In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia Anderson welcomes Eric Harris, an accomplished former wheelchair basketball player and current disability rights advocate. Eric shares his inspiring journey from facing early medical challenges to excelling in sports, law school, and eventually policy advocacy. He discusses his roles in various organizations, including Disability Rights California (DRC), and explores key issues such as homelessness, healthcare, and education for disabled individuals. The episode emphasizes the importance of storytelling, authentic collaboration, and ensuring that those most impacted by policies are involved in decision-making processes.
Cue Points for Skimming
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
00:30 Eric's Early Life and Sports Journey
06:36 Transition to Wheelchair Basketball
10:13 From Sports to Advocacy
11:36 Current Role and Policy Work
16:36 Challenges and Solutions in Disability Advocacy
32:54 Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Message
Quotes from Eric
“When we get away from letting people make decisions for their own lives, the results are never good for our communities.” ~ Eric Harris
“All disabled people and all people want opportunities to make their own decisions—live where they want to live, work where they want to work, love who they want to love.” ~ Eric Harris
Inclusion in Action: Key Threads
🏀 From Basketball Courts to the State Capitol
🔥 Competitiveness and Advocacy
🧱 Building Blocks to Success
🤝 Inclusive Team Dynamics
♿ Lessons from Adaptive Sports
⚖️ A Legal and Advocacy Career
📣 Pressing Issues in Disability Advocacy
🗳️ Let Those Most Impacted Decide
🎤 The Power of Storytelling
💗 Creating Emotional Connections
🙋♀️ Including Disabled Voices in Politics
🌈 The Power of Diverse Perspectives
🎯 Finding Purpose in Advocacy
🚧 Overcoming Obstacles and Building Foundations
Connect with Eric Harris
Disability Rights California (DRC) | Eric’s LinkedIn Profile
Follow Up with Alycia
Share Feedback with Alycia About the Podcast | Follow Alycia on Instagram | Connect with Alycia on LinkedIn | Book Alycia for a Speaking Event | Inquire on How Alycia Can Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s Disability Inclusion Micro Learning Video Series
Follow Up with Alycia
Share Feedback with Alycia About the Podcast | Follow Alycia on Instagram | Connect with Alycia on LinkedIn | Book Alycia for a Speaking Event | Inquire on How Alycia Can Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s Disability Inclusion Micro Learning Video Series
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