Long before the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in the early 1990s, there was the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant blazing a trail to educate the general public on issues facing people with disabilities. This July 20-23, 2005 is an opportunity to support a great non-profit event in Albany as Ms. Wheelchair America hosts their 34th Annual Pageant and one-day tradeshow at the Albany Marriott Hotel.
“This is a golden opportunity for people to experience the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant and support the extraordinary women who participate,” said Judy Hoit, Ms. Wheelchair America board member and President of Dreams, Inc. “For more than 30 years this Pageant has promoted disability awareness and public education across the United States. These women are truly making history and creating a better future for everyone.”
The women, from 21-60 years of age, participate for the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant title — each represents their home state as its title-holder. The reigning Ms. Wheelchair America title-holder is Juliette Rizzo from Maryland. “We visualize the Ms. Wheelchair America program growing and involving all 50 states to promote awareness and achievements of all people with disabilities,” said Hoit, former Ms. Wheelchair of Iowa.
In addition to the Ms. Wheelchair America competition and celebration, there is the annual mobility tradeshow.
This is a one-day only, national tradeshow on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 focusing on the mobility industry, medical equipment needs and other important issues facing people with disability challenges.
In 1974, Dr. Philip K. Wood, a Columbus, Ohio physiatrist established Ms. Wheelchair America. He devoted his career to the treatment and rehabilitation of the functionally impaired individual, as well as the disabled. Dr. Wood established Ms. Wheelchair America as a forum to promote the achievements, as well as the needs of mobility-impaired persons.
Dreams, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing “Wheels of Dreams” by promoting dependability, reliability, empowerment, accessibility, mobility and service for all persons with disabilities. Organizing the tradeshow on behalf of Ms. Wheelchair America, Dreams, Inc. donate monies raised through the tradeshow, silent auction and other events directly to the Pageant. Volunteers across the nation are dedicated to increasing public awareness and to coordinating the non-profit program to ensure persons with disabilities lead productive and meaningful lives.
For more information call toll-free at (800) 351-8375