MISS CANADA
It all started when I got out of prison . Now , I know that is a bold statement to make without context , so allow me to explain . I used to work as a nurse inside one of the largest prisons in Canada . I wanted to help the most disenfranchised people , and helping prisoners and officers in the prison system was the perfect way to do that . Growing up , I did missionary work , traveling to over 20 countries . For half of those , I also provided humanitarian aid . I volunteered locally at food banks and churches because I believe in the importance of helping others . Traveling the world and volunteering my time are some activities I am still passionate about today and spend a lot of time doing , even if they look a little different with me in a wheelchair .
When I was first injured and discovered a need for a wheelchair , it was hard to hear . My body and my ability to do good work were the most important things in my life . I was active and enjoyed competitive swimming , camping , hiking , and kayaking . Now I felt as if it was all taken from me . I became depressed and felt lost . I thought I would not be able to help others because now I was the one in need of so much help .
“ People are too complicated to have simple labels ,” wrote author Phillip Pullman . He was right . I had labeled myself a disabled woman and that is all I thought I could be . However , I then realized that didn ’ t need to be all I could be . My values and my goals didn ’ t change because of my disability . I just had to adapt .
This year I joined Radical Inclusion , a group of disabled people dedicated to supporting each other in seeking change . In a report submitted to the UN in 2020 by Radical Inclusion , one area of the critical need for progress in the disability community is access to justice . The international spotlight is currently shining on police and their interactions with the BIPOC community , but research shows disabled lives are at risk with police interactions too . My current project focuses on finding different ways to improve the quality and safety of police interactions with the disability community and in officer training itself .
I was lucky enough to marry a giant geek . If you get the chance to do that , I highly recommend it . Before becoming disabled , I would do more physical activities on missions , such as building projects , sports , water filtration and even clowning . Since then , I decided to try the nerdy things my husband likes . We joined a group that goes to comic conventions to do outreach . We use tabletop games and video games to create a community . We created a YouTube Channel with videos to help disabled people get into gaming and which review accessible content .
I thought I could no longer engage in sports activities but eventually learned of the different adaptable options available for disabled people . I can still swim . I bike with the use of a handcycle instead of a bicycle . I ski using a sit-ski instead of downhill or cross-country skis . I am even trying WCMX , a sport where wheelchairs get into skateboard half pipes and perform amazing athletic feats .
My disability didn ’ t stop me from becoming a mom , my latest adventure . We weren ’ t sure we could have children , but thankfully , we now have a great little boy .
Unfortunately , ableism is everywhere . When I was first pregnant and alone in the hospital , the doctor told me I had probably already made my child disabled or deformed due to my medication and disability . Thankfully , this was wrong . My son is an active , healthy , and thriving little boy . I want him to grow up without ableism . To him , I ’ m not his mom in a wheelchair I ’ m just his mom . That understanding gives me hope for the future .
My disability changed my life , but it can ’ t change the core of who I am , my character , or my values and support system . That is why I want to do Miss Wheelchair World . I want to use this platform to reach out and help more people globally . Disability affects all cultures , all people , all ages , and all economic groups . I dream of a better world where disabled women ’ s voices are elevated , in power and normalization . Where ableism is erased , accessibility is universal and disabled lives are not at greater risk in health care and policing . I truly believe Miss Wheelchair World is a platform for speaking loudly about the issues that touch the lives of those in the disabled community .
I am excited to represent Canada at Miss Wheelchair World 2022 in Mexico . I know I am a true Canadian representative , someone with passion , drive , empathy and diverse experiences to offer as Miss Wheelchair World 2022 .
32 Miss Wheelchair World USA To Table of Contents