We recently connected with Cortney Marchant and have shared our conversation below.
Cortney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Writing Kyle’s Magical Adventure has been one of the most meaningful projects of my life. Being married to a man who uses a wheelchair has opened my eyes to experiences I never imagined. Before meeting him, I didn’t know anyone who used a wheelchair, so I had no idea what challenges lay ahead.
My goal with this book is to raise awareness about the obstacles wheelchair users face—whether it’s exploring the world or simply attending an event. I want to help children understand and embrace the experiences of kids and adults who use wheelchairs.
Through this story, I hope to inspire young readers to:
1. Include and support their peers who use wheelchairs.
2. Play an active role in making the world a more accessible place for everyone.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Cortney Marchant, and I’ve always dreamed of writing a children’s book, though I wasn’t sure what story to tell. After meeting my husband, I saw firsthand how inaccessible the world can be for wheelchair users, and I knew that was the story I wanted to share.
I’ve never written a book before, so this project started as just a passion project. Now, I can see that it’s something I want to keep doing. The love and support I’ve received from this book has been overwhelming. Seeing how many people have embraced it and hearing from all the kids who’ve read it has been truly amazing.
I’m passionate about teaching others how to include kids who use wheelchairs and helping them feel seen and valued. My husband and I also run a TikTok account where we share our life experiences, promote inclusion, and work to normalize interabled relationships. Our goal is to inspire others and show that everyone deserves to live, love, and explore a world that welcomes them.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal for the book is to raise awareness about the challenges wheelchair users face, promote inclusion, and inspire kids to create a more accessible and welcoming world. I aim to teach children how to include and support their peers who use wheelchairs while normalizing disability in everyday life. Ultimately, I want my book to foster empathy, understanding, and action to make the world a better place for everyone!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of writing this book has been seeing the joy on the faces of children who use wheelchairs. For many, it’s the first time they’ve had a story that truly represents them, and it makes them feel seen and valued. Watching them light up with recognition and pride has been incredibly fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marchant.kin/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/marchant.kin/
- Twitter: @marchantkin
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@marchantkin
- Other: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@marchant.kin?lang=en