Disabling Ableism: The Modern Pathway to Inclusion | Alycia Anderson | TEDxSouthLakeTahoe

This talk focuses on shifting perceptions of what is perceived possible by disabling ableism, a social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior (Wikipedia). Ableism is ingrained in our culture history though a new term that we recognize. Ableism is oftentimes used without us even knowing it's there. I will define and explore the topic through my own personal journey over my lifetime with it, its cause and effect, and what the benefits are moving into the future as I shed some light on what it means. This talk can literally change the world’s perceptions and habits together for a better tomorrow. Alycia Anderson is on a mission to motivate and invoke change through the power of diversity and inclusion. She is an accomplished motivational speaker, writer, inclusion coach and the Vice President of Sales for an award-winning technology company, Knock CRM. Anderson received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University Chico in Kinesiology and Exercise Science focusing on Adapted Education. She holds a European Masters Degree from KU Leuven, Belgium in Adapted Physical Activity emphasizing the benefits, practices and principles of inclusion.
Anderson is a tennis player, cyclist, identical twin and has been wheelchair-bound since birth. Born with sacral agenesis, her mission is to spread the power of diversity and inclusion to inspire all people in feeling limitless in living up to their fullest personal and professional potential. Using her voice to share her journey, Anderson aims to help communities and companies understand the true benefits inherent to building a diverse and inclusive society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Mr._Zachtastic]

I love what you have to say Alycia! I'm a 23 year old man who has septo optic dysplasia, which makes me see only through my left eye, and people always believed I'd need to have a cane, and had to read braille, but people didn't really know that I was able to see pretty good in my left eye, and I love driving go karts, and quads, and work on classic cars, and unfortunately my mom always said I'd never to this, I won't be able to do that, but I don't feel like I'm as disabled as people see me as. My mom tried to get me to work in a factory full of people that were completely blind, and elderly, and here I was, this 17 year old kid thinking. My mom was nuts to believe that I would fit in here. I'm able to work on classic cars, and drive, but mom didn't see that. She only sees me as her son who's "legally blind" and I think that doesn't make sense to me, because I can see well enough to ride a bike throughout my town by myself, and walk without a cane, and read, which is a thing I love to do. If I can do all of those things, how am I legally blind? I know that some cases of septo optic dysplasia are more severe than mine, but I don't really care. If I had to give advice to others like me, I'd say follow your heart and dream on until God calls you home. That's all anybody should do, but we get carried away about money and how we NEED to work ourselves so much we are EXTREMELY tired by the end of the day. My stepdad is a great example of how man's greed for cash can make others suffer. He was a mailman, and a good one too, but as he kept working, his aches and pains got worse. People kept giving more work for him until he just hurt so bad, he couldn't do it any longer. I haven't had a job yet, and I have SSI, and have been more than happy with the amount I get per month. All I'm trying to say is that if you are trying to find a job and you have disabilities, don't just get the job from the people who are trying to "help people with disabilities" because in some cases, those companies take advantage of us. Do what you know you can do drown out ableism by following your dreams. Regardless if people doubt your abilities, because frankly, I don't think people do that enough. ✌️

[@alyciaanderson3421]

Thanks so much for sharing this with me! I appreciate you!

[@martyanderson7486]

Great share @Mr_Zachtastic 👍

[@CarolineCutrer]

As a mentally (autistic , ADHD, mentally ill) disabled and physically (blind ) disabled person, I love this speech and this makes me so happy ! Such a beautiful and important speech ! ❤️🫶🏻

[@alyciaspeaking]

Thank you so much!!!

[@nstep1]

Beautiful!! thank you for sharing this

[@elmo4032]

Oh it’s out there and it’s widespread

[@Fron_97]

Alycia, you're amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing. Sending you love from Argentina!

[@ShariAlyse]

This is so powerful!! Thank you for showing us what self belief, determination, hope, beauty and power look like in human form!

[@alyciaspeaking]

Thanks so much sister!!!

[@shelbymunro8941]

Thank you from Canada

[@LifewithLatriceL]

Alycea is a beautiful human! She's resilient and kind. so honored to have connected with her!

[@jenninoir]

Yees Alycia ❤ Thank you for sharing and shining. Such grace, beauty, and wisdom ❤🌞

[@alyciaspeaking]

Thanks so much for the love!!!

[@JozePiranian]

"We disable ableism" - powerful, powerful talk my friend. Thank you for this incredible talk Alycia!

[@alyciaspeaking]

Thanks so much Jose!!

[@nachocash]

Do there really need to be ads on these videos? Hope the money is put into pushing out quality content and not in someone's pocket.

[@martoinne]

Such a powerful talk, Alycia!

[@alyciaspeaking]

Thank you friend!!

[@jonathansaar5588]

Fantastic! Thank you for all you do!

[@thistooiseds3215]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@AbbeyResearch]

Nailed it. So much power and grace.

[@alyciaspeaking]

Thanks so much sister!

[@lawsav55]

So powerful!!! Sending love!! ~m~

[@alyciaspeaking]

Thank you so much!!

[@hannahcrossett3415]

Powerful describes her best.