The Ultimate in Wheelchair Beautification

They're advocates, they're attractive and they are making a difference.... Just so happens they are also in wheelchairs.

The foregoing describes the contestants in the annual Ms. Wheelchair American competition, which has been in existence far longer than most of its contestants.

About MWA (from http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org)

Organized in 1972 by Columbus, Ohio, physician Dr. Philip K. Wood, Ms. Wheelchair America provides a platform for the achievements, as well as the needs, of people with mobility impairments. The nonprofit program which consists of the State Coordinators and State Titleholders has grown to include programs in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia. The state programs are staffed and coordinated by volunteers dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all citizens will be afforded the opportunities to lead productive and meaningful lives.

The Mission of Ms. Wheelchair America

The mission of MWA is to provide an opportunity of achievement for women who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Unlike traditional beauty pageants, Ms. Wheelchair America is not a contest to select the most attractive individual. It is instead a competition based on advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for persons with disabilities. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature.

Duties of Ms. Wheelchair America

As Ms. Wheelchair America, the national titleholder has numerous duties. These include promoting awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and attitudinal barriers, informing the able-bodied public of the achievements of the millions of people with disabilities across the nation, and assisting with the establishment of programs in all 50 states. During her year-long reign, she will have the opportunity to travel, visiting advocacy groups, making public appearances and conducting radio, print ad and TV interviews. The commitment and personal example of the titleholder serves to further the mission of Ms. Wheelchair America.

Documentary: MWA, Defining Beauty

MS.WHEELCHAIR AMERICA, Defining Beauty is a feature-length documentary focusing on the extraordinary lives of the women of Ms. Wheelchair America and their journey toward the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It is the story of women who challenge themselves on a daily basis to live life beyond their limitations and by doing so, redefine the perception of beauty and what it means to be disabled. The film was selected “best documentary” at the Staten Island Film Festival.

For more information on the 2010 pageant and its winner, Erika Bogan, visit the MWA Facebook page

warmly,

Lilo