The mission of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 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, their 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 Commonwealth of Virginia.
Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on the accomplishments of Virginians with disabilities. The program has been awarded a grant from AmeriCorps, as a program that runs on the hard work and dedication of its volunteers.
For more information about AmeriCorps contact Dr. Ben Helmandollar at b.helmandollar@mswheelchairva.com or visit www.americorps.gov.
Each year, a female wheelchair user is selected as “titleholder” through a weekend of educational workshops, judging interviews, platform speech and on stage interview questions. The titleholder spends the next year representing the organization and Virginians with disabilities, as well as ALL people as a role model of courage and hope.
These wonderful women bring a positive, heartwarming and inspiring attitude toward life and show what can be done when faced with life’s obstacles.
Contestant Criteria
1. Woman who uses a wheelchair for 100% of daily mobility
2. Between ages 21 and 60
3. Resides in Virginia 6 months prior to Gala Weekend
4. Strong message about an issue relating to people with disabilities
5. Serve as the state titleholder at the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant (July 2013)
Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Needs YOUR Help!
Encourage a contestant!
Sponsor a contestant!
Each contestant must complete an application and seek sponsorships. The 2013 email applicantions must be received by March 4. If you are interested, please contact MWVA or visit their website for an application.
To ensure your questions are answered and application is done correctly, Jane Leizer, Contestant Coach, is available to assist potential contestants with applications. For assistance, please schedule an appointment with Jane by contacting the MWVA program. Provide your full contact information and she will promptly return your call.
2013 Gala Weekend
April 5 – 7, 2013
Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center
Be a part of a life changing weekend: making friends, advocating, mentoring, educating, & laughing. Weekend will be full of activities, bonding, gala entertainment, and much more. Educational and pampered workshops are given. Scholarship will be awarded to one participant.
Stephanie Copeland, Ms. Wheelchair VA 2012 has brought much recognition to the program during her reign. Join Stephanie and the 2013 contestants at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center for the 2013 Gala Weekend.
For more information about becoming a contestant:
Jan Leizer, Contestant Coach
(276) 618-0685
P.O. Box 1500, W-513
Fishersille, VA 22939-1500
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