Nationwide — Kimberly Butler, an African American girl topped Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi, will signify the state within the Ms. Wheelchair America competitors this August whereas selling her platform, “Common Design for All.” The initiative pushes for higher accessibility and inclusion for folks with disabilities.
Butler has spent 30 years navigating life in a wheelchair. She received the state title earlier this 12 months and can compete in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from Aug. 18 to Aug. 24.
Her mission extends past ramps and housing. She requires folks with disabilities to be included in packages, providers, and insurance policies from the very starting.
“Typically we’re not included in these conversations, but it surely’s crucial that we’re, as a result of in any case, it’s our high quality of life that’s at stake,” Butler advised WLBT.
To point out the necessity for change, Butler demonstrated the challenges she faces on the Downtown Hattiesburg Submit Workplace. The principle entrance has stairs, forcing her to take an extended detour to a again ramp. Alongside the best way, she struggled with cobblestone paths and nonetheless wanted help to get inside.
“These are issues that we are able to take into consideration bettering in order that we are able to all have inclusive entry to buildings that we use every day,” she stated.
The nationwide competitors can even function a Folks’s Selection Award, with voting open till Aug. 22. Smiling, Butler pointed to herself because the one to vote for. Whereas she hopes for a win, she stated her actual purpose is to make use of the platform to advance her mission.
“If I can win Miss Wheelchair America, I might like to go across the nation and focus on points like this and meet new folks and have new experiences in order that I can assist deliver a few of that info residence to Mississippi to assist us foster an equitable and pleased high quality of life for people like myself,” she stated.
In Mississippi, Butler is already making an influence. She has partnered with Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker and the Forrest County Board of Supervisors to create an ADA Advisory Board. Subsequent month, the group will maintain an ADA simulation in downtown Hattiesburg to focus on accessibility challenges and counsel options.