Disability:

Though Alycia was born with Spinal a Genesis, a fairly severe congenital disability, and unable to walk, her parents were determined to raise her just like her healthy twin sister. Alycia has never been able to walk, has an under-developed lower body and has had problems with her kidneys and bladder.

At the time, while Alycia was growing up, all students with disabilities (no matter what the disability) attended class in a special room separate from the rest of the school.

Ability:

Her parents fought that and won, which enabled Alycia to remain a part of the general student population. They taught her the most important lesson she could learn... independence.

Her first tennis lesson was at the age of 4 and Alycia remained active all through school. Her parents, both athletic, desperately wanted to find an activity they could enjoy as a family. Alycia achieved her BA in Kinesiology plus received a full scholarship for a Masters. She has gone from waitress in a wheelchair to corporate executive and has lived, worked, and traveled worldwide.

Alycia says, "Everything I accomplished has been on my own, in my wheelchair, with my head held high, having full confidence that I could obtain my greatest dreams without any doubt."