GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — 18 women from around the country are competing this weekend in Grand Rapids for the Ms. Wheelchair America title.
Competitors have had a few busy days filled with activities surrounding the competition.
READ MORE: Ms. Wheelchair America’s week of national competition begins in Grand Rapids
Friday marked Speech Night with all 18 women still in contention.
Each contestant got the chance to deliver a two-to-three-minute platform speech— based on the issue they will focus on if they become the title holder, such as healthcare, accessibility, education, etc.
“Imagine working hard, following all the rules, following all the advice to achieve the American Dream— the big house, the white picket fence, the car, the dog, the kids, the whole nine— but because you are one of over one million people in the United States of America that have a disability, you are subject to something called a ‘disability tax,’” Jamie Junior, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, said.
She went on to explain that the disability tax is a 17-to-28-percent additional expense that people with disabilities face.
“If I was Ms. Wheelchair America, I would go to the very top and talk to those in charge and ask them how would they feel if they couldn’t make ends meet after a 40—plus-hour week of work,” Junior added.
“My platform— One Parent, One Power— is my passion because as a single mother, I was a victim of an outdated, flawed legal system,” Cassie Riddick, Ms. Wheelchair Arkansas, said. “In August 2020, I was in a tragic car accident with my two daughters…Somehow through it all, I survived, but before I was even out of ICU, another battle happened— I was served with legal papers to take away the custody of [my daughter].”
Riddick went on to say that luckily, she had knowledge as a paralegal, so she reached out to lawyers and fought back. Now, she wants to see a nationwide effort toward change.
“I started doing some research and I realized that this means that there’s 35 states where disability alone is the only factor…regardless if it’s mental, physical, whatever your disability is— you could be in jeopardy of losing your child as well. That’s 70 percent of the United States. This is unacceptable,” Riddick added.
2023 marks the second year the Mary Free Bed Guild has been the presenting sponsor of this national competition which highlights competitors’ achievement, disability advocacy and presentation skills.
“I have a fashion brand. It is called ‘Adaptability,’ where I am designing fashionable, accessible clothing for disabled women who want to be seen,” Kimberley Warmack, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona, said.
Saturday is the Crowning Gala when the top five will be announced before judges reveal who will serve as Ms. Wheelchair America in 2024.
Each year, Ms. Wheelchair also awards one contestant with the People’s Choice Award— whoever earns the highest number of votes.
Each vote is $1, and there is no limit on the number of votes you can buy.
Click here to cast your vote!
