Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on the accomplishments of Virginians with disabilities. The Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program has been awarded a grant from AmeriCorps, for more information visit www.americorps.gov. Our mission is to educate, advocate and raise awareness of the abilities and needs of the disability community in order to influence attitudinal, architectural, and social change for all Virginians.  Furthermore, our program’s mission is to inspire and motivate Virginians as role models of courage and hope. A female wheelchair user is annually selected as our titleholder to carry out our mission while representing Virginians with disabilities as well as all Virginians.  The titleholder has a year long reign speaking at various engagements throughout the state.

Rose Williams, Charlottesville native, was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2008-2009 at the annual program that was held on April 12, 2008 at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, Virginia. Rose Williams is a published poet/essayist and motivational speaker, and can be found frequently presenting poetry workshops and speeches to various special needs programs.  Born with cerebral palsy, Rose lives life to the fullest, and Co-Chair’s the VSA Arts committee. The Virginia Board of People with Disabilities honored Rose as the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Jackie Crews Award for her advocacy for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.  As Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2008-2009 Rose’s platform for advocacy is “Art opportunities and accessibility & safety in public places” and her motto of inspiration is “Find your passion and make it happen”. With her deep faith, positive spirit and continuous smile, Rose is dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities on a local and state level.  Rose says, "As Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, I will be a living, breathing automatic door for those that are disabled to live an independent life and to pursue their dreams".

Rose will be competing in the National Ms. Wheelchair America Program  July 21st -27th in Rockville, Maryland at the Hilton, www.washingtondcrockville.hilton.com.

To have Ms. Wheelchair Virginia at your next engagement, to become a contestant, to be a sponsor, or for more information please contact us. We encourage you to view our entire site to learn about our program, titleholder, and all of our 2008-2009 contestants.  Please continue to visit our website as we continue to update it.

Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Inc.
P.O. Box 1500, W-513
Fishersville, VA 22939-1500
800-345-WWRC (Ext. 7905)  or  540-332-7905

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