Exemplary Pageants

Our Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

Exemplary Pageants is committed to creating an environment that is welcoming, respectful, and accessible for individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual, sensory, learning, mental-health, chronic-health, and invisible differences.

• Flexible communication methods
• Written instructions and reminders
• Extra time for submissions or responses when approved
• Virtual participation options
• Captioning or transcripts when available
• Accessible document formats
• Support persons or caregivers when appropriate
• Alternative presentation or video-submission formats
• Sensory-friendly participation options
• Mobility-accessible event spaces whenever possible

Accommodation requests will be handled respectfully and privately.

The Exemplary Ambassador Program

The Exemplary Ambassador Program is a virtual leadership and service opportunity for individuals who want to share their story, advocate for a cause, support their communities, and represent Exemplary Pageants.

There is no single “right” way to be an Ambassador. Every Ambassador is encouraged to participate in ways that are safe, comfortable, and meaningful for their individual abilities and needs.

Who May Participate

The Ambassador Program welcomes individuals of all abilities, including those with chronic illnesses, neurodivergence, mobility differences, sensory differences, learning differences, mental-health conditions, and invisible differences.

• Individuals with physical differences
• Wheelchair users or mobility-aid users
• Deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, or low-vision individuals
• Individuals with autism or other neurodivergent identities
• Individuals with developmental or intellectual differences
• Individuals with chronic illnesses or chronic pain
• Individuals with learning differences
• Individuals with mental-health conditions
• Caregivers, family members, allies, or advocates

Ambassador Submission Requirements

Each Ambassador contestant must submit:

• One headshot or favorite photo
• One video submission no longer than 90 seconds

The video should include:

• Your name
• Your state or region
• Your platform or cause
• Why you would like to become an Exemplary Ambassador

Your video does not need to be professionally produced. It may be recorded using a phone, tablet, computer, or other device.

Alternative formats may include:

• A written statement
• A voice recording
• A slideshow with narration
• A supported video with a caregiver, interpreter, or support person
• A video using assistive communication devices
• A video with captions, sign language, or communication supports

AI-generated videos are not permitted.

Accommodation Requests

If you need an accommodation, please contact Exemplary Pageants as early as possible. You do not need to share more personal information than necessary.

Please include:

• Your name
• Your Ambassador title or application status
• The accommodation or support you are requesting
• Any important timing or communication needs

Platform and Service Expectations

Every Ambassador is encouraged to have a platform, cause, or message that matters to them.

• Inclusion and acceptance
• Accessibility advocacy
• Autism acceptance
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing advocacy
• Blind and low-vision awareness
• Mobility access and wheelchair advocacy
• Chronic illness awareness
• Mental health awareness
• Neurodiversity acceptance
• Inclusive education
• Anti-bullying
• Caregiver support
• Adaptive sports and recreation
• Service animals and animal welfare
• Community inclusion

Participation and Appearances

Ambassadors are encouraged to participate in activities that are safe, accessible, and comfortable for them.

• Virtual appearances
• Community service projects
• Social-media advocacy
• Recorded messages
• School or community presentations
• Fundraisers
• Awareness campaigns
• Interviews
• Local events
• Pageant events
• Volunteer activities

Ambassadors are not required to participate in activities that are unsafe, inaccessible, medically inappropriate, or beyond their individual capacity.

Communication and Support

Exemplary Pageants understands that everyone communicates differently. We are committed to respectful and flexible communication.

• Email communication
• Text communication
• Phone calls
• Video calls
• Written instructions
• Simplified instructions
• Extra processing time
• Reminders and checklists
• Communication through a parent, caregiver, or support person when requested
• Assistive communication devices
• Captioning or interpretation when available

Attire, Sashes, and Representation

Ambassadors are encouraged to dress in a way that feels comfortable, appropriate, and authentic to them.

• Dresses or gowns
• Business casual clothing
• Pantsuits
• Adaptive clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Orthotics, braces, mobility aids, or medical devices
• Sensory-friendly clothing
• Titleholder apparel
• Event-appropriate outfits

Mobility aids, hearing devices, communication devices, service animals, medical equipment, and adaptive equipment are welcome and respected as part of each Ambassador’s presentation.

Respectful Language and Conduct

Exemplary Pageants is a respectful, inclusive, and judgment-free organization.

• Use respectful language
• Honor each person’s preferred communication style
• Ask before offering assistance
• Respect personal boundaries
• Avoid assumptions about someone’s abilities or needs
• Celebrate differences
• Speak positively about fellow participants
• Create a welcoming and encouraging environment

Bullying, discrimination, ableism, harassment, hate speech, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Personal, medical, and accommodation information is private. Ambassadors are never required to publicly disclose a diagnosis, medical condition, or personal history.

Any accommodation request shared with Exemplary Pageants will be handled respectfully and privately. Information will only be shared with staff members who need it to provide appropriate support.

Contact Information

Dr. Rebekah Slayton, Founder and CEO

rebekah@exemplarypageants.com

David Farmer, Executive Director

david@exemplarypageants.com

Sam Shimel, Ambassador Director

Sam resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a devoted animal lover. Her platform focuses on helping shelter animals live their best lives possible through advocacy, awareness, and compassionate support.

Sam is also a strong advocate for mental health and disability awareness, working to promote understanding, inclusion, and encouragement within her community.