“I was honored to be the first seated model and the first disabled model ever in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Future of Fashion runway show presented by Macy’s. Disabled representation in the fashion industry has been practically non-existent until recently.” Today’s woman dreamer, Alanna Flax-Clark, is a disability inclusion activist, and an internationally ranked Para Equestrian. She has over 15 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy.  In her inspiring Women Who Win interview, she shares her journey, her passion for education, and how she hopes to change the lives of women with disabilities.

1.  Tell us your story! You are a public speaker, para equestrian and disability inclusion advocate. Tell us more about your journey, and how it shaped who you are today? 

I acquired my disability when I got sick while I was working as a Special Education teacher. After I acquired my disability, I had to decide if I could go back to teaching in the classroom. Ultimately, I decided I would not return due to accessibility and safety reasons. I wasn’t sure what I would do at first, or what I would be good at besides teaching. It took some time to realize that education and teaching are incorporated into many things, and don’t have to take place in the traditional classroom setting. 

I’ve done a number of things, but they all come back to my passion for education and devotion to inclusion. I always was an ally to people with disabilities, but once I was thrown into the situation myself, it created a stronger desire to bring about more awareness. 

While teaching kids with disabilities, I never imagined that I would have a disability myself. You never plan for it to happen. It’s not always easy, but I would never take it back. It’s changed me as a person and the way I view the world. 

2. You were the first seated model and the first disabled model ever in Fashion Institute of Technology Future of Fashion runway show recently. You were amazing in that show! Tell us more about this. What did that moment feel like?

I was honored to be the first seated model and the first disabled model ever in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Future of Fashion runway show presented by Macy’s . I wore a fabulous design by Sonia Yanes and had fun working and getting to know her throughout the design process as I was able to provide my feedback on what worked or didn’t work as a wheelchair user. 

Disabled representation in the fashion industry has been practically non-existent until recently. Despite the fact we comprise the third-largest segment in America according to the federal Office of Disability Employment Policy, disabled people are largely excluded from contemporary fashion design. However, we are now at a moment where form and function have been amplified and the value of the world’s largest minority is playing a significant role in true culture change. The realization is that through creativity and design, fashion can be accessible across the gamut of human variability.

Being a part of the Future of Fashion runway show spoke to transformative power of clothing. Fashion and style are not concepts exclusive to able-bodied communities; everyone deserves the chance to express themselves through their clothing and feel confident about their appearance. Adaptive fashion ultimately is not about a trend, but rather a real necessity that every brand should be aware of, just as they recognize different shaped bodies such as ‘plus size’, ‘petite’, or ‘maternity’. 

3. Tell us more about your work as a disability inclusion advocate. What do you hope to change/inspire for women living with disabilities? 

It’s important for all people with disabilities to be productive members of society. Disabled people need to know that they can hold a job and be supported in the workplace. It is actually advantageous for a business to promote equity, tolerance, and management of disability in the workplace. A 2018 study by Accenture and Disability:IN reported that companies embracing practices that support and encourage individuals with disabilities in the workplace saw their bottom line improve. Strong DE&I practices were associated with a 28% increase in revenue, double the net income, and a 30% boost in economic profit margin, compared with their peer companies that scored lower on DEI practices. So, there’s no reason that employers shouldn’t promote these practices for their employees! 

It’s also important to remember that since the passage of the ADA in 1990, employers have to make sure that they do not discriminate against job candidates or employees on the basis of an individual's disability. Interestingly, A study by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) shows that accommodations in the workplace provide consistent employer benefits over time with minimal costs. The study found that providing accommodations to individuals in the workplace resulted in such benefits as retaining valuable employees, improving productivity and morale, reducing workers' compensation and training costs, and improving company diversity. Most employers in the study (59%) reported that the accommodations they provided had zero cost, and when accommodations did involve costs, the amount typically was only $500… so not very much in the scheme of things!

People with disabilities have higher unemployment rates than people without disabilities. One reason for this is a common misconception that disabled people can’t contribute to the workplace, but with the proper training. support, and accommodations, disabled people can thrive in the workplace.

4. What is your next big goal as an equestrian? 

I’m just packing up to spend the Winter in Florida. Each year equestrians from all over the world move to Florida for an intense season of training and competition. It’s an ideal time to focus on my personal training with my horse, but also learn and watch other top equestrians from all over the world. I can’t wait to see how much I can accomplish and progress during the next few months. 

5. You are certainly a busy woman. How do you relax and unwind? How do you find your work life balance? 

I enjoy staying busy and continually learning, but also recognize the importance of stepping away and taking time for myself. Riding and spending time with the horses helps me relax and unwind. It’s a time to get outside, away from all the technology, and be around people who have the same interest as I do. I also do Pilates which challenges my body in new ways and makes me stronger for my riding. Being outside and finding new trails to discover, spending time with friends and family, and then relaxing with a good book or movie—these are all typical ways I’ll spend my free time. 

Thank you Alanna for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!