Ms. Wheelchair America

06/20/2026

Juneteenth (a blend of "June" and "Nineteenth") is an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Image Description: A logo celebrating Juneteenth, featuring three raised fists in red, orange, and green, with the word "Juneteenth" in a playful yellow font and "FREEDOM DAY" in a bold green font below it. In the bottom right corner, there is a smaller logo with "Ms. Wheelchair America."

06/19/2026

So many options and configurations using smart tech can make life easier. Maybe we can try and share some simple ways on our Page here?

ODDC Community Ambassador Jocelyn Gilardi recently interviewed Jeanette Carpenter, the Advocacy and Housing Manager at Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities. They talked about how technology can support safer and more independent living. Jeanette shared how internet and smart home technologies can help people with disabilities have more control at home.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNXY82sntE4

Read more about Jocelyn's Community Ambassador project here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/QVVOdXA/JocelynGilardi

06/19/2026

Happy Anniversary!

And job well done The Vault on First Wyandotte!

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at The Vault on First in Wyandotte yesterday, and the experience was truly exceptional. When making our reservation, my husband shared that I use a wheelchair. Unfortunately, many places are informed ahead of time but don't consider accessibility until we arrive. The Vault on First was different. Before we even got there, they had already made accommodations. The chairs had been moved, the table was barrier-free underneath, and everything was set up to ensure I could comfortably enjoy our evening. Upon arrival, staff were ready to assist, including opening doors and making us feel genuinely welcomed. What touched me most was the kindness of the host. Because the area was extremely busy due to a nearby concert, parking was difficult. The host even offered to hold a parking spot for my husband. To some, that may seem like a small gesture, but for someone with a disability, those thoughtful acts make a world of difference. Accessibility is more than ramps and doorways, it's about being seen and considered. The Vault on First didn't just accommodate me; they made me feel welcome. Thank you for helping make our anniversary celebration special and stress-free. The food was delicious, the service was outstanding, and your attention to accessibility and inclusion did not go unnoticed. We look forward to visiting again. A grateful guest ❤️♿️ !

06/19/2026

06/17/2026

Pageant advertisements are due by July 15! Don’t miss your opportunity to show your support for a titleholder, promote your business or product, or share a message to the nation! Attached to this post are examples of a few advertisements from last year. The Pageant Program is distributed at our Event in August and also available on our website for eternity!

All ads and payment are due by July 15! Reach out if you have any questions!

06/17/2026

Little Miss Wheelchair America 2026/27- Dahlia Swanson is the first ever nationally recognized Little Miss! Be sure to follow her Page - she’s almost halfway through her reign!

06/16/2026

Unboxing Opportunity: Do you have a product that you’d like for us to unbox and publicize on our social media accounts? Reach out to us!

06/15/2026

Dahlia, Little Miss Wheelchair America 2026, had a very exciting weekend! She participated in a fashion show, had a Meet N Greet, met up with our advocates and truly showed the community what it means to be Little Miss Wheelchair America!

Image Description: A young girl wearing a tiara and a sash is sitting at a table, focused on signing several promotional postcards. She has a serious expression as she holds a black marker, surrounded by colorful cards depicting various images and designs. The background shows a blue carpet and some chairs.

06/15/2026

How do you prepare for bad weather? Do you make sure your accessories are charged? Let us know!

Image Description: A device with a screen displaying a blue interface and several red bars. It is positioned above a person's legs, which are wearing black shorts and sneakers. A patterned rug is visible beneath.

06/14/2026

Yesterday, Elisha, Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2026 held a fundraiser at a local business to help offset the costs of attending the National Competition in August! Way to go, Elisha!

And let’s remember that hosting fundraising events are beneficial to raising financial assistance but also an excellent way to advocate, meet your community and show them what Ms. Wheelchair America is all about!

Image Description: Two women are smiling together in a restaurant. One woman, standing, is wearing a black t-shirt and has long dark hair. The other woman, seated in a wheelchair, is wearing a purple shirt and a tiara with a sash, also holding a flyer. Behind them, there's a wall featuring a large cutout of the state of Texas and a painted horse. The environment appears casual and welcoming.