"Ali Stroker Teams Up with Whirlpool for Inclusive Living"

Tony Award-Winning Actress Ali Stroker’s New Partnership: “Everyone Deserves To Have a Home That Works for Them”

When Ali Stroker won a Tony for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical in 2019, she made sure her acceptance speech was inclusive. “This award is for every kid watching tonight who has a disability, who has a limitation or a challenge, who has been waiting to see themselves represented in this arena,” she said. Stroker, who won for her role as Ado Annie in the revival of Oklahoma!, made history that night as the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, one in four U.S. households includes at least one family member with a disability. Despite this demand, many household appliances aren’t designed with certain mobility needs in mind. Stroker—an advocate, actress, and author—continues to use her platform to spotlight inclusion: this time, she’s highlighting the need for household appliances that are more accessible for people with disabilities.

Stroker has partnered with Whirlpool to highlight the company’s new, inclusively designed dishwasher rack. She shares with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest how it’s improved her life, the mantra she practices that makes positivity contagious, and what she’s working on now.

The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Ali, this partnership with Whirlpool seems like such a great opportunity to raise awareness about accessibility in everyday products. Why was it important to you to be a part of it?

Ali Stroker: I am an actress, wife, and mommy who uses a wheelchair for mobility. Creating accessibility throughout my life, especially at home, is a major priority for me. I am so excited that Whirlpool brand is leading the way with accessibility and inclusivity in the home with the Whirlpool Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack, the most inclusive lower-level dishwasher rack design on the market. It represents a significant advancement in kitchen inclusivity in a way that traditional dishwasher racks do not with its innovative 360° spinning lower-level rack design, making loading and unloading the dishwasher easy for everyone and providing access to all areas of the lower rack. I want as many people who have limited mobility to know that there are ways to make your life easier. Everyone deserves to have a home that works for them.

The Healthy: You’ve had a number of roles on Broadway, including your Tony-winning performance in the 2019 revival of Oklahoma! Do you have any plans to return?

Ali Stroker: I would love to return to Broadway. I am currently starring in the biggest role of my life: mommy! I have a 2.5 year old and love that I get this time with him. We are also remodeling our home, which is full-time as well.

The Healthy: A big catchphrase for you is “Turning your limitations into your opportunities.” What does that motto mean to you?

Ali Stroker: It means E + R = O! The events of your life plus your response equals the outcome. We have full control over our response. Your challenges and limitations can become the greatest gifts and lead you to the best people in the world. Get serious about seeing the world through a positive lens. It’s hard and possible. In the end, you have one life. Go live it!

The Healthy: What else do you have going on or coming up that you’re excited about?

Ali Stroker: I have been working on creating TV content. I love being on the other side now, developing content that includes people with all kinds of abilities. I’m passionate about characters with disabilities whose storylines are not about their disabilities.

The Healthy: What’s one self-care ritual you refuse to skip?

Ali Stroker: I won’t skip my coffee! Coffee gets me going in the morning and with a 2.5 year old. I need it. I also enjoy drinking coffee as a ritual with my husband. It’s the perfect way to start the day.

For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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