Alycia and Marty Anderson explore disability representation in Congress, accessible voting, Olmstead, and the future of disability leadership

In this timely episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Alycia Anderson welcomes back her husband and fellow disability advocate, Marty Anderson, to explore disability representation in American politics following the November 2026 midterm elections.

Both lifelong wheelchair users, Alycia and Marty have spent years helping global businesses, educational institutions, and organizations understand the importance of accessibility, representation, and inclusive leadership. But what happens when we apply those same principles to American democracy?

From historic political appointments to modern voting barriers, this conversation examines who represents the disability community, how public policy shapes independence, and why civic participation matters beyond Election Day.

Disability is always on the ballot, whether there’s a disability-specific proposition or not.

Josh Turek and the history of disability representation in government

The conversation begins with the election of Josh Turek, a Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist and Iowa state legislator, to the United States Senate in November 2026.

For Alycia and Marty, both wheelchair users and adaptive athletes, his election creates an opportunity to reflect on the visibility of disabled leaders in government and what representation might mean for future generations.

The episode also acknowledges leaders with disabilities across American politics, including Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator John Fetterman, Representative Lateefah Simon, Pennsylvania legislator Jessica Benham, and former Colorado state representative David Ortiz.

Alycia and Marty discuss how disability representation can influence not only laws and public policy, but also the accessibility of the institutions where those decisions are made.

Sarah Crawford and the importance of state-level disability advocacy

The conversation connects to former podcast guest Sarah Crawford, a North Carolina state representative and disability advocate featured in Episode 105.

Alycia and Marty discuss the importance of community-based advocacy, relationships with legislators, and recognizing that meaningful representation can begin through local organizations, advisory boards, and state government.

Related listening:

Episode 105: Unlocking Change — Sarah Crawford’s Take on Disability, Politics & Advocacy

The disability voting bloc: Why representation matters

Marty draws on his writing for the Contributor’s Corner series, including two articles about disability and American democracy.

His first article examines the size and visibility of the disability electorate. His second explores voting accessibility, independent living, civil rights, employment, and the importance of including disabled people in public decision-making.

Together, Alycia and Marty consider how disability intersects with many different political perspectives while creating opportunities for discussion around accessibility and participation.

Read Marty’s articles:

• America’s Largest Untapped Swing Vote Is the Disability Community
• What the Disability Voting Bloc Actually Needs from American Democracy

What is Olmstead, and why does it still matter?

One of the central topics is Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark 1999 Supreme Court decision addressing unjustified institutional segregation of people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Alycia and Marty explain the significance of community integration and discuss developments in 2026, including changes in the Department of Justice’s interpretation and enforcement approach and a joint letter from 18 governors expressing concern.

They also bring the issue into their own lives, considering how the ability to receive support and remain in one’s community becomes especially meaningful as people age.

The discussion connects public policy to something deeply human: where people live, the choices they make, and the opportunity to participate in everyday life.

Voting accessibility means more than a ramp

Alycia and Marty explore disability voting rights and the different barriers that can prevent equal participation in elections.

Their discussion includes polling-place accessibility, assistance with voting, accessible election websites, ballot formats, and the right to vote privately and independently.

They also highlight the voting rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), discussing misconceptions about eligibility, the role of guardianship, accessible communication, and the importance of avoiding assumptions about people’s capabilities.

Is disability always on the ballot?

One of the episode’s most compelling exchanges comes when Alycia and Marty reflect on a conversation they had about the election.

Marty questions the visibility of disability-specific issues on ballots and in candidates’ platforms. Alycia responds that disability is always affected by elections because voters are choosing the leaders who will make decisions about healthcare, transportation, employment, education, accessibility, and community living.

They consider how voters can research candidates, evaluate public positions, and ask better questions about disability policy.

Connecting workplace inclusion to political leadership

Throughout the conversation, Alycia and Marty draw on their work with companies, brands, educational institutions, and organizations.

Whether in business or government, they see similar questions emerging: Who has access? Who is represented? Which perspectives are part of decision-making?

Their discussion considers how improving accessibility and opportunity across workplaces and communities can contribute to a future with more disabled leaders in public life.

The Pushing Forward Moment

The episode closes with personal reflections on the future of disability representation.

Alycia emphasizes that representation means more than having a seat at the table. It means people having the opportunity to exercise their rights and participate in shaping the future.

Marty encourages current representatives to recognize the visibility and responsibility that can accompany disability leadership, to seek allies, and to bring disability perspectives into broader conversations about public policy.

Together, they leave listeners with a question worth considering:

What would the future of American democracy look like if disability were consistently part of the conversation?

Continue the conversation

What barriers to civic participation have you encountered? What questions would you like political leaders to address about disability policy? And what does meaningful representation look like to you?

Share your thoughts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube, subscribe to Pushing Forward with Alycia, and explore the articles and related episodes linked above.

Key Points on the Clock

This episode offers personal perspectives and educational discussion, not endorsements of candidates, parties, or ballot measures. Voting and legal rules may vary by jurisdiction.