In August, Ali Ingersoll of Raleigh was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America at a national competition in Michigan. Ingersoll is a quadriplegic following a diving accident over a decade ago. She recently visited with NCMS Staff to discuss her platform focused on helping others with disabilities navigate the many obstacles of health access and insurance.
She has long been an advocate for people with disabilities. She authored “How to Navigate the Health Insurance Appeals Process: A Patient-to-Patient Guide.” Her blog, “Quirky Quad,” provides information and links to people going through the appeals process.
“I found other people with disabilities needed someone to fight for them. I don’t know, I think it is in my soul. I think it is just who I am and part of my DNA,” Ingersoll said.
Her latest advocacy goal is making adaptive exercise equipment available to people with disabilities. Ingersoll is hoping to make her community pool more accessible by raising funds for a pool lift, as she loves to swim.
“You are trapped all day in a machine that is 450 pounds. Being able to wiggle and jiggle,” Ingersoll said. “It is amazing.”
You can learn more about her efforts here.