Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast Alycia Anderson

Kaylee Bays: SYTYCD's first ever wheelchair dancer

In this inspiring episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia," Alycia Anderson welcomes Kaylee Bays, the first wheelchair dancer to ever grace the stage of "So You Think You Can Dance".
Alycia shares her admiration for Kaylee, by sharing a vulnerable story of how Kaylee reminded her of the ballerinas her father used to paint. Kaylee, with her unique blend of seated and standing dance movements, represents ambulatory wheelchair users and breaks down numerous stereotypes.

Kaylee recounts her journey from dancing at Disneyland to being diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Despite her diagnosis, Kaylee continued to pursue her passion for dance, adapting her movements creatively and with expert innovation. She explains how being an ambulatory wheelchair user has challenged and enriched her artistry, allowing her to connect with and appreciate other dancers in new ways.

Key Takeaways:
🌟 Kaylee's transition from a Disney performer to a wheelchair dancer
🎭 The creative process of adapting dance movements for wheelchair users
👩‍🦽 Breaking stereotypes: The intersection of apparent and non-apparent disabilities
🏆 The impact of Kaylee's appearance on "So You Think You Can Dance" on disability representation
🎓 Advice for aspiring artists: The importance of community and self-acceptance

Challenges and misconceptions
Kaylee also discusses the challenges and misconceptions faced by ambulatory wheelchair users, emphasizing the need for greater inclusivity and representation in the media and dance spaces. She highlights her work with Studio Slay, a virtual dance studio offering accessible dance classes for disabled and able-bodied dancers alike.

Join us as Kaylee shares her dreams of touring with a major artist and her commitment to empowering the next generation of dancers. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community.

Quote from Kaylee:
“Often times when we go into the room, we're being stared at anyways. You might as well give them something to look at.” - Kaylee Bays

Visit Kaylee links:

Kaylee Bays on Instagram

Kaylee Bays on YouTube

Kaylee's Story on ABC10


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Welcome Kimberly Daya
In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast,' host Alycia Anderson discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding invisible / non-apparent disabilities with guest Kimberly Daya. Kimberly shares her personal journey with Lyme disease, misdiagnosis, and the impact of chronic illness on her life.

Stigmas and non-apparent disabilities
Highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding, the conversation delves into the stigmas associated with non-apparent disabilities and the need for better awareness in society and the workplace. Kimberly also talks about her podcast, 'Humanity Unlocked,' which aims to showcase the humanity in diverse experiences and foster a deeper connection among people.

Alycia and Kimberly provide an unflinching look at:
🔘 Kimberly's harrowing path from mysterious symptoms to finally receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis after first being misdiagnosed with MS [00:02:00 - 00:06:30]
🔘 Navigating judgment from others who can't comprehend the depths of chronic, degenerative fatigue and disability: "It's like comparing a normal headache to a migraine." [00:10:00 - 00:12:00]
🔘 The freedom in releasing the need for others' approval and prioritizing one's own health over perceived norms when facing an invisible chronic illness [00:12:30 - 00:13:30]

Other Highlights
00:00 Introduction and Opening Quote
01:39 Introducing Kimberly Daya
02:30 Kimberly's Diagnosis Journey
05:58 Challenges with Lyme Disease Diagnosis
07:39 Living with Chronic Illness
09:18 Empathy and Judgment
14:43 Positive Aspects of Illness
16:55 Humanity Unlocked Podcast
22:10 Final Thoughts and Pushing Forward Moment

Quote
"I think my thing is put judgment on the back burner or check judgment at the door and lean in with curiosity. And you really can't lose with that." - Kimberly Daya

Connect with Kimberly Daya:
Instagram | LinkedIn | Podcast
TED Talk: "Dismantling Judgment and Embracing Nuance"

Connect with Alycia: Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Episode Description
Join us for a special birthday episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," where Alycia Anderson celebrates with her twin sister, Regina, and their sister Corinna, who hosts the conversation. Titled "Twinning is Winning," this episode explores the deep and unique bond between twins.
Alycia and Regina reflect on their favorite birthday moments, the funny incidents they've experienced, and the immense support they provide each other. They discuss how their connection has been a source of strength, particularly for Alycia in her journey with a disability. Regina's advocacy and companionship underscore the importance of family support in overcoming life's challenges.
Key Takeaways:
🎂 Favorite birthday celebrations and surprises
😂 Funny twin switcheroo and mix-up stories
💪 The role of sibling advocacy and support
❤️❤️ The unique and powerful bond of twins
Twin Communication:
Alycia and Regina shared examples of their own "twin language" or nonverbal communication and share specific instances where this unique bond helped them in critical situations.
Quote
"My twin is my secret weapon, my internal ally who has always advocated for me to be right beside her no matter what." — Alycia
Join us in this heartwarming episode to celebrate the incredible bond of sisterhood and find inspiration in Alycia and Regina's shared journey.
Connect with Alycia: Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome, Steph Aiello!
In this inspiring episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast, Alycia Anderson sits down with Steph Aiello, a disability advocate and a trailblazing quadriplegic makeup artist, content creator with brands like Ulta, Maybelline, and Fenty. Steph's journey from a life-altering car accident on the eve of her cosmetology school dreams to becoming a celebrated beauty influencer is nothing short of extraordinary.
Steph shares how her occupational therapist reignited her passion for makeup during her darkest moments, teaching her to adapt and use her body in new ways. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, showcasing how makeup became more than a beauty tool—it became her therapy and a symbol of her identity.
Key Takeaways:
🎨 Steph's rise to fame, working with brands like Ulta, Maybelline, and Fenty
👐 How Tyra Banks inspired her to "make her hands her brand"
🌟 Her mission to transform the beauty industry's inclusivity
Steph Says
"True inclusion is when we don't go viral," emphasizing her goal to normalize disability representation in beauty. She advocates for accessible packaging and tools, working behind the scenes with major brands to ensure everyone can enjoy the transformative power of makeup.
To those facing adversity, Steph offers this advice: "Feel it. You're mourning something. It's a tragic event... Not everything needs to be ok." Her mantra, written before her accident, resonates deeply: "Think less of what you lost and more of what you still have."
Don't miss this empowering episode that redefines beauty, challenges norms, and shows that with an "I Can Attitude," all dreams are within reach.
Bonus content
Hear how Steph’s family, especially her twin sister, has been her rock throughout her journey. Her sister was instrumental in her initial recovery, even making crucial medical decisions on her behalf. This deep family bond has been a source of strength and motivation for Steph.

Connect with Steph Aiello: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Steph's picks at Amazon Shop

Connect with Alycia: Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome Samuel Benifield-Chivore
In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," Alycia Anderson speaks with Samuel Benifield-Chivore, a remarkable teenager living with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). Diagnosed at age three, Samuel has undergone numerous surgeries and therapies but continues to thrive academically and personally.
Samuel, an honor roll student and the creative mind behind Samuel's Bricks, shares his journey of adapting to his disability and finding new ways to excel. His mother, Benita Benifield, a Global Retention Marketing Manager at Etsy, joins the conversation to discuss her advocacy efforts and the importance of family support.
Key Takeaways:
✨ Overcoming AVM and adapting to new challenges
👪 The power of family support in achieving goals
🔧 Turning hobbies into successful ventures
🗣️ Advocating for oneself and pushing through doubts
Samuel says...
"No matter your disability, you can still achieve greatness if you set your mind to it." - Samuel Benifield-Chivore
Bonus content
Samuel highlights the importance of finding new interests after being unable to participate in physical sports. He describes the joy of being cast in the school play "Grease" and how he adapted his role to fit his abilities. Samuel also shares his future goals, including continuing his education, growing his business, and advocating for others with disabilities.

Connect with Samuel: Samuel's Bricks on Etsy | Follow Samuel on Instagram

Connect with Alycia: Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.

Welcome, Ryan Hudson-Peralta, founder of Look Mom, No Hands
Welcome back to "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," where we spotlight stories of resilience and triumph. In today’s episode, we welcome Ryan Hudson-Peralta, an accomplished designer, speaker, and advocate who has turned perceived limitations into avenues for innovation. Born without hands and with shortened arms and legs (congenital limb deficiency), Ryan has taken the words "motivation" and "unstoppable" to the next level!
Key Takeaways:
🎨 Harnessing Creativity: Ryan turned early life challenges into a powerful force for creative solutions, modifying everyday items to enhance his independence and later, the usability of digital platforms.
🗣 Power of Advocacy: With his son, Ryan founded Equal Accessibility, focusing on improving physical and digital spaces not only for those with disabilities but for everyone, advocating for truly inclusive environments.
🌐 Tech Innovator: Despite his physical differences, Ryan has excelled in the tech industry, designing apps and websites that prioritize accessibility and usability for all users.
🚀 Inspiring Future Generations: Through mentoring and sharing "cheat codes" with youth born with similar conditions, Ryan provides early solutions and support, fostering a more manageable path forward for the next generation.
🌟 Living Without Limits: Ryan emphasizes that the only limits in life are the ones we set for ourselves, a philosophy he lives by every day as he challenges societal norms and accessibility barriers.
Quote:
"Don’t be your own speed bump. The only thing that can stop you or slow you down is yourself." - Ryan Hudson-Peralta
On the horizon:
An upcoming product from Ryan, called "Door Nub," is designed to help people with disabilities close doors more easily. He is excited about its potential to improve independence and accessibility in everyday scenarios.
Ryan's story is not just about adapting to the world but reshaping it to welcome everyone without barriers. Join us in celebrating his achievements and learning from his relentless pursuit of equality and access.
Connect with Ryan: Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube
Learn about Congenital Limb Deficiency:
For more information on Ryan's condition and how it impacts individuals from birth, visit this resource on congenital limb deficiency.
Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.