THE WHO
I am Heather C. Markham
At age thirty-four, I received a life-changing diagnosis: I had a progressive muscular dystrophy and would eventually need a wheelchair. My walking days were going to end much sooner than I’d expected.
With humor and heartbreaking candor, my memoir Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy chronicles my slow decline in mobility and determination to live an extraordinary life—one full of laughter and joy, sand and salt water. Rough Waters is both an inspiring memoir and a courageous call for more empathy from medical professionals, care attendants, and anyone who knows and loves someone with a disability. I believe that limits are only in your mind and nearly anything is possible with the right tools, help, and perseverance.
Despite my body’s betrayal, I have fearlessly leaned into adventures—performing as a belly dancer, falling in love, becoming a ParaSurfer, winning Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, and pursuing my lifelong passion for photography.
1990 after graduation from Texas A&M
2010 surf day at Wildwood Crest, NJ with Sophie (dog) and Kaitlin
2000 first belly dance performance (yes, that’s a walking cast on my leg)
2015 dressed up for a fancy party
2004 Azhdaha costume, notice leg wasting
2019 surfing at Carolina Beach, NC
2013 Ms Wheelchair Kentucky at Ms Wheelchair America pageant
2022 Fotonostrum Gallery, Barcelona, Spain with some of my photos
My disability and 15+ years as a power wheelchair user are a good start for supporting my creditability, but I have been continually investing in my education.
Degrees
Master’s, Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh
Master’s, Computer Science, Midwestern State University of Texas
Bachelor’s, Education Curriculum and Instruction, Texas A&M University
Certifications
International Code Council, Accessibility Inspector and Plans Examiner
Rehabilitation Technology and Engineering Society of North America (RESNA), Assistive Technology Professional
Continuing Education Credits
The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access from the University of Buffalo
Universal Design and Public Accommodations, Universal Design and Home Modifications
US Access Board / National Network of ADA Centers
Hundreds of Webinars on Architectural Barriers Act and specific accessibility topics
International Assoc. of Accessibility Professionals
Accessibility Core Competencies
My other projects
Buy my book Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy
Explore my Just for the Love Gallery of fine art photography crafted with love that offers a new perspective on the unseen.