Michigan has a new voice for disability advocacy! Detroit native Madison Reid was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2026, and she’s looking forward to getting to work.
Four women took the stage at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 15, to share their platforms and stories. Madison’s platform, “Hope After Harm” focuses on advocating for people who are newly disabled, survivors of gun violence and families of victims navigating grief and loss.
This mission is personal to Madison, who is a survivor of gun violence at the hands of her then-boyfriend. Her life was forever changed after the shooting left her paralyzed. Ever since she began using a wheelchair, Madison has aspired to make a difference through advocacy and community building.
“What I look forward to most is going back home to Detroit and really getting connected with my mayor there,” Madison said. “I’ve heard so many stories about gun violence and people ending up in wheelchairs, so in my city that’s what I really want to focus on.”
Ms. Wheelchair Michigan is anything but a “beauty” pageant; it provides a unique platform where women can strengthen their advocacy skills, develop as leaders and amplify their voices for meaningful change. This year’s contestants also included Malorie Fox, Anna Holly and Amber Jackson.
“These four women offered very unique stories and were very passionate advocates. They told a story of resilience. It was incredible to sit on this side, to watch, and to bring these women together,” said Shanta Favors, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan’s new state coordinator.
Shanta also held the title of Ms. Wheelchair Michigan in 2024 and was first runner-up at the national competition that same year.
“Madison’s life is about to change. She’s about to meet with policymakers, some bill writers; she’s going to advocate on both state and federal levels. I’m going to be there with her,” Shanta said.
Madison will go on to compete in the national Ms. Wheelchair America competition in August, which is once again being hosted in Grand Rapids. The Mary Free Bed Guild is proud to support Ms. Wheelchair Michigan and host this year’s competition again.
