My name is Tajea McCoy. I'm 23 years old and at the age of 19 I was shot two times and a graze once in my shoulder (which took out my back) twice to the arm. On Feb. 24, 2021, they qualified me as a T5-T6 level of complete which means I lack sensation and movement below my breast line. In 2023 I was reassessed and diagnosed as a T5-T6 Incomplete. At first I had no control over my lower extremities pass the level of my injury. At the beginning of my accident, I never thought I could be as happy today as I am in my position. I've got to meet some amazing people and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. My situation has taught me more about myself also to see the beauty in everything in the world. Life comes with its ups and downs yet always remember to be grateful no matter what comes and what goes. Also never to limit yourself just because the world will TRY to put you in a box. Whilst almost boxed in it gave me the aspect so see the world in a different perspective. For one that the world has been built to fit some but not all! Accessibility is key to helping us all live lives we can be happy with and experience what the world has to offer. Remember you are only limited to what you limit your mind to cause anything is possible! Keep on keeping on “where theres a Wheel😉 there’s a way!”-Tajea McCoy ♿️

Ammie Morgan was born in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Morgan is the youngest of five siblings. Her journey to Alabama began at the age of three, when her parent’s marriage was destroyed by alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and domestic violence. Ms. Morgan persevered through all the challenging circumstances of her childhood and graduated from Brentwood Christian Academy.  She later attended Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama majoring in Law. While attending Miles College, Ms. Morgan faced another challenging moment in her life when her ex-fiancé brutally assaulted her, shooting her several times. This brutal act of domestic violence resulted in Ms. Morgan being paralyzed. After being shot several times, Ms. Morgan spent the next 4 months hospitalized, where she was fighting for her life. Although, her body suffered this devastating injury, Ms. Morgan’s spirit remained resilient, and her mind resolute. She continues to dance, train students, and work with various organizations, such as Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and UAB Spain Rehabilitation as a mentor. She strives to let her peers know that life after paralysis is much more than a disability, it’s a new way of living. Ms. Morgan’s mission in life is to use her platform to speak out against domestic violence to youth and young adults and to encourage others, who live with various disabilities.

Born in Senatobia, Mississippi and now repping Birmingham, Alabama, Karneshia Shantel is a force in the disability community. Living with Spina Bifida since birth and rolling in her wheelchair since the age of three, Karneshia has turned what others see as obstacles into her power.

She wears many hats: ADA consultant, disability advocate, entrepreneur, model, and writer—all while keeping her passion for fashion, creativity, and expression at the center of everything she does. From running her own nail brand to raising her voice for accessibility and transformative justice, Karneshia embodies what it means to be a Rider: strong, stylish, and unstoppable.

Karneshia represents exactly what this movement is about—breaking barriers, owning your story, and showing the world that our community can’t be boxed in.

My name is Deanna Foster I was born in Chicago Illinois I am 52 years old and I am a Bilateral Amputee. I have been an amputee since I was 35. I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 11. I graduated from Chicago Vocational High School (CVS). I used to play volleyball and was in the band. Some of my hobbies were swimming and skating. My dream was to be a singer. Some of my favorite sisters were Whitney Houston, Prince, and Michael Jackson. I also love gospel music. I like Tamala Mann, Fred Hammond, and Kirk Franklin. My advice would be stay healthy and do whatever it is you need to do so you can do whatever it is you want to do.

My name is Jeffrey Lewis and I am 27 years old and I’m from Alabama. I enjoy watching Alabama Football #ROLL TIDE and my dream is also to play football. I like listening to music, mainly R&B and Hip Hop. I have few favorites such as Chris Brown, Jacques, and Yella Beezy. My favorite color is red. I have dreams to work in a field and make money to buy clothes. I love Jordans and Polo.

My name is Chase Curenton. I am 28 years old and I have Cerebral Palsy. It is a Muscle Disability. I am currently a volunteer at Geneva County High School. I help coach Basketball and P.E. I'm from a little town called Hartford Alabama. I like football and baseball. My team would be the L.A. Dodgers. I also like Country Music, my go to artist would be Eric Church, Hank Williams Jr, and Trace Atkins. One day I would love to get on stage myself and sing a little music in front of people.

Hello my name is Jamari Clark. I am 12 years old and I’m from Birmingham, Alabama. I go to Putnam middle school and I have something called Hypotonia. My dream is to become a rapper. I like Gucci Mane, NBA Youngboy, Lil baby, and Moneybagg Yo. I want to become rich and customize my own Wheelchair. I want to put rims on it and everything. Thanks for listening to my story.

My name is Jamaica and I have Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy (CP). CP is a condition that affects coordination and movement of the body and limbs. I was born prematurely (at 24 weeks) and had many complications at birth which led to the prognosis of Cerebral Palsy. I am a writer, poet, and speaker. I aspire to publish my first book soon. It will be an autobiography.