In 1972, a physician devoted to the treatment and rehabilitation of the functionally impaired individuals, established Ms. Wheelchair America as a forum for the promotion of the achievements of mobility impaired persons. Ms. Wheelchair Virginia was established in 1974 and ran continuously through 1986. The non-profit organization was reestablished in 2001 and is dedicated to advocacy and focused on educating the public about the accomplishments, achievements, and needs of disabled Virginians.
Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Inc., educates and advocates for individuals with physical disabilities in order to influence attitudinal, architectural, and social change for all Virginians.
All applicants are reviewed for compliance with Virginia's qualifying criteria:
- "Must be woman between the ages of 21 and 60, use a wheelchair for 100% of
her mobility, be a resident of Virginia for the last 6 months, demonstrate
effective communication skills, be available to travel throughout the
state as a representative for people with disabilities, and have a
platform of advocacy."
- The individual selected as the state titleholder, will then compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. This week long event is held annually in various host states during the month of July or August.
- The leadership, volunteers, participating businesses and families of our organization are proud and humbled to be surrounded by the most amazing, determined, and inspiring human spirits in our state.
- We are very proud of the women that have represented our state. Our program is dedicated to provide education, inspiration, and encourage inclusion of disabled Virginians in all areas of society.
- We have made great strides in getting our message to thousands and we proudly maintain the rights and dignity of disabled Virginians. We believe that people with disabilities have earned and deserve respect and protection under law. We want to
"embrace" not "erase" these meaningful issues in productive ways to "Celebrate Life" for all disabled Virginians; those they love and those that love them.
Implementation
To carry out this mission, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Inc educates leaders and local communities by promoting awareness, advocacy and change in public policy including accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities.
The Process
Each year a woman from the Commonwealth is selected to serve as a Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Inc. ambassador to educate and sensitize leaders and communities to critical disability issues. She will deliver messages of advocacy, public education, inclusion, and inspiration.
Advocacy - who better to promote personal experience and authority, the conditions of the disability community and the changes needed to improve their quality of life!
Public Education - is greatly needed to better understand the contributory value and desires of persons with these challenges and what they can offer society.
Inclusion - into the real world of educational advancement and employment continue to be an obstacle and further work is needed to allow mobility impaired individuals meets their full potential.
Inspiration - is realized by those that encounter the determined spirit of these individuals who have been able to persevere against formidable hardships and rise to a level of leadership and example.
