Here She Comes
Ms. Wheelchair is a program of advocacy for women with disabilities.
It's the start of a new year and Ms. Wheelchair 2008 is in the middle of her reign. Now is the time to begin imagining what you would do during your reign.
Do you feel that you have something important to say as a disabled woman and want your voice to be heard? Do you think you would be a good representative for the disability community in your state? With the new cycle of state qualifying pageants beginning soon, now is the time to start thinking of competing for Ms. Wheelchair.
What Is Ms. Wheelchair?
Columbus, OH, physician Philip K. Wood, founded the Ms. Wheelchair program in 1972. Dr. Wood had devoted his career to the treatment and rehabilitation of those with mobility impairments. He was aware of the talents and capabilities, courage and determination of people with disabilities and established the Ms. Wheelchair program as a platform for the promotion of the achievements, as well as the needs, of disabled people.
Unlike other pageants, Ms. Wheelchair is not at all a beauty pageant. Contestants are judged on their accomplishments, communication skills, self-perception and projection. These criteria are showcased in personal interviews, platform speeches and onstage interviews. The title is awarded to the most articulate spokeswoman for people with disabilities.
Many states hold pageants and award individual titles to determine who will represent their state at nationals and compete for the Ms. Wheelchair America crown. If your state doesn’t have a Ms. Wheelchair program, you can always consider becoming an independent delegate and/or the coordinator of the pageant in your state.
Who Can Be Ms. Wheelchair?
Contestants participating in Ms. Wheelchair must meet a few requirements. Competitors must be United States citizens between the ages of 21 and 60, use a wheelchair or scooter for 100% of their mobility in the community and, as the name implies, marital status is not a consideration. “Community” was added to the mobility requirement after a former Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin was photographed walking around her classroom.
Many states also hold Junior Ms. Wheelchair pageants for girls between the ages of 14 and 20.
What Are Ms. Wheelchair’s Responsibilities?
Similar to Miss America state titleholders, Ms. Wheelchair state titleholders travel throughout their state, speaking to schools, businesses, civic groups and government about their platform and other disability-related issues.
The Ms. Wheelchair America titleholder travels throughout the nation speaking about disability-related issues, making public appearances and granting TV, radio and print interviews.
Although Ms. Wheelchair has had its own taste of controversy, the program is still an important one. It helps break down attitudinal, as well as architectural, barriers and show society that people with disabilities can be productive and contributing members of society.
What do you think of the Ms. Wheelchair competition? Start a discussion and let us know.
