Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2016 Platform: Equal Opportunity

Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity to participate in Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2016. As part of the competition, we were required to give a two minute speech about our platform. The platform that I ran on was "Equal Opportunity". Here is my speech that I gave:

"Over the years, I have observed that people with disabilities do not always have access to an equal opportunity. Whether this is due to ignorance or deliberate behavior, it needs to be changed.

Equal opportunity includes having equal access to transportation and housing as well as equal access to education and jobs. However, change takes time and the most important change has to do with people's mind sets.

I have heard three common beliefs: 'Disabled people get enough. Why should disabled people get special treatment. The lives of people with disabilities has dramatically improved over the past fifty years, so why are you complaining now?'

As Ms. Wheelchair, I will teach that accomplishments are not extra but equal and I will advocate for change in order to achieve an equal opportunity for all.

Having a disability is a part of who I am; however not having access to an equal opportunity is what truly makes me disabled.

As I close, I leave you with a poem I have written that reflects this thought.

I may have a disability, 

but I am only disabled when people look past my abilities.

I may not be able to walk, 

but I am only disabled when I am without my wheels.

I may not be able to climb a flight of stairs, 

but I am only disabled when there is not an equivalent elevator. 

I may not be able to step down when the sidewalk ends, 

but I am only disabled when there is not curb cut out.

I may have a disability, 

but I am only disabled when people look past my abilities."

More Than Just a Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow: Chasing the Dream of Becoming an Advocate

Recently, I came to the recollection that my dream of becoming a disability advocate (other than as a hobby), may not actually be a realistic profession. I realized that it had almost been a year since I had graduated from college, and that a piece of me would really like an income, and some financial independance. I began looking for other jobs, pursuing a totally different route. I had always been looking for any job that I was qualified for, but looked at it as an avenue to building the resources that were needed for becoming a disability advocate. However, when I became discouraged, I began looking into jobs -- like selling insurance -- that could become a life long career. This was until a couple weeks ago.

All of a sudden, opportunities began to open up. In the past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak on two different college campuses, one at Western Washington University (WWU), and one at Eastern Washington University (EWU). At WWU, I spoke to a class learning about accommodations and barriers; I answered questions, and then I took them on a tour of campus showing them accommodations and barriers! At EWU, I spoke to a class of potential teachers; I talked about my journey through the public school system, the accommodations I received, the barriers I faced, and recommendations I had for them. I have also been invited back by both of the professors to speak in future classes. I have also been asked by another professor -- who teaches at WWU -- to speak to her class next quarter as well!

A couple Friday's ago, I also had the chance to talk with a person who has been greatly involved with the organization, People First. He has been to Olympia many times and lobbied for people with disabilities. I also talked with another person who has been greatly involved in both the organizations Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) and the Center for Independence. Both of these people, as well as these three organizations strive to better the lives of people with disabilities through advocating for an equal opportunity and to be treated as people. 

I have also been blessed with the opportunity to volunteer in a Special Education classroom at Bellingham High School! On the first day, I told them a little about myself, and my experience as a student with a disability. We talked about the importance of self advocacy and knowing what accommodations one needs in order to have an equal opportunity. So far, volunteering in this class has been a challenging but amazing experience, and I look forward to many more days of working with the fabulous teacher (who gave me this opportunity), and her students!

This past Sunday, I  was blessed with the opportunity to run for Ms. Wheelchair 2016; it was one of the best experiences of my life, and I am so thankful that one of my amazing friends encouraged me to run! Though I finished as first-runner-up, I had an amazing time, learned so much, and made so many connections! Thank you to everyone who has made Ms. Wheelchair possible, and to everyone who came out and supported us! I looked forward to competing for the title next year!

When I participated in Ms. Wheelchair Washington, I met so many amazing people! Ms. Wheelchair America was there; she is fabulous, and shared so much of her knowledge with us. She taught us that Twitter is a great tool for advocating, as well as introduced us to an app called Camcard which scans business card information right into your contacts via a photo! It is a timesaver and is especially amazing for someone who has difficulty adding contacts or reading the small print on business cards. I am also looking forward to meeting up with Ms. Wheelchair America 2016, when she returns to Washington for a conference in June! Thank you Ms. Wheelchair America for encouraging me, and thank you for spreading your knowledge while advocating for people with disabilities! I am so honored and grateful to have met you!

Another person that I met is the President of Talk and Roll. He speaks and conducts himself with composure and confidence, and has an incredible story to share. Thank you for encouraging me as well, and thank you so much for MCing for Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2016! I am so glad to have met you as well!

In the past couple of weeks, I have learned so much, grown as an advocate, and I am now beginning to dream again about being a life long disability advocate.