bringing the Voice of Disability to the Insurance Diversity Task Force

Published: Tuesday June 25, 2024
alycia with all of the insurance diversity task force members at the quarterly meeting in oakland

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.