By Katherine Magnoli
I sat at a table nervously twiddling my thumbs as I listened to a man I felt quite intimidated by speak about his encounter with Eunice Shriver, and how she indeed intimidated him. I thought to myself, I don’t belong here I am too little of an advocate.
Then all of a sudden my ears perked up when I heard him mention that Eunice Shriver was the creator of the Special Olympics. I had always wanted to be an Olympian and even broke my knee as a child trying to do a split while watching gymnastics on television. Needless to say, I learned at an early age that sports was not my calling but writing was more my forte.
While I sat and listened to his story I couldn’t help but realize that I did belong there because everyone in that room was there for a common goal, make the disability community stronger. At that time of my life I had only been a year into my advocacy, where I started out as a children’s book author. My book series The Adventures of KatGirl, about a superhero in a wheelchair who helps kids who are being bullied realize that they can do anything in spite of what others’ may say or do, has been read by thousands of children.
Now, about seven years later with the help of that meeting that I felt so intimidated in, I have been able to accomplish more than I ever dreamed I could. I may not be a Special Olympian Gold Medalist. However, one of those accomplishments does involve getting to play adaptive sports such as Adaptive Tennis.
I also for a lack of a better phrase; competed in the Ms. Wheelchair Florida and Ms. Wheelchair America competitions in the year 2017. Now trust me when I say that 25 women with disabilities who have faced trials and tribulations all competing for a shiny crown and recognition can be just as competitive as an Olympic Sport.
Fortunately, my winning of the state competition opened up many more doors to me. I was able to meet with school board members, politicians and other important figures that help champion the disability community. This platform also allowed me to realize another dream I had hidden in the back of my mind and heart for quite some time, being on the radio.
My show on the WEINetwork entitled “Behind the Chair” has given me yet another platform to spread my message of acceptance and inclusion. I do this, along with my co-host Douglas Longhini and producer Peter Wein. Every Wednesday at 5pm we interview a person with and without a disability who is helping create a difference in the world to help break down barriers and stereotypes.
When this goal is finally realized and those of us living with disabilities are seen as equals I will know that I have finally reached the finish line. Then and only then, will I consider myself a gold medalist of advocacy. Until then I will be working hard and doing what I can to make this world a better place and looking up to people like Eunice Shriver for inspiration.
