THE WHO

black and white reflection of young woman standing and holding a camera

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.

reflection of woman sitting on wheelchair in a maxi dress with a flower lei around her neck

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.

taken in 1990 Heather in t-shirt and jean shorts holding one hand up to show the sign on the building she is smiling at the camera

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)

taken in 2015 Heather looking directly at the camera while sitting on her power wheelchair she is dressed up for a fancy event wearing fishnet tights, high heeled shoes a ruffled skirt a corset and a shawl her friend is standing next to her

2015 dressed up for a fancy party

taken in 2004 heather in beaded belly dance costume posing in profile with one hand down and the other up and holding onto the wall her skirt is falling open and revealing her whole leg with a wasted calf muscle and no flex in her foot

2004 Azhdaha costume, notice leg wasting

taken in 2019 Heather wearing a wetsuit laying on a surfboard riding a wave in to the beach

2019 surfing at Carolina Beach, NC

taken in 2014 Heather sitting on her power wheelchair in formal dress and fancy dress shoes wearing a sash that say Ms Wheelchair Kentucky

2013 Ms Wheelchair Kentucky at Ms Wheelchair America pageant

taken in 2022 Heather sitting on a power wheelchair in a short fancy dress holding a glass of champagne in front of photos she's taken on the gallery wall

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.