In a recent conversation celebrating Disability Pride Month, Cliff Trammell, Director of Culture and Experience at RangeWater Real Estate, introduced Alycia Anderson, a disability advocate and host of the podcast “Pushing Forward with Alycia.” The discussion centered on ableism and fostering authentic, inclusive communities.
Insights on Inclusivity
Alycia Anderson shared her insights on how to build a larger sense of community with people who are different from ourselves. She emphasized the importance of creating a sense of community without fear and making inclusivity a priority. Alycia encouraged listeners to follow her on her website, LinkedIn, and social media handles (@AlyciaSpeaking) for more content on disability advocacy.
Cliff expressed deep appreciation for Alycia’s efforts in turning potential barriers into a springboard for her career and facilitating important conversations within the industry. He highlighted the significance of being fluent in disability conversations to create inclusive communities.
Key Takeaways
Alycia shared key takeaways for making an impact in neighborhoods and communities:
- “Nothing for us without us”: Hire people with disabilities, place them in leadership roles, and include them in DEI initiatives to gain genuine perspectives.
- “Progress over perfection”: Recognize that the work of inclusion is ongoing and can be daunting, but progress is essential.
From a personal perspective, Alycia recalled her father’s advice to make the best of what she’s been given and to smile despite challenges, as it invites others to engage in meaningful discussions.
The conversation concluded with Cliff thanking Alycia and encouraging the RangeWater community to take care of each other and become more fluent and comfortable with disability conversations. Alycia’s message of pushing forward and redefining community resonated, leaving listeners with a sense of commitment to inclusivity and understanding.