Every October, the Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Pageant is held to pick an articulate spokeswoman to represent the community of people with disabilities in Tennessee. Contestants in the pageant must complete an interview before a panel of judges and participate in workshops during the day of the pageant. During the evening portion of the pageant, contestants give an on-stage speech and answer an interview question before the winner is crowned.
The Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Pageant is not a beauty pageant. Rather, it’s a showcase of advocacy abilities, communication skills, and poise. The pageant is a wonderful way to meet new people and to present yourself in a positive way.
Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages all aspects of the pageant and the reign of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee.
For more information of The Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Pageant or for information on how to become a contestant, Click Here. If you would like to make a donation click here
Events
October 7th, 2006 – The Ms. Wheelchair TN Pageant
It was the day it all began! I was really excited to get the day underway; I had been preparing for weeks, and I was ready! It was great to meet everyone at the pageant and to hear everything that all of the other contestants had done. I learned a lot from last year, and I think the whole day couldn’t have gone any better. My platform focused on awareness, not only awareness of disabilities for able-bodied people, but also awareness for people with disabilities of the possibilities that life holds. I was really comfortable on stage, which is a great warm-up to what I’ll be doing throughout the year. When they called my name, I didn’t really know what to do, but I figured it out pretty quickly! I’m so excited to see what the year holds for me and to work more with Taryn and Savannah, the greatest Little and Jr. Ms. Wheelchair TN winners around!
It was the day it all began! I was really excited to get the day underway; I had been preparing for weeks, and I was ready! It was great to meet everyone at the pageant and to hear everything that all of the other contestants had done. I learned a lot from last year, and I think the whole day couldn’t have gone any better. My platform focused on awareness, not only awareness of disabilities for able-bodied people, but also awareness for people with disabilities of the possibilities that life holds. I was really comfortable on stage, which is a great warm-up to what I’ll be doing throughout the year. When they called my name, I didn’t really know what to do, but I figured it out pretty quickly! I’m so excited to see what the year holds for me and to work more with Taryn and Savannah, the greatest Little and Jr. Ms. Wheelchair TN winners around!
October 14th, 2006 – GoFest in Chattanooga
My first event as Ms. Wheelchair TN was exactly a week after the pageant and thankfully already planned for me! Taryn, Savannah, and I attended GoFest, a celebration of disabilities, in Chattanooga. I met lots of people and explored many disability related organizations from around the state that had booths at the fair. Hopefully I recruited some contestants for next year!
My first event as Ms. Wheelchair TN was exactly a week after the pageant and thankfully already planned for me! Taryn, Savannah, and I attended GoFest, a celebration of disabilities, in Chattanooga. I met lots of people and explored many disability related organizations from around the state that had booths at the fair. Hopefully I recruited some contestants for next year!
October 19th, 2006 – Brentwood/Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
I was a special guest at the Brentwood/Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce October Luncheon. I want to be a resource to the public on disability awareness, so going to the luncheon was a great start. I met some wonderful people in the local business community there!
October 21st, 2006 – Adaptive Sports and Recreation Equipment Day
Savannah and I attended the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Equipment Day at Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehab Hospital. Attendees could try all kinds of sports equipment, from tennis and rugby chairs to hand bikes and skiing cages. It was lots of fun to see people try sports for the first time that I have been so use to doing!
Savannah and I attended the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Equipment Day at Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehab Hospital. Attendees could try all kinds of sports equipment, from tennis and rugby chairs to hand bikes and skiing cages. It was lots of fun to see people try sports for the first time that I have been so use to doing!
October 21st, 2006 – Josh Blue
Some friends and I had the pleasure of seeing Josh Blue, winner of Last Comic Standing, at Zanie’s in Nashville. Josh has cerebral palsy and uses his experiences with his disability in his routine. He is HILARIOUS!
October 23rd, 2006 – Wheelchair Basketball at Austin Peay State University
I spoke at halftime of APSU’s annual wheelchair basketball game. While students and spectators were exposed to wheelchair basketball maybe for the first time, I spoke about the Ms. Wheelchair TN Pageant and my goals for the year as Ms. Wheelchair TN.
October 27th, 2006 – Tennessee Titan's Drew Bennett UCP Halloween Party
Savannah and I had a great time at the Halloween Party meeting Drew and everyone from UCP, as well as seeing our friends from ABLE Youth. All of the little girls were dressed as princesses, so our crowns fit right in!
November 16th, 2006 - Ronan Tynan
Through my company, I was given the opportunity to meet Ronan Tynan, one of the Irish Tenors and Paralympian. Ronan is an amputee who, in addition to being a wonderful singer, has also won several Paralympic medals for equestrian events.
November 18th, 2006 - ABLE Youth Basketball Invitational
I was invited to introduce the teams in the tournament from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, as well as to give a welcome speech before the tournament. At the conclusion of the day, I had the opportunity to give out the trophies to the winners and to meet the teams.
November 29th, 2006 - Bright Horizons Saint Thomas Family Center
I visited a preschool class in the Saint Thomas Family Center and shared with them a little about my crown and my disability, and I had them ask questions, which really turned into them telling me random stories (which preschoolers tend to do). I think that, for the students, the highlight of my visit with them was going out on the playground and getting to try out one of my old wheelchairs for themselves and seeing how I get into my car. I really enjoyed visiting the center and getting to meet such bright young children!
December 1st, 2006 - MTSU
I was invited to speak to Ms. English's Social Work With People With Disabilities class at MTSU. Many of the students are planning on working with people with disabilities in their careers. As overwhelming as it may have been for them, I basically gave them my life story, particularly highlighting how the people around me have helped me in my life, just as they aspire to help others. I also told them about several situations where the help of a social worker would have greatly altered the outcome for the better. In the Q & A session, they asked me to expound on several aspects of my life. Hopefully the information I provided them will help them as they advance in their career.
December 2nd, 2006 - Franklin Christmas Parade
Taryn, Savannah, and I had a great time ringing in the holiday season as we rode in Franklin's annual parade. Despite it being a cold day, we had lots of fun!
January 30th, 2007 - Story Time at Southeast Library
I was asked to be a guest reader at Nashville Public Library's Southeast Branch. I read the book Something Else by Kathryn Cave to a group of infants-5 year olds. The book is about a creature who doesn't fit in with those around him because he's different but makes a new friend who also doesn't fit in because he's not like the other creatures either. It was a great lesson on in acceptance. I had a great time reading to them, telling them about Ms. Wheelchair TN and my disability, and hearing their stories.
January 31st, 2007 - Story Time at Englewood Library
I was asked to be a guest reader at Nashville Public Library's Englewood Branch. The kids were all infants to pre-school aged. I read the book Mama Zooms by Jane Cowen-Fletcher to them, which is about a mom who uses a wheelchair, her son, and the places they go. I also told them about the pageant and living life from a chair.
Some friends and I had the pleasure of seeing Josh Blue, winner of Last Comic Standing, at Zanie’s in Nashville. Josh has cerebral palsy and uses his experiences with his disability in his routine. He is HILARIOUS!
October 23rd, 2006 – Wheelchair Basketball at Austin Peay State University
I spoke at halftime of APSU’s annual wheelchair basketball game. While students and spectators were exposed to wheelchair basketball maybe for the first time, I spoke about the Ms. Wheelchair TN Pageant and my goals for the year as Ms. Wheelchair TN.
October 27th, 2006 – Tennessee Titan's Drew Bennett UCP Halloween PartySavannah and I had a great time at the Halloween Party meeting Drew and everyone from UCP, as well as seeing our friends from ABLE Youth. All of the little girls were dressed as princesses, so our crowns fit right in!
November 16th, 2006 - Ronan Tynan
Through my company, I was given the opportunity to meet Ronan Tynan, one of the Irish Tenors and Paralympian. Ronan is an amputee who, in addition to being a wonderful singer, has also won several Paralympic medals for equestrian events.
November 18th, 2006 - ABLE Youth Basketball Invitational
I was invited to introduce the teams in the tournament from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, as well as to give a welcome speech before the tournament. At the conclusion of the day, I had the opportunity to give out the trophies to the winners and to meet the teams.
November 29th, 2006 - Bright Horizons Saint Thomas Family Center
I visited a preschool class in the Saint Thomas Family Center and shared with them a little about my crown and my disability, and I had them ask questions, which really turned into them telling me random stories (which preschoolers tend to do). I think that, for the students, the highlight of my visit with them was going out on the playground and getting to try out one of my old wheelchairs for themselves and seeing how I get into my car. I really enjoyed visiting the center and getting to meet such bright young children!
November 29th, 2006 - Hospital Corporation of America ADA Partnering Meeting
I was given the opportunity to speak at an HCA conference focusing on ADA compliance. Attendees included architects, contractors, and project managers from around the country, as well as members of the HCA staff. I was able to give them my own perspective on living with a disability and what accessibility features are most important when building new facilities or renovating older ones. At the conclusion of my speech, I held a Q & A session, where participants asked me many great questions about living with a disability.
I was given the opportunity to speak at an HCA conference focusing on ADA compliance. Attendees included architects, contractors, and project managers from around the country, as well as members of the HCA staff. I was able to give them my own perspective on living with a disability and what accessibility features are most important when building new facilities or renovating older ones. At the conclusion of my speech, I held a Q & A session, where participants asked me many great questions about living with a disability.
December 1st, 2006 - MTSU
I was invited to speak to Ms. English's Social Work With People With Disabilities class at MTSU. Many of the students are planning on working with people with disabilities in their careers. As overwhelming as it may have been for them, I basically gave them my life story, particularly highlighting how the people around me have helped me in my life, just as they aspire to help others. I also told them about several situations where the help of a social worker would have greatly altered the outcome for the better. In the Q & A session, they asked me to expound on several aspects of my life. Hopefully the information I provided them will help them as they advance in their career.
December 2nd, 2006 - Franklin Christmas Parade
Taryn, Savannah, and I had a great time ringing in the holiday season as we rode in Franklin's annual parade. Despite it being a cold day, we had lots of fun!
December 3rd, 2006 - Christ United Methodist Youth Group
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with the Jr. High Youth Group at Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin. I talked to the group about my disability, about my life and independence, and about ways to interact with people with disabilites. They had some great questions for me at the end. They are a great group!
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with the Jr. High Youth Group at Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin. I talked to the group about my disability, about my life and independence, and about ways to interact with people with disabilites. They had some great questions for me at the end. They are a great group!
January 30th, 2007 - Story Time at Southeast Library
I was asked to be a guest reader at Nashville Public Library's Southeast Branch. I read the book Something Else by Kathryn Cave to a group of infants-5 year olds. The book is about a creature who doesn't fit in with those around him because he's different but makes a new friend who also doesn't fit in because he's not like the other creatures either. It was a great lesson on in acceptance. I had a great time reading to them, telling them about Ms. Wheelchair TN and my disability, and hearing their stories.
January 31st, 2007 - Story Time at Englewood Library
I was asked to be a guest reader at Nashville Public Library's Englewood Branch. The kids were all infants to pre-school aged. I read the book Mama Zooms by Jane Cowen-Fletcher to them, which is about a mom who uses a wheelchair, her son, and the places they go. I also told them about the pageant and living life from a chair.
February 24th, 2007 - Vanderbilt Children's Hospital "Bowling For Miracles"
Savannah and I had a great time helping to raise money for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Savannah displayed some great bowling skills that were way better than mine! We made some new friends, including Lila and Keith from Mix 92.9, Miss Teen America Brittany Monico, recording artist Linda Davis, and Champ from Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. It was lots of fun for a great cause!
Savannah and I had a great time helping to raise money for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Savannah displayed some great bowling skills that were way better than mine! We made some new friends, including Lila and Keith from Mix 92.9, Miss Teen America Brittany Monico, recording artist Linda Davis, and Champ from Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. It was lots of fun for a great cause!
March 8th, 2007 - Disability Day On The Hill
I had the amazing opportunity to spend the day on Tennessee's Capitol Hill as part of Disability Day On The Hill, a day when people representing disability advocacy groups from across the state get the chance to meet their state legislators. My day started at 7 am at a breakfast with both representatives from government, as well as representatives from disability advocacy organizations. After the breakfast, I went to The Capitol Building and set up my booth in one of the main hallways. I was amazed at how many people filled the halls and came to talk to me. I told everyone what Ms. Wheelchair TN was about and the issues that are important to me, and I think I even recruited a few future contestants. Later in the day, I had a meeting with the Speaker of the House and the Lt. Governor, as well as visited the House of Representatives' and Senators' offices and introduced myself to as many people as possible. As an unexpected honor, I was asked by my local Senator, Jack Johnson, to be his special guest at the afternoon's Senate Session, in which I was introduced before everyone in the Senate Chamber. The whole day was an absolutely wonderful experience that I will not soon forget!
April 14th, 2007 - MS Walk
I was glad to support Nashville's annual MS Walk, despite the cold and rainy weather. A lot of people braved the weather to raise money for a great cause. I had fun meeting the other vendors and walkers, as well as special guests from WSMV Channel 4, Demetria Kalodimos and Nashville's beloved weather mascot, Snowbird.
April 21st, 2007 - Walk & Roll Focus on Abilities
The Walk & Roll was a huge success! The event benefitted four disability related organizations in Tennessee, including ABLE Youth, and it was a pleasure to be part of such a great event. I got there early in the morning to help get the runners' prizes ready and to greet participants as they arrived. A lot of my ABLE Youth friends came out for the event, including Little Miss Wheelchair TN, Savannah. We watched the 5K runners and then participated in the "roll." It was a beautiful day and lots of fun!
I had the amazing opportunity to spend the day on Tennessee's Capitol Hill as part of Disability Day On The Hill, a day when people representing disability advocacy groups from across the state get the chance to meet their state legislators. My day started at 7 am at a breakfast with both representatives from government, as well as representatives from disability advocacy organizations. After the breakfast, I went to The Capitol Building and set up my booth in one of the main hallways. I was amazed at how many people filled the halls and came to talk to me. I told everyone what Ms. Wheelchair TN was about and the issues that are important to me, and I think I even recruited a few future contestants. Later in the day, I had a meeting with the Speaker of the House and the Lt. Governor, as well as visited the House of Representatives' and Senators' offices and introduced myself to as many people as possible. As an unexpected honor, I was asked by my local Senator, Jack Johnson, to be his special guest at the afternoon's Senate Session, in which I was introduced before everyone in the Senate Chamber. The whole day was an absolutely wonderful experience that I will not soon forget!
March 21st, 2007 - Nashville Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
I spoke to the Nashville Spinal Cord Injury Support Group at Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital about the importance of independence. There were many people, both patients at Stallworth and other residents of Middle Tennessee, there who were either newly injured or who are ready to take their independence to the next level. I shared with them tips on how to become more independent and experiences that I've had in becoming the independent person that I am today.
I spoke to the Nashville Spinal Cord Injury Support Group at Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital about the importance of independence. There were many people, both patients at Stallworth and other residents of Middle Tennessee, there who were either newly injured or who are ready to take their independence to the next level. I shared with them tips on how to become more independent and experiences that I've had in becoming the independent person that I am today.
April 1st, 2007 - Music City Thunder Season Ending Party
For the past several years, I have had the pleasure to be an assitant coach of the Music City Thunder wheelchair basketball team. The team, which is a part of ABLE Youth, consists of middle and high school wheelchair athletes who play league tournaments throughout the season in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and other tournaments outside of their league to which they are invited. The year culminates with the National Tournament, which this year was held in Peoria, IL. The team finished up 11th in nation. To celebrate such a great season, we gathered together, along with our fabulous cheerleaders for some fun!
For the past several years, I have had the pleasure to be an assitant coach of the Music City Thunder wheelchair basketball team. The team, which is a part of ABLE Youth, consists of middle and high school wheelchair athletes who play league tournaments throughout the season in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and other tournaments outside of their league to which they are invited. The year culminates with the National Tournament, which this year was held in Peoria, IL. The team finished up 11th in nation. To celebrate such a great season, we gathered together, along with our fabulous cheerleaders for some fun!
April 14th, 2007 - MS Walk
I was glad to support Nashville's annual MS Walk, despite the cold and rainy weather. A lot of people braved the weather to raise money for a great cause. I had fun meeting the other vendors and walkers, as well as special guests from WSMV Channel 4, Demetria Kalodimos and Nashville's beloved weather mascot, Snowbird.
April 21st, 2007 - Walk & Roll Focus on Abilities
The Walk & Roll was a huge success! The event benefitted four disability related organizations in Tennessee, including ABLE Youth, and it was a pleasure to be part of such a great event. I got there early in the morning to help get the runners' prizes ready and to greet participants as they arrived. A lot of my ABLE Youth friends came out for the event, including Little Miss Wheelchair TN, Savannah. We watched the 5K runners and then participated in the "roll." It was a beautiful day and lots of fun!
April 24th, 2007 - Nashville Emerging Young Leaders Seminar
I was asked by the Nashville Emerging Young Leaders group to be a part of a diversity summit among their group. The interview, in which I was asked a few questions about my experiences related to my disability, both positive and negatives, in Nashville, was taped at the Channel 5 studio. It was great to know that I would be addressing a group who may not know a lot about disabilities and that I would be helping to positively shape their views about people with disabilities.
I was asked by the Nashville Emerging Young Leaders group to be a part of a diversity summit among their group. The interview, in which I was asked a few questions about my experiences related to my disability, both positive and negatives, in Nashville, was taped at the Channel 5 studio. It was great to know that I would be addressing a group who may not know a lot about disabilities and that I would be helping to positively shape their views about people with disabilities.
May 5th, 2007 - Annual Easter Seals Fishing Tournament 2007
I loved spending time at Easter Seals' Annual Fishing Tournament! I didn't get to fish, but I heard from all of the campers that it was a fun, wet morning. If the fish can live in the lake, the fishermen can withstand a little rain, right? By the time I got there, the sun had appeared. I spent the afternoon meeting campers and telling them about my reign, as well as hearing all of their stories about camp and life in general. To open the awards ceremony at the end of the day, I spoke about living life to the fullest and encouraged campers to be proud of their abilities. It was a great day!
I loved spending time at Easter Seals' Annual Fishing Tournament! I didn't get to fish, but I heard from all of the campers that it was a fun, wet morning. If the fish can live in the lake, the fishermen can withstand a little rain, right? By the time I got there, the sun had appeared. I spent the afternoon meeting campers and telling them about my reign, as well as hearing all of their stories about camp and life in general. To open the awards ceremony at the end of the day, I spoke about living life to the fullest and encouraged campers to be proud of their abilities. It was a great day!
May 31st through June 2nd, 2007 - TN Disability MegaConference (Presenting Loving Where You Live: Accessible Housing Options in TN on May 31st)
I was honored to get the opportunity to speak at this year's MegaConference. My 75 minute presentation, entitled Loving Where You Live: Accessible Housing Options in Tennessee, was all about how to get the best fit for your own needs in accessible housing and was based on a lot of the difficulties that I've had in my own home searches. My presentation went incredibly well, and I loved getting to share my knowledge. For the rest of the conference, I spent time at my booth. I had a fabulous location right at the beginning of the exhibit space. I met lots of great people and even recruited a few contestants for the pageant.
I was honored to get the opportunity to speak at this year's MegaConference. My 75 minute presentation, entitled Loving Where You Live: Accessible Housing Options in Tennessee, was all about how to get the best fit for your own needs in accessible housing and was based on a lot of the difficulties that I've had in my own home searches. My presentation went incredibly well, and I loved getting to share my knowledge. For the rest of the conference, I spent time at my booth. I had a fabulous location right at the beginning of the exhibit space. I met lots of great people and even recruited a few contestants for the pageant.
June 1st, 2007 - Drew Bennett Farewell Party
Drew Bennett, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, has been an amazing supporter of both ABLE Youth and United Cerebral Palsy. He's now a St. Louis Ram, and all of us who've gotten the chance to get to know him wanted to say thank you for all that he's done and good luck in his new city. Drew is an amazing human being, and he will truly be missed.
Drew Bennett, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, has been an amazing supporter of both ABLE Youth and United Cerebral Palsy. He's now a St. Louis Ram, and all of us who've gotten the chance to get to know him wanted to say thank you for all that he's done and good luck in his new city. Drew is an amazing human being, and he will truly be missed.
June 14th, 2007 - School-Age Storytime at Hermitage Library
There was a packed house for my Story Time in Hermitage! Kids of all ages attended since it was during the summer, and they were great kids. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to get to read a book because they had so many wonderful and thoughtful questions about what it was like for me as a kid, the sports that I've played, how I drive my car, aspects of my daily living in Tennessee, activities from Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee, and many other topics. I was impressed with smart they were! After a while, one of the boys did ask that I read a book, so I read Sammy Wakes His Dad by Chip Emmons, a book about a young boy who opens his dad's eyes to the possibilities for his life despite his disability. Everyone really liked the book, but not as much as they seemed to like my crown! That was the big hit of the day. I loved meeting so many bright, articulate kids at the library!
There was a packed house for my Story Time in Hermitage! Kids of all ages attended since it was during the summer, and they were great kids. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to get to read a book because they had so many wonderful and thoughtful questions about what it was like for me as a kid, the sports that I've played, how I drive my car, aspects of my daily living in Tennessee, activities from Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee, and many other topics. I was impressed with smart they were! After a while, one of the boys did ask that I read a book, so I read Sammy Wakes His Dad by Chip Emmons, a book about a young boy who opens his dad's eyes to the possibilities for his life despite his disability. Everyone really liked the book, but not as much as they seemed to like my crown! That was the big hit of the day. I loved meeting so many bright, articulate kids at the library!
June 19th, 2007 - Storytime at Southeast Library
I was invited back to the Southeast Library to read again. I read two books. The first one, The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires and Holly Berry, fit the "Rompin' Stompin' Reading Round-Up" Summer Reading Program theme. The second book, All Kinds Of Friends, Even Green! by Ellen B. Senisi, was related to disabilities. The kids loved both books, and so did I! With it being summer, there was a good mix of preschool and school-age kids there, and I enjoyed meeting all of them.
I was invited back to the Southeast Library to read again. I read two books. The first one, The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires and Holly Berry, fit the "Rompin' Stompin' Reading Round-Up" Summer Reading Program theme. The second book, All Kinds Of Friends, Even Green! by Ellen B. Senisi, was related to disabilities. The kids loved both books, and so did I! With it being summer, there was a good mix of preschool and school-age kids there, and I enjoyed meeting all of them.
July 14th, 2007 - ABLE Youth Night at The Sounds
ABLE Youth was selected as the Purity Dairy Charity Of The Game at The Nashville Sounds baseball game. The kids had a great time watching some baseball, and ABLE Youth had a table at the front gate to teach everyone how ABLE Youth enriches the lives of so many kids. It was a great night!
ABLE Youth was selected as the Purity Dairy Charity Of The Game at The Nashville Sounds baseball game. The kids had a great time watching some baseball, and ABLE Youth had a table at the front gate to teach everyone how ABLE Youth enriches the lives of so many kids. It was a great night!
July 14th, 2007 - Send-Off Party
The pageant board threw a nice party with lots of homemade food in preparation for my trip to Bethesda for the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant. A lot of the board was there, as well as friends who have helped me throughout the year. It was a great way to gear up for the trip.
August 17th, 2007 - Disability Awareness Night at The Nashville Sounds
I was honored to be a part of Disability Awareness Night (DAN) at The Nashville Sounds Game. These events, sponsored by Exceptional Parent Magazine nationally and Capital Financial Group locally, have been held this summer at minor league and major league ballparks across the country. Other sports have begun to get involved as the first DAN NASCAR event was just held and plans are in the works for expansion into NBA and college basketball this fall. During every DAN event, an individual or organization is honored for their work in improving the lives of those with disabilities. This event honored Saddle Up! (http://www.saddleupnashville.org/), Middle Tennessee's oldest and largest theraputic horseback riding program and the only one exclusively catering to special needs children. As part of the evening, Matthew, a Saddle Up! participant, threw out the first pitch, and I accompanied him to the pitchers mound for the pitch. I also was part of the on-field check presentation, the raffle giveaway, and meeting people throughout the evening. It was a great night!
The pageant board threw a nice party with lots of homemade food in preparation for my trip to Bethesda for the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant. A lot of the board was there, as well as friends who have helped me throughout the year. It was a great way to gear up for the trip.
July 17th, 2007 - "Talk Of The Town"
I was a guest on Nashville's mid-day talk show, "Talk Of The Town" and was interviewed by Lelan Statom. I got an opportunity to talk about disability awareness, perceptions of those with disabilities, and some of my involvements. Live tv is lots of fun! It was a great opportunity!
I was a guest on Nashville's mid-day talk show, "Talk Of The Town" and was interviewed by Lelan Statom. I got an opportunity to talk about disability awareness, perceptions of those with disabilities, and some of my involvements. Live tv is lots of fun! It was a great opportunity!
July 23rd-29th, 2007 - Ms. Wheelchair America (Bethesda, MD)
I cannot say enough about what a wonderful experience the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant was. I have made 26 wonderful, vibrant, and well-spoken friends who have all done and will all continue to do great advocacy work in their states on behalf of people with disabilities. Although the judging sessions were tough, I was really excited to answer all of the questions they asked because they gave me a chance to voice my ideas on disability awareness. Generally, the whole week really was about having fun. There was 50s Night, Comedy Night, a Fun Day with skits, a Japanese Steakhouse lunch, and State Gift Game Night, and there was even time during the week to take a little ride on The Metro to Union Station with a few of the other girls. As the week progressed, winning became less of a concern to me as I realized that what I would cherish most about the experience were the lasting friendships that Iýve made and what Iýve learned from all of the other contestants. Other states have so many different programs than Tennessee, and I definitely have a renewed passion for issues that arose from talking to other contestants about their lives. I hope to take some of those ideas and bring them here to Tennessee. I feel great about the future of disability awareness thanks to the women I met at the pageant, and we are fortunate to have Alana Wallace leading the way as Ms. Wheelchair America 2008!
I cannot say enough about what a wonderful experience the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant was. I have made 26 wonderful, vibrant, and well-spoken friends who have all done and will all continue to do great advocacy work in their states on behalf of people with disabilities. Although the judging sessions were tough, I was really excited to answer all of the questions they asked because they gave me a chance to voice my ideas on disability awareness. Generally, the whole week really was about having fun. There was 50s Night, Comedy Night, a Fun Day with skits, a Japanese Steakhouse lunch, and State Gift Game Night, and there was even time during the week to take a little ride on The Metro to Union Station with a few of the other girls. As the week progressed, winning became less of a concern to me as I realized that what I would cherish most about the experience were the lasting friendships that Iýve made and what Iýve learned from all of the other contestants. Other states have so many different programs than Tennessee, and I definitely have a renewed passion for issues that arose from talking to other contestants about their lives. I hope to take some of those ideas and bring them here to Tennessee. I feel great about the future of disability awareness thanks to the women I met at the pageant, and we are fortunate to have Alana Wallace leading the way as Ms. Wheelchair America 2008!
August 3rd-5th, 2007 - ABLE Youth Independence Camp
For the 3rd year in a row, I was a volunteer at the ABLE Youth Independence Camp, a weekend-long camp that allows ABLE Youth kids to spend a weekend away from their parents and the opportunities to see what they really can do by themselves and to practice what skills still need work. Coming off of Ms. Wheelchair America, the weekend was a great opportunity for me to share with the campers how being your own best advocate is crucial to their lives. As part of the weekend, I also led activities on budgeting money and doing laundry. Other things that the campers learned were self-care skills, driving, wheelchair handling tricks, transfers, house cleaning skills, and job interview skills. Most importantly, the campers learned how capable they all are if they believe in themselves and are willing to work hard. The campers also enjoyed jet skiing, swimming, archery, and a pirate party!
For the 3rd year in a row, I was a volunteer at the ABLE Youth Independence Camp, a weekend-long camp that allows ABLE Youth kids to spend a weekend away from their parents and the opportunities to see what they really can do by themselves and to practice what skills still need work. Coming off of Ms. Wheelchair America, the weekend was a great opportunity for me to share with the campers how being your own best advocate is crucial to their lives. As part of the weekend, I also led activities on budgeting money and doing laundry. Other things that the campers learned were self-care skills, driving, wheelchair handling tricks, transfers, house cleaning skills, and job interview skills. Most importantly, the campers learned how capable they all are if they believe in themselves and are willing to work hard. The campers also enjoyed jet skiing, swimming, archery, and a pirate party!
August 17th, 2007 - Disability Awareness Night at The Nashville Sounds
I was honored to be a part of Disability Awareness Night (DAN) at The Nashville Sounds Game. These events, sponsored by Exceptional Parent Magazine nationally and Capital Financial Group locally, have been held this summer at minor league and major league ballparks across the country. Other sports have begun to get involved as the first DAN NASCAR event was just held and plans are in the works for expansion into NBA and college basketball this fall. During every DAN event, an individual or organization is honored for their work in improving the lives of those with disabilities. This event honored Saddle Up! (http://www.saddleupnashville.org/), Middle Tennessee's oldest and largest theraputic horseback riding program and the only one exclusively catering to special needs children. As part of the evening, Matthew, a Saddle Up! participant, threw out the first pitch, and I accompanied him to the pitchers mound for the pitch. I also was part of the on-field check presentation, the raffle giveaway, and meeting people throughout the evening. It was a great night!
September 10th, 2007 - Young Life Capernaum Club
I had a great time meeting all of the kids at Capernaum, a bi-monthly club for kids with disabilities. It was the first club of the semester, and everyone was really excited to start back and see friends again. It was a great night!
I had a great time meeting all of the kids at Capernaum, a bi-monthly club for kids with disabilities. It was the first club of the semester, and everyone was really excited to start back and see friends again. It was a great night!
September 11th, 2007 - Prudential Woodmont Realty
I was invited to be a guest speaker at Prudential Woodmont Realty's staff meeting. Two wonderful realtors there helped me during the long process of buying a new condo. I told them all about accessible design and used lots of anecdotes from my experiences in home buying. A lot of the agents hadn't worked with someone with a disability before, so I was really able to share a lot with them. It was another great Prudential Woodmont experience!
I was invited to be a guest speaker at Prudential Woodmont Realty's staff meeting. Two wonderful realtors there helped me during the long process of buying a new condo. I told them all about accessible design and used lots of anecdotes from my experiences in home buying. A lot of the agents hadn't worked with someone with a disability before, so I was really able to share a lot with them. It was another great Prudential Woodmont experience!
September 12th, 2007 - Visiting Kindergarten at New Hope Academy
For the first time this school year, I got to visit New Hope Academy, an awesome school in Franklin. I absolutely love the students and the staff there. I spoke to the kindergarten classes about what it's like to have a disability and told them about all of the things that I can do despite using a wheelchair. The kindergarten classes study disability awareness, and each student spends a day in a wheelchair during the year. I shared with them that no matter if they're running around on the playground or using a wheelchair that they're still the same great kids! They had some great questions for me at the end!
For the first time this school year, I got to visit New Hope Academy, an awesome school in Franklin. I absolutely love the students and the staff there. I spoke to the kindergarten classes about what it's like to have a disability and told them about all of the things that I can do despite using a wheelchair. The kindergarten classes study disability awareness, and each student spends a day in a wheelchair during the year. I shared with them that no matter if they're running around on the playground or using a wheelchair that they're still the same great kids! They had some great questions for me at the end!
September 12th, 2007 - Visiting 5th Grade at New Hope Academy
After visiting the kindergartners, I got to quickly fast forward several years because I went straight to speak to the 5th graders. I was able to go a little more in depth about my disability and what being paralyzed actually means. I talked a lot about my abilities, and they had great questions. They really knew a lot about disabilities and were really perceptive in their questions. They really understood that having a disability simply means having another way of doing things. They loved hearing about wheelchair sports! It was another fabulous time at New Hope Academy.
After visiting the kindergartners, I got to quickly fast forward several years because I went straight to speak to the 5th graders. I was able to go a little more in depth about my disability and what being paralyzed actually means. I talked a lot about my abilities, and they had great questions. They really knew a lot about disabilities and were really perceptive in their questions. They really understood that having a disability simply means having another way of doing things. They loved hearing about wheelchair sports! It was another fabulous time at New Hope Academy.
September 22nd, 2007 - Tour of Saddle Up!
Through my involvement with last month's Sounds game, I was offered the opportunity to tour Saddle Up! Therapeutic Riding Program. Saddle Up! is really well known in Nashville as being a wonderful organization that gives people with all kinds of disabilites and special needs the chance to horseback ride. Therapeutic riding helps kids to build muscle strength, stretch their bodies, improve their balance, learn to follow directions, gain social skills, and improve their communication. Ultimately, the program allows kids with disabilities to experience the joy of horseback riding and a sense of accomplishment along the way. On my tour, I got to meet some of the volunteers, riders, and horses and to see their facility. The farm sits on 35 acres in Franklin, and it's a gorgeous setting for the program. It was an amazing sight!
September 24th, 2007 - Presentation to 1st and 2nd Graders at Grassland Elementary
I love kids, and I got to speak to a whole lot of them at Grassland Elementary! Their whole 1st and 2nd grades, a total of 12 classes, came to hear me talk about what life is like with a disability. They all were great listeners and asked some great questions. They also had great ideas about how you should treat people with disabilities. I feel confident that those kids will be great at carrying the torch of disability awareness in their lives.
October 3rd, 2007 - Visiting 1st Grade at New Hope Academy
I got the chance to visit with the 1st graders at New Hope Academy. I had met some of these kids before, and like their other schoolmates that I'd visited, they had great questions and observations. I talked all about how I do things in life and how it's not all that different to live life from a wheelchair. They were great listeners!
October 5th, 2007 - Speaking To 4th & 5th Graders at Scales Elementary
For my last appearance at Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2007, I was invited to speak to the 4th and 5th graders at Scales Elementary. There were a lot of kids there, and they all had great questions, as usual! I am continuously amazed at how bright kids are. I got to meet some of them one on one after the talk, and I even got to sign autographs. I had a great time!
October 6th, 2007 - MWT 2008
We have a new titleholder! Kasondra Farmer was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2008. It was really fun at the pageant to be able to tell everyone about my year and to give the contestants an idea of what to expect as a titleholder. I never believed a year would go by so fast, but I am excited to see what the future holds!
Through my involvement with last month's Sounds game, I was offered the opportunity to tour Saddle Up! Therapeutic Riding Program. Saddle Up! is really well known in Nashville as being a wonderful organization that gives people with all kinds of disabilites and special needs the chance to horseback ride. Therapeutic riding helps kids to build muscle strength, stretch their bodies, improve their balance, learn to follow directions, gain social skills, and improve their communication. Ultimately, the program allows kids with disabilities to experience the joy of horseback riding and a sense of accomplishment along the way. On my tour, I got to meet some of the volunteers, riders, and horses and to see their facility. The farm sits on 35 acres in Franklin, and it's a gorgeous setting for the program. It was an amazing sight!
September 24th, 2007 - Presentation to 1st and 2nd Graders at Grassland Elementary
I love kids, and I got to speak to a whole lot of them at Grassland Elementary! Their whole 1st and 2nd grades, a total of 12 classes, came to hear me talk about what life is like with a disability. They all were great listeners and asked some great questions. They also had great ideas about how you should treat people with disabilities. I feel confident that those kids will be great at carrying the torch of disability awareness in their lives.
September 27th, 2007 - Presentation to 3rd and 4th Graders at Grassland Elementary
I was so excited to go back to Grassland Elementary to talk to the 3rd and 4th grade classes about disability awareness. It was great that Savannah got to help me present to her classmates and share with them a little more about her life. All of the students were great listeners and asked great questions. I wish I could have gotten to them all, but I hope to hear from some of them via email soon!
I was so excited to go back to Grassland Elementary to talk to the 3rd and 4th grade classes about disability awareness. It was great that Savannah got to help me present to her classmates and share with them a little more about her life. All of the students were great listeners and asked great questions. I wish I could have gotten to them all, but I hope to hear from some of them via email soon!
October 3rd, 2007 - Visiting 1st Grade at New Hope Academy
I got the chance to visit with the 1st graders at New Hope Academy. I had met some of these kids before, and like their other schoolmates that I'd visited, they had great questions and observations. I talked all about how I do things in life and how it's not all that different to live life from a wheelchair. They were great listeners!
October 5th, 2007 - Speaking To 4th & 5th Graders at Scales Elementary
For my last appearance at Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2007, I was invited to speak to the 4th and 5th graders at Scales Elementary. There were a lot of kids there, and they all had great questions, as usual! I am continuously amazed at how bright kids are. I got to meet some of them one on one after the talk, and I even got to sign autographs. I had a great time!
October 6th, 2007 - MWT 2008
We have a new titleholder! Kasondra Farmer was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2008. It was really fun at the pageant to be able to tell everyone about my year and to give the contestants an idea of what to expect as a titleholder. I never believed a year would go by so fast, but I am excited to see what the future holds!
About Me
From the time I was born, I have always been a fun-loving, persevering person, ready for any challenges that come my way. I was born with spina bifida, a neural tube birth defect, which resulted in me being paralyzed from the waist down. I grew up in the Atlanta suburbs, first in Stone Mountain until I was 4, and then in Roswell until I graduated from high school. I am an only child with wonderful parents who always believed that I could do anything. Even in times when they had doubts, they always let me try something on my own before they just said “no.” The road to independence took a little longer for me than others because I had lots of surgeries and broken legs as a kid, but I eventually got there and am fully independent today.
I always liked school, at least as much as any kid does, and was a good student. I think that having a disability made me use to having to work hard to achieve, which is an attitude that really helped me in school.
I was involved in lots of activities in my childhood. Many were the typical activities that kids are involved in, like piano lessons, Girl Scouts, church choir, and high school yearbook staff. Others, however, were related to my disability, like SPARX, a spina bifida day camp for kids with spina bifida, ALTA wheelchair tennis clinics, Spina Bifida Association of Georgia events, and AAASP wheelchair sports. Sports played a huge part in my life growing up. For me and many other kids with disabilities, sports is a great way to relate to other classmates because the sports are enough like to able-bodied sports to share playing stories, but they’re also different enough for the person with a disability to learn from the able-bodied person and vice versa. For kids with disabilities who may feel like they don’t fit in at school, sports is a great way to overcome that barrier. While I always had friends in school, I’ll always remember the times when I could talk to my high school’s star athletes about how my team won our game, just like they had.
After graduating from high school, I went to college at Furman University in Greenville, SC and majored in Communication Studies. I decided pretty quickly that I wanted to go away to school to get a chance to live in a different city and meet new people. I wanted the opportunity to prove that I could be independent and also to get a great education. I absolutely loved Furman from the moment I first set foot (or wheel!) on campus.
When I wasn’t spending time doing random things with friends or studying, I spent most of the rest of my time either being student manager of the Men’s Basketball Team, where I filled the sports void that had been inside of me since high school and made some great friends, or at WSSL, the radio station where I interned. Growing up, everyone thought that I would someday become a news journalist, but I fell in love with the music industry after meeting people at the radio station and realized that I could turn my passion for music into a career. From day one at the station, I soaked in everything that I could, while meeting some great people along the way.
One internship led to others, and I knew that the music industry was where I belonged, so a week after college graduation, I moved to Nashville, where I’ve been ever since. I have successfully found a job, have a great place to live, and have the most fabulous friends anyone could ask for. Among other things, I love volunteering for ABLE Youth, a Nashville area organization that uses sports as a vehicle to build independence among kids with disabilities.
When I tell people about my life, they are often amazed that I have accomplished all that I have, but, to me, it never occurred to me that I couldn’t or shouldn’t. I hope my life and my reign proves that people with disabilities are just like everyone else, but we just accomplish things a little differently. In fact, I don’t think I would have accomplished as much in life as I have if I didn’t have a disability. It’s given me the opportunity to do things and develop qualities that I otherwise couldn’t have.
Whatever the circumstances, I think that everyone should live life to it’s fullest. It is my hope to continue living this way and to encourage others to do the same.
I always liked school, at least as much as any kid does, and was a good student. I think that having a disability made me use to having to work hard to achieve, which is an attitude that really helped me in school.
I was involved in lots of activities in my childhood. Many were the typical activities that kids are involved in, like piano lessons, Girl Scouts, church choir, and high school yearbook staff. Others, however, were related to my disability, like SPARX, a spina bifida day camp for kids with spina bifida, ALTA wheelchair tennis clinics, Spina Bifida Association of Georgia events, and AAASP wheelchair sports. Sports played a huge part in my life growing up. For me and many other kids with disabilities, sports is a great way to relate to other classmates because the sports are enough like to able-bodied sports to share playing stories, but they’re also different enough for the person with a disability to learn from the able-bodied person and vice versa. For kids with disabilities who may feel like they don’t fit in at school, sports is a great way to overcome that barrier. While I always had friends in school, I’ll always remember the times when I could talk to my high school’s star athletes about how my team won our game, just like they had.
After graduating from high school, I went to college at Furman University in Greenville, SC and majored in Communication Studies. I decided pretty quickly that I wanted to go away to school to get a chance to live in a different city and meet new people. I wanted the opportunity to prove that I could be independent and also to get a great education. I absolutely loved Furman from the moment I first set foot (or wheel!) on campus.
When I wasn’t spending time doing random things with friends or studying, I spent most of the rest of my time either being student manager of the Men’s Basketball Team, where I filled the sports void that had been inside of me since high school and made some great friends, or at WSSL, the radio station where I interned. Growing up, everyone thought that I would someday become a news journalist, but I fell in love with the music industry after meeting people at the radio station and realized that I could turn my passion for music into a career. From day one at the station, I soaked in everything that I could, while meeting some great people along the way.
One internship led to others, and I knew that the music industry was where I belonged, so a week after college graduation, I moved to Nashville, where I’ve been ever since. I have successfully found a job, have a great place to live, and have the most fabulous friends anyone could ask for. Among other things, I love volunteering for ABLE Youth, a Nashville area organization that uses sports as a vehicle to build independence among kids with disabilities.
When I tell people about my life, they are often amazed that I have accomplished all that I have, but, to me, it never occurred to me that I couldn’t or shouldn’t. I hope my life and my reign proves that people with disabilities are just like everyone else, but we just accomplish things a little differently. In fact, I don’t think I would have accomplished as much in life as I have if I didn’t have a disability. It’s given me the opportunity to do things and develop qualities that I otherwise couldn’t have.
Whatever the circumstances, I think that everyone should live life to it’s fullest. It is my hope to continue living this way and to encourage others to do the same.
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