Ms.Wheelchair America 2024

12/23/2025

Finding Joy... What Joy Means to Me ❤️

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the concept of joy—what it truly means, especially as a member of the disability community. 🌟 Joy can be a complex emotion, shaped by our individual experiences and circumstances. For many, it may appear simple, but for those of us living with disabilities, defining joy involves navigating both challenges and triumphs.

For me, joy is no longer confined to traditional celebrations or grand gestures. 🎉 It often resides in the quiet moments—the gentle warmth of sunlight filtering through the trees 🌳, the soothing sounds of nature 🌿, or the laughter shared with a loved one over a cup of hot chocolate ☕️. These seemingly small experiences remind me that joy is not about the scale of an event but rather its significance in my life.

Living with a disability has taught me resilience and the importance of redefining what joy looks like. 💪 It’s about finding happiness in the everyday: celebrating small victories, like completing a task I set out to do ✅, or appreciating a moment of stillness when the world feels chaotic . It’s the satisfaction of taking a step forward, no matter how small, and recognizing that each step is a gift from God worth celebrating. 🙏🏾

Moreover, my faith plays an essential role in how I experience joy. ✝️ I find strength in Scripture, where I am reminded that God is with me through all challenges. His presence instills hope 🌟 and the belief that joy can arise even in the midst of hardship. When I lean into my faith, I realize that joy is deeply intertwined with gratitude—recognizing the blessings in my life, even on difficult days. 🙌🏾

Joy also comes from connection. 🫱🏾‍🫲🏿It’s found in the understanding nod of a fellow community member who knows the struggles I face, and in the encouraging words from friends and family who celebrate my journey. 🎊 These connections foster a sense of belonging that amplifies my happiness and reminds me that I am not alone in this journey, for God has placed these people in my life for a reason. 💖

Redefining joy means giving myself permission to feel and express my emotions fully. It’s acknowledging that it’s okay to have difficult days and that happiness doesn’t negate those struggles. In those moments of sadness or frustration, I find that joy can coexist, reminding me to embrace all aspects of my experience and to rely on God’s strength to uplift me. 🌟

This holiday season, I invite everyone to explore their own definitions of joy. What makes your heart sing? 🎶 What moments bring you peace? 🕊️ Celebrate those experiences, however big or small, and give yourself the grace to find joy in your unique way.

Ultimately, joy is an ongoing journey, shaped by our interpretations and experiences. May we all discover and cherish the moments that uplift us, nurturing our spirits and embracing the beauty of our individual paths with the grace of God accompanying us every step of the way. 🙏🏾✨

12/11/2025

🌟 Exciting Update: We’re Almost There! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share that we are raising $500 to officially register Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization! 🎉 Thanks to your amazing support, we’ve already reached $300—just $200 left to go! 🚀

Achieving our 501(c)(3) status will enable us to make an even greater impact in our community, empowering more women with disabilities and expanding our outreach programs. This is our chance to make a real difference together! 💪💖

Every dollar counts, so if you can, please donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ms-wheelchair-maryland-inc 💸. All donations are 100 % Tax deductible.

If you can’t donate? No worries! We would love it if you could share this post and help us spread the word! Together, we can rally support and foster inclusivity! 🙌✨

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed so far! Your generosity is truly inspiring, and we couldn’t do this without you. Let’s create a brighter, more inclusive future for individuals with disabilities! 💜



Thank you for being an essential part of this exciting journey! Let’s finish strong and make a lasting impact! 🎉🔥

12/10/2025

Starting Your Year with Purpose!

What a powerful way to begin the year—giving back to support women with disabilities! Your tax-deductible donation to Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Inc. helps these inspiring women share their stories, advocate for change, and connect with their communities.

💙 We're 60% of the way to our goal of raising the funds needed for our 501(c)(3) status!

💙 How to Give:
1. Donate any amount—big or small! Every gift makes a difference.

💙 Spread the word! Share with your friends, family, and networks to help us grow this important mission.

Thank you for being part of our journey to empower women and build stronger, inclusive communities.

With gratitude,
Chandra Smith
Maryland State Coordinator
Ms. Wheelchair America 2024
Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2023

👉 Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ms-wheelchair-maryland-inc (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ms-wheelchair-maryland-inc)

12/09/2025

🌟 Empower Women, Embrace Change! 🌟

Join us at Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Inc. to support extraordinary women with disabilities advocating for change! Your donation today is tax-deductible, and it empowers these remarkable women to share their stories and engage meaningfully with their communities.

We are aiming to raise $500 to secure our 501(c)(3) non-profit status, ensuring that we can continue our vital work. Your support helps amplify these voices, fostering a society where everyone feels included and celebrated. Together, we can create strong communities, promote visibility, and elevate empowered voices.

🎓 No gift is too small—every dollar counts!
👉 Donate Now: (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ms-wheelchair-maryland-inc)

Let's work together to create a world where strength and resilience shine bright! ✨

Thank you for your support! ❤️

Chandra Smith
Maryland State Coordinator
Ms. Wheelchair America 2024
Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2023

11/11/2025

I’m participating in a campaign to make breast cancer screening truly accessible for women with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and wheelchair users. Join us — watch, share, and advocate for inclusive, comprehensive breast cancer screening that meets our needs. 🎗️♿️❤️

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-nLB3cbsW8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-nLB3cbsW8) 🔗📣

💪

Disability Advocate Jaime Junior shares her story about her recent diagnoses with Metastatic Breast Cancer🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check ...

02/26/2025

Powerful Call to Action: Protect Medicaid for the Disability Community and other vulnerable populations 💪🏾🙏🏾

Access to Medicaid is a matter of life, death, and independence for millions of Americans with disabilities. 😔 💔

For those in the disability community, Medicaid is a lifeline—providing coverage for essential services, assistive technology, and critical supports that empower independence.💪🏾 Proposed cuts to this vital program jeopardize the health, wellbeing, and autonomy of the most vulnerable among us. 🚨

We cannot stand idly by as our friends, family, and neighbors are endangered. 🫱🏾‍🫲🏿 It's time to make our voices heard and demand that Medicaid be protected without exception. 🗣️

Join me in taking action today. 🙌🏾 Call your representatives, engage on social media using , and share the stories that demonstrate the true human cost of Medicaid cuts. Together, we can ensure that access to quality, affordable healthcare remains a right, not a privilege—for people with disabilities and all Americans. 🇺🇸

The disability community's fight for justice is everyone's fight. ✊🏾 Let's rise up and make sure that no one is left behind.

02/15/2025

🌹 "Love Your Whole Story ❤️🌱 | A Valentine’s Pledge to Unshakable Self-Acceptance (Disability & All)"

✨ Redefine “Acceptance” This Valentine’s Day
Forget gritting your teeth—true acceptance is a love letter to your whole self. 💌 For people with disabilities, it’s not just a mindset. It’s saying: “I am enough, exactly as I am.”

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🌱 Wisdom from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
“When we stop fighting ourselves—our strengths, struggles, and all—we create space to love others deeply.”
His teaching? Self-acceptance isn’t about perfection. It’s honoring the “stream of continuation” within us—the gifts and growth that make us human. 💫
> “Your worth isn’t a math problem. Celebrate your light, own your humanity, and stay rooted in your power.”

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💞 Disability & Self-Love: A Daily Practice
As a person living with a disability, I’ve learned: My body isn’t a puzzle to solve. It’s proof of resilience. 🌟
- Rejection = Fighting reality = Pain.
- Radical acceptance = Freedom to thrive.

Frustration? It’s rarely about me. It’s about a world that still treats disability like a “flaw” rather than a natural part of life’s mosaic. 🧵

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🌍 The Real Work: Building a World That Sees Us
Disability isn’t new. Yet society often acts like we’re exceptions—not artists, thinkers, or neighbors. 🎨 Here’s the truth:
- Change starts with us: When we unapologetically embrace ourselves, we inspire others to shift their gaze.
- Advocacy is love in action: From accessible spaces to breaking stereotypes, we’re rewriting what “normal” looks like.

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🌸 This Valentine’s Day, Pledge To:
1. Celebrate your “imperfect” magic (spoiler: it’s perfect).
2. Swap “tolerance” for celebration—for yourself and others.
3. Create a world where disability isn’t whispered… but cherished.

“The bravest rebellion? Loving yourself in a world that sells self-doubt.” — Adapted from Audre Lorde

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🔥 Hashtags:


🌟 P.S. Tag someone who teaches you to love fiercely—chronic joy, adaptive tools, quirks, and all. 🦽💖 Together, let’s paint a world where every story belongs.

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✨ Because you’re not a problem to solve. You’re a story to celebrate. ✨

02/03/2025

Navigating the Accessibility Abyss: Are We Facing a New Dark Age? By : Chandra Smith

In recent years, the conversation surrounding digital accessibility has gained momentum, yet many argue we may be veering into a regression reminiscent of the Dark Ages. While the internet has the potential to be an inclusive space for all, it seems that progress has stalled, leaving many behind.

The advent of the digital era promised to break barriers for individuals with disabilities, offering tools and platforms that could enhance communication and participation. However, as technology evolves at a rapid pace, there is a growing concern that the foundational principles of accessibility are being overlooked. Major platforms are often prioritizing aesthetics or innovations that do not consider the usability for everyone, particularly those with varying needs.

The rise of complex web designs, intricate navigation systems, and the increasing reliance on multimedia content can alienate users who depend on assistive technologies. This trend suggests a troubling pattern where convenience for the majority takes precedence over inclusivity. As a result, many users find themselves struggling to access basic information or services, echoing the frustrations of past generations who faced physical barriers.

Moreover, the inconsistency in accessibility standards across different platforms further complicates the landscape. While some organizations are making strides to implement comprehensive guidelines, others lag behind, resulting in a patchwork of accessibility that leaves significant gaps. This inconsistency not only frustrates users but also creates a sense of uncertainty about what to expect when navigating various digital environments.

As we move forward, it is crucial to reignite the commitment to accessibility that initially fueled the digital revolution. Building a truly inclusive digital world requires collaboration among developers, designers, and users. Creating spaces that prioritize accessibility from the outset—not merely as an afterthought—will ensure that everyone can participate fully in the digital age.

In conclusion, the risk of entering a new dark age of accessibility is real if we do not collectively advocate for meaningful change. It is time to challenge the status quo, pushing for innovations that are rooted in inclusivity and accessibility for all users, ensuring that the digital landscape does not become a barrier but rather a bridge for everyone to cross.

11/20/2024

✨ Hey Family and Friends 👐🏾

With a heart full of gratitude, I’m excited to share some joyful news: I have been blessed to buy my first house! 🏡💖

I’ll be posting about making it more accessible, so stay tuned for updates! With God’s grace, anything is possible—if I can do it, so can you! 🙏🏾💪🏾✨ Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

10/02/2024

🌟 The Day Has Arrived! 🌟

I’m excited to share that World of Possibilities Magazine has officially launched—your essential source for lifestyle features and valuable resources tailored for individuals with disabilities! This magazine highlights the rich experiences, achievements, and voices within our community while offering insightful information that empowers and inspires us all.

✨ I invite you to check out my articles:
- “Rising to the Challenge: My Journey from Survivor to Ms. Wheelchair America 2024” on pages 20-23
Join me as I share my inspiring journey of resilience, empowerment, and pursuing my dreams!

- “Exploring AI Representation: Does ChatGPT Accurately Portray Individuals with Disabilities?” on page 72
Let’s engage in a meaningful discussion about technology, representation, and the need for authentic voices in the digital age.

👉 Ready to explore these empowering stories and more? Click the link below to read the flipbook now!
🔗 Check it out here : https://online.fliphtml5.com/tgsvz/cvhr/ =Front%20Cover

Let’s celebrate our stories, amplify our voices, and inspire the world together! 💪❤️

Lifestyle Features and Resources for the Disabilities Community. This is our original online magazine and it is a companion to our World Of Possibilities Disabilities Expos.

09/13/2024

🌟 Food for Thought: Crisis Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities 🌟

In light of recent tragic events, such as the mass shooting in Georgia, it’s clear that we must prioritize comprehensive emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities. Understanding the unique challenges they face during crises is crucial.

🔹 Children in wheelchairs can't duck and cover.
🔹 Deaf children may miss critical emergency instructions.
🔹 Blind children need additional support to navigate to safety.

We can make a difference! By educating employees, educators, and community members, we can empower individuals with disabilities and their families to respond effectively in emergencies, including active shooter situations.

Let’s work together to ensure that accessibility is at the forefront of crisis planning. 💪

Join me in spreading awareness and advocating for inclusive strategies that protect everyone!

💙🛡️

09/10/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share my recent appearance on the Spotlight Sessions, a series that highlights change-makers making waves in the community of people with disabilities! 🎤✨

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to discuss my journey as an IT Engineer, 508 Compliance Officer, and Ms. Wheelchair America 2024. Here’s a sneak peek of what we discussed:

1. Digital Accessibility & Inclusion: I shared my passion for creating a more inclusive digital world and the mission behind my Ms. Wheelchair America platform. 💻❤️

2. The Social Model of Disability: We explored why I subscribe to the social model of disability and how it empowers individuals rather than focusing solely on medical limitations. This perspective is a game-changer! 🌍🤝

3. Web Accessibility for All: I emphasized how web accessibility benefits not just people with disabilities but also businesses looking to expand their reach and impact. It’s a win-win! 📈💪

Curious to learn more? Click the link below to watch the full episode! Let’s spark a conversation about creating a more inclusive future together. 💬✨

🔗 Watch Here (https://youtu.be/_zGhQarv3n8)

Are you part of a nonprofit focused on disability ?They’d love to hear from you! Reach out here: https://accessibe.com/ (https://accessibe.com/).

And don’t forget to follow them for more inspiring conversations 👉 Accessible Community on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/accessibe_community/)

Keen to learn more about Ms. Wheelchair America. Visit our website: https://www.mswheelcha...

Together, we can create change! 💖