The Future of Disability Advocacy Is Already Here
The future of disability advocacy is bold, curious, and already asking the right questions. This week, I had the privilege of witnessing that future firsthand.
Returning to Presentation High School
For the second year in a row, I was honored to return to Presentation High School in San Jose, CA, known lovingly as “Pres,” to kick off their Disability Advocacy Week. Being invited back-to-back years is always meaningful, but this experience felt especially powerful. It was a clear reminder that when advocacy is nurtured, resourced, and believed in, it grows.
I shared my keynote, The Heart of Inclusion, with a room full of young women who were not just present, but deeply engaged, thoughtful, and genuinely excited about advancing disability-forward initiatives in society, education, and the workplace. These students are not waiting for permission to lead. They are already asking the right questions, imagining bold futures, and stepping into their power.
Before my talk, I had the opportunity to sit with several students and listen as they explored where change is still needed, from policy and access to representation and real involvement. They spoke about how they want to make an impact now, not someday. Then they shared their dreams of becoming neuroscientists advancing disability research, CEOs shaping inclusive cultures, and changemakers redefining what inclusion truly looks like.
Presentation High School continues to lead with intention through ongoing advocacy, education, and a real commitment to inclusion. One moment in particular stopped me in my tracks. When we arrived on campus, we noticed two brand-new accessible parking spaces in the visitor lot. The year before, there were none. We had mentioned it during our last visit, and this year, the change was already in place. It was tangible proof that advocacy works and that conversations turn into action.
Behind the Scenes of a Speaking Engagement
Behind the scenes, this event also marked a special milestone for The Alycia Anderson Company.
Every speaking engagement, whether corporate, educational, or community-based, requires thoughtful preparation, collaboration, and care. This day started early with dropping off our mascot and beloved companion, Milo, at the sitter before heading to Futures Explored studios in Sacramento.
Futures Explored is one of our valued community partners, and through that partnership we welcomed our first employee outside of Marty and me, Brandon Bali. This event at Presentation High School was Brandon’s first opportunity to travel with us to an in-person speaking engagement. We invited him to join so he could put his filming experience to full use, and Futures generously allowed us to borrow their high-tech production equipment for the day.
Brandon exceeded every expectation. He independently set up and operated the cameras with confidence and professionalism, demonstrating both skill and leadership. During the two-hour drive to San Jose, our team had the opportunity to connect more deeply. We shared the history of the company, the reasons behind why we started, and where we are headed next. Marty dove into podcast production details for Pushing Forward with Alycia, and Brandon asked thoughtful questions that reflected his curiosity and commitment.
Advocacy in Action at Pres
Once on campus, we joined the Disability Affinity Group for a pre-event lunch and meet-and-greet. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces like Izzy and Stephanie and to meet new members carrying this work forward. We talked about the group’s progress since our last visit, where to focus their energy next, and how being involved in disability advocacy now can create opportunities throughout college and into future careers.
From there, we moved to the gymnasium, where Marty and Brandon coordinated with the Presentation AV team to prepare the technology. I took a moment to ground myself before delivering The Heart of Inclusion to an audience of students, parents, and educators from Presentation and surrounding schools who gathered for this thoughtfully planned event.
After the final conversations and equipment breakdown, we headed back to Sacramento in rush-hour traffic. The drive became another opportunity for reflection, planning, and meaningful work conversations.
By the end of the day, Brandon had completed his longest workday yet at ten hours. Marty and I wrapped up closer to fourteen to sixteen hours once we picked up Milo and made it home. That is simply part of life as a speaker, advocate, and business owner doing work that matters.
Looking Ahead With Hope
I left Presentation High School filled with gratitude and hope. Hope for the future of disability advocacy. Hope because of students who care deeply and act boldly. Hope because of allies who listen and respond. And hope because this work is creating real, measurable impact.
Thank you to Presentation High School for the opportunity to return and for your continued commitment to inclusion. A heartfelt thank you to Stephanie Neustadter for your leadership and partnership.
Next on the journey is Chico for the Neurodiversity Symposium, followed by back-to-back events with the Nevada State Apartment Association in Reno and Las Vegas. The road continues, and I am grateful to be on it.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
If you are looking to bring meaningful conversations around disability inclusion, accessibility, and leadership to your school, organization, or workplace, I would love to connect.
Speaking engagements are available for corporate teams, educational institutions, conferences, and community organizations.
Book Alycia to speak: Visit the Speaking page or contact The Alycia Anderson Company directly to start the conversation.