MDA Ambassador Guest Blog: Championing Accessibility as Ms. Wheelchair Kansas: A Journey of Advocacy and Action

Tamara Blackwell, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2024, lives in Bel-Aire, KS, where she started an in-home daycare in 2010 that is still in operation. Diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), she advocates for accessibility and enjoys creating content on faith and disability awareness. 

Tamara Blackwell, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2024

As Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, my journey has been one of advocacy, education, and action. Ms. Wheelchair is a national organization that advocates for people with disabilities by promoting leadership, education, and advocacy. The competition highlights contestants’ achievements and their ability to articulate the needs and accomplishments of the disability community. I became Ms. Wheelchair Kansas through a competitive process that involved interviews, speeches, and sharing my platform on accessibility, and I went on to earn the title of Ms. Wheelchair America through the same process. As Ms. Wheelchair America, I now have the opportunity to raise awareness and drive change on a national level, advocating for critical issues affecting people with disabilities.

This role has opened doors for me to meet with leaders, engage with communities, and share my platform on a larger scale than I ever imagined. It’s a privilege and responsibility that I don’t take lightly, especially as I work to promote inclusivity and accessibility across Kansas.

Engaging with Local Leaders

Tamara speaking with Mayor Lily Wu of Wichita about the importance of accessibility.

One of the highlights of my advocacy work has been the opportunity to meet with local leaders who are in positions to influence change. Recently, I met with Mayor Jim Benage of Bel-Aire, KS, where we discussed several pressing issues related to accessibility in our community. Our conversation was insightful, focusing on the need to ensure that all public spaces, including parks and government buildings, are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Mayor Benage showed a genuine interest in these concerns, and I’m hopeful that our discussion will lead to meaningful improvements in the future.

I also had a productive meeting with Mayor Lily Wu of Wichita, KS, where we delved into the importance of creating more accessible public spaces. Our discussion highlighted the need to ensure that new developments include features that accommodate people with disabilities, making Wichita a more inclusive city for all. Mayor Wu’s commitment to accessibility is truly inspiring, and I’m optimistic about the positive changes that will follow our conversation.

Governor Laura Kelly is another leader I’ve had the opportunity to meet with. Her support and recognition of the importance of accessibility underscore the significance of the work we are doing to ensure that Kansas is a welcoming place for everyone.

Spreading the Message Through Media

Beyond meetings with officials, I’ve had the chance to share my platform with a wider audience through various media channels. I’ve appeared on television, been featured in newspapers, and taken part in community events to spread the word about the importance of inclusivity. These appearances have been pivotal in reaching people who might not otherwise be aware of the challenges that individuals with disabilities face on a daily basis.

Through these media opportunities, I’ve been able to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, and encourage more people to join the movement for accessibility. Each interview, article, and appearance is a step toward building a more inclusive society, and I’m grateful for every platform that allows me to share my story and advocacy work.

Bel-Aire city council meeting. Tamara was presented with a citizenship award, Mayor medal, and challenge coin

Collaborating with the Bel-Aire Lions Club

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Bel-Aire Lions Club about a project that is close to my heart: the creation of an accessible park in our community. While we didn’t get into the specifics of a plan, our conversation focused on the importance of making this dream a reality. We discussed the need to bring this topic back to the city council, to ensure that it remains a priority for our town. The members of the Lions Club were incredibly supportive, and I’m optimistic that with their help, we can turn this vision into a reality.

The idea of an accessible park is about more than just swings and ramps; it’s about creating a space where all children and families can come together and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of their physical abilities. It’s about fostering a sense of community and inclusion, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to make this park a reality.

A Visible Advocate for Accessibility

Tamara speaking with the Bel-Aire Lions Club about her advocacy and hopes for the community.

Throughout my journey as Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, I’ve learned that real change happens when communities come together. Advocacy isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about building relationships, finding common ground, and working together toward a shared goal. Whether it’s through meetings with mayors, media appearances, or discussions with local organizations like the Lions Club, every interaction contributes to the larger movement for accessibility.

But beyond being an amplified voice for change, I’ve made it a point to be a visible advocate in my community. I’ve visited schools, where I’ve spoken to students about the importance of inclusivity and understanding the challenges faced by people with disabilities. I’ve attended community events, where I’ve had the opportunity to meet with residents and share my experiences, helping to raise awareness and foster a culture of accessibility. Being present in these spaces ensures that the message of accessibility isn’t just heard—it’s seen and felt.

Looking Forward

As I continue on this journey, I’m more motivated than ever to keep pushing for change. The support I’ve received from leaders, media, and community members has been overwhelming, and it fuels my passion to keep going. But there’s still much work to be done.

I’m committed to continuing these conversations, advocating for accessibility, and working with others to make Kansas a place where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. Together, we can create a more inclusive world, one where accessibility is not just a dream, but a reality for all.