DAYTON, Ohio — October is National Disability Awareness month, to highlight and appreciate the contributions of people with disabilities to America's workforce and economy.

What You Need To Know

• Allison Boot is Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023


• Boot lives in Beavercreek, where she writes children's books that feature characters in wheelchairs


• Her latest book is about a unicorn in a wheelchair


• Allison shared her book with students at Harold Schnell Elementary in West Carrollton

One of those people is Beavercreek’s Allison Boot, an author and advocate who is also known by another title: Ms. Wheelchair Ohio.

“I was so surprised to be given the title,” Boot said. She was chosen over three other finalists she describes as “terrific women.”

“Ms. Wheelchair Ohio is not a beauty pageant. It is an advocacy competition,” Boot said.

She is advocating for more characters with disabilities in literature with her platform, ‘Read for Equity.’

“Read stands for raise awareness, embrace differences, advocate for acceptance and dream big,” she said.

Boot has always been a serious student with big dreams, earning a bachelor’s degree from Wright State and a master’s in communication from the University of Dayton. But when you visit Boot’s home in Beaver Creek, you immediately spot her fun-loving side.

“I have about 500 troll dolls I’ve collected them since I was about three because I was told that they bring good luck,” Boot said. 

She even used them to top her wedding cake when she married her husband, Dylan, seven years ago. 

Boot has been creating her own colorful characters, publishing three books for young adults.

“I write books that feature characters with disabilities and are stories of self acceptance and equity,” Boot said. “Growing up, I didn’t see characters that look like me in the books that I read, so I wanted to change that.”

She’s working on a fourth book coming out before the end of the year. This one’s geared to younger children.

“It’s called ‘Cherish, a New Kind of Unicorn,’ about a unicorn in a wheelchair and her journey to earn her unicorn horn.”

She gave students at Harold Schnell Elementary in West Carrollton a sneak peek at the book, talking with them about writing and dreaming.

“We have a very diverse group of students here at Harold Schnell,” said Principal Becky Yerman. “So anytime we have role models who look like our students come and share their experiences is amazing. We do have several children in wheelchairs or that have mobility issues, so it’s great to see their hope for the future that they can do anything they want to if they put their mind to it!”

“I just love the fact that there were a couple students with disabilities who could see the story and experience inclusive writing,” Boot said. “That’s why I do what I do and they can see themselves in my stories.”