Championing Accessibility and Advocacy: Tamara Blackwell’s Reign as Ms. Wheelchair America 2025

Tamara Blackwell, Ms. Wheelchair America 2025, is using her platform to advocate for meaningful change when it comes to accessibility. During her time as titleholder, she has worked to make a tangible impact, from pushing for accessible equipment at local playgrounds to creating spaces for honest conversations on disability. Committed to her community and a powerful belief in visibility and representation, Tamara is reshaping the conversation around accessibility, inspiring others along the way.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her reign so far, Tamara says, has been her ability to drive real change in her community, working with city leaders to have accessible equipment installed in local playgrounds.

“It still makes me emotional to think that is the road that we are on, not just because of me, but because it was a collaborative effort of me saying, ‘Hey, this is what accessibility looks like, especially for little kids,’ and people saying, ‘You know what, you’re right, let’s go ahead and get this ball moving,'” she says.

In addition to her local success, Tamara’s advocacy efforts have given her opportunities to connect with individuals across the country, including the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine event, a prom designed for individuals with disabilities.

“It was amazing to see a community come together to give individuals that opportunity,” she says, remembering the joy of seeing people who may have never had the chance to experience prom finally get that moment.

Tamara’s journey has also led her to several national events, including Wreaths Across America, where she helped honor veterans by laying wreaths. She has also embraced new experiences and adventures in her travels, like engaging with students in schools, skiing in South Dakota’s Black Hills and visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial.

She has made it a point to wear her crown and sash as she travels, whether at airports or other public places. While she says it felt strange at first, she now enjoys the opportunity to be visible and represent the community she is advocating for.

“I got to meet a lot of people in the airport throughout my travel back and forth,” she recalls. She believes this visibility can help shift perceptions and open up new conversations about accessibility.

Despite these successes, Tamara has faced her share of challenges, particularly when educating others about the deeper impact of accessibility. One of the most difficult lessons she has learned is how challenging it can be to explain that accessibility is about much more than just physical spaces—it’s a mindset.

“My chair is not a piece of equipment – it’s actually my mobility, my independence,” she says, recalling a difficult experience when her wheelchair was damaged during travel, leaving Tamara feeling more disabled than usual.

“It’s not enough to just say, ‘Well, we replaced your chair,'” she explains. “When I didn’t have my chair, it left me more disabled than I typically am.”

The experience reinforced just how essential accessibility is—not just in terms of physical spaces but also in how society understands and responds to the mobility needs of individuals with disabilities.

Through it all, Tamara remains committed to her role as a spokesperson for the wheelchair user community. Her advice to future Ms. Wheelchair America competitors? Just try.

Tamara believes that the competition is about more than just winning. It’s about getting involved, learning about the resources available and connecting with others in the community.

“There are so many things out there that I had no idea existed until I sent in my application and was a part of my state competition,” she reflects. “I say just get involved.”

Tamara’s work as Ms. Wheelchair America 2025 extends beyond advocacy into the world of podcasting, where she is creating a space for real, honest conversations about disability, relationships and mental health.

“It’s just another way to get over my fear of being the ‘different’ person,” she says. “There’s so many other people just like me who have a story to tell.”

Tamara’s podcast, Talking It Up with Tam, will feature guests who share their experiences with life in a wheelchair, the challenges of being in an interabled marriage and navigating mental health. It’s a platform for people to connect, learn from each other and feel empowered to share their stories.

Faith plays an important role in Tamara’s life, especially as she navigates the emotional ups and downs of her work and personal life.

“God is always proving himself,” she says. “It’s because of God that I am able to just get up and get the strength to keep going.” Her faith gives her the strength to keep fighting for accessibility, even when the road gets tough.

Tamara’s experience as Ms. Wheelchair America 2025 has been marked by both successes and challenges. However, her devotion to advocacy and her belief in the strength of community have made her an inspiring figure. Her journey reflects the ongoing pursuit of a world where accessibility is a reality for all, reflecting the values that MobilityWorks champions each day.