Inspired by Alex Borstein, the Team Peri Step Out of Line Podcast dives deep, as advertised on the podcast homepage. Hosted by Peri R. Finkelstein and her mother, Lori. They meet guests who share inspirational stories and who have made an impact in today’s world. Team Peri’s hope in this podcast is to make society a better place one step at a time through love, acceptance, and uplifting conversations.
Alycia Share’s Her Story of How She was Taught to “Sink or Swim” on the Step Out of Line Podcast
When you’re raised by a family with a ‘sink or swim’ attitude, and are treated the same as your siblings, you have no choice but to power through and roll with whatever life brings you, and if you have to shatter a few glass ceilings on the journey, so be it. After years of being in the corporate world and accepting whatever little (if any) accommodations offered to her, Alycia Anderson always felt that she never wanted to receive any special treatment and was constantly fighting an uphill battle to balance her medical complications with her work obligations.
In this podcast episode you will learn that throughout Alycia’s life, similar to Perry, Alycia has had to step out of societal lines to achieve the opportunities she desired, not those predetermined by her disability. This path, often dictated by necessity rather than choice, required her to advocate for her aspirations, challenging societal perceptions of what a disabled woman could accomplish.
Alycia’s upbringing was pivotal in shaping her resilience. Born with an identical able-bodied twin, her parents, especially her mother, immediately advocated for equal opportunities for both children. Her mother’s early advocacy ensured Alycia was included in mainstream activities, despite societal segregation of disabled children at the time. Before passing away when Alycia was seven, her mother instilled a strong foundation of independence and confidence in her.
Her father continued this legacy, fostering a sink-or-swim mentality that emphasized resilience and self-sufficiency. This approach, though tough, prepared Alycia for a life before the protections of the ADA, pushing her to adapt and thrive in an often inaccessible world even to this day.
Alycia’s journey also includes a significant focus on sports, with her mother enrolling her in wheelchair tennis. This experience not only provided a sense of inclusivity but also instilled in her the values of strength, competition, and adaptability.
In adulthood, Alycia’s advocacy continues. She actively chooses to step out of line, engaging in public speaking and client advocacy to promote disability inclusion. Her personal and professional experiences highlight the importance of early parental support, resilience, and the ongoing effort required to challenge societal norms and achieve personal goals.
Today, Alycia is a motivational speaker, disability advocate, podcaster, DEI workplace champion, entrepreneur, tennis player, and so much more. Enjoy this episode of Stepping Out of Line with Peri & Alycia.