Rep. Chuck Graham, a Democrat, was elected in 1998 to his second term representing part of Boone County (District 24) in the Missouri House of Representatives. Rep. Graham is the first wheelchair user ever elected to the House of Representatives.

Prior to being elected to the House, Rep. Graham worked as the Missouri Coordinator for the ADA Project at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was responsible for providing training and technical assistance to business, state and local governments and people with disabilities across the state.

Rep. Graham is a 1987 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his bachelor of science degree in journalism.

While at the U. of I., he received the Harold Scharper Service award and the George Huff award for proficiency in scholarship and athletics. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Omicron, the organization for disabled students, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and Ma-Wan-Da Honorary Society.

Within his community, he belongs to the: Southern Boone Jaycees, Columbia Elks #594, and serves on advisory boards for the Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness an Health, Habitat for Humanity, Columbia Entertainment Company, and the University of Missouri Department of Environmental Design. Rep. Graham also served on as chair of the Missouri Assistive Technology Council.

In 1990, he was recognized by the U.S. Congressional Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities for his leadership in the passing the ADA. Missouri Easter Seals honored him in 1995 with their Disability Leadership Award and the Missouri Jaycees named him one of the Ten Outstanding Young Missourians in 1996. In 1997, the National Rehabilitation Association bestowed upon him the E.B. Whitten Silver Medallion and the Governor's Council on Disability gave him their Breaking the Barriers award. In both 1997 and 1998, Rep. Graham was honored as the Elected Official of the Year by Services for Independent Living. Last year he was also honored, along with actor Christopher Reeve, by Gateway to a Cure for the work he has done to improve opportunities for people with disabilities.

Rep. Graham is a nationally renowned public speaker who travels throughout the state and nation, motivating people to get involved in their communities.