Posted on August 15, 2022
Inspiring Women Compete for the Title of Ms. Wheelchair America
It’s finally here! The national competition is back in Grand Rapids.
After being canceled in 2020 and taking place virtually in 2021, the national Ms. Wheelchair America competition is back and in-person in. Twenty-two inspiring contestants from across the United States are contending for the crown and title of Ms. Wheelchair America.
WHEN: August 15-21
WHERE: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Highlights include:
- Nightly Contestant Group Dinners at 6pm
- Aug. 16 9a-12p City-wide Scavenger Hunt
- Daily Workshops on leadership, self-care and advocacy
- Aug. 18 6-9p “Decades” Themed Dance
- Aug. 19 7:30p Speech Night – Livestream & Open to the Public*
- Aug. 20 7:30p Crowning Gala – Livestream & Open to the Public*
*Events Open to the Public
The week ends with two events open to the public – a speech night on Friday and the crowning gala on Saturday. A $10 donation to Ms. Wheelchair America is asked for in-person attendance. Viewers across the nation will be able to join both final events virtually via the livestream on Mary Free Bed’s Facebook page.
This Year’s Titleholders
Before arriving at the national competition, the 22 participants were selected as the titleholder in their respective states. Ms. Wheelchair America is a competition based on advocacy, achievement and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for people with disabilities. Some of the titleholders competing include:
- Michigan, Sarah Nassar of Dearborn, is a law student and founder of the Disability Law Association.
- Kansas, Marci Clare, is a mother of four. She worked in health care for 15 years before her accident, and it’s a goal to get back to school to be a registered nurse.
- Minnesota, Linda Hood, is a clinical scientist who volunteered at eight Olympics.
- Texas, Kristy Durso, owns a travel agency that specializes in accessible travel, using her own experience with limited mobility.
Meet all of the national state titleholders here.
Cast Your Vote!
While the judges will choose the overall contest winner, you can cast your vote for the competition’s People’s Choice Award, which will be awarded to the contestant who receives the most votes from their supporters.
Votes can be purchased for $1 each, and there is no limit to how many votes can be purchased by an individual. 60% of the total votes purchased will go toward the Ms. Wheelchair America Personal Care Attendant Fund. The remaining 40% of the total votes purchased will be awarded to the People’s Choice Award winner’s state program.
For more information on the People’s Choice Award and to cast your vote, visit MWAvote.org
Find out more information about the Ms. Wheelchair America competition on their website.
About Ms. Wheelchair America
Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. is a non-profit organization that relies solely on the dedication and hard work of volunteers all across the country, fundraising by contestants, and the help of local sponsors. While many pageants are now becoming less about beauty and appearance and more about a woman’s acumen, Ms. Wheelchair America has built a unique tradition of focusing on women’s accomplishments and advocacy since 1972. Learn more at www.mswheelchairamerica.org
About Mary Free Bed
Mary Free Bed is a not-for-profit, internationally accredited rehabilitation hospital. From a single bed in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1891 to a rehabilitation system with 482 beds across more than three dozen Midwest communities, we’ll restore hope and freedom through rehabilitation for more than 90,000 children and adults this year. In addition to residency programs for clinicians and physicians, we’re the site for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Division of Rehabilitation Medicine. Mary Free Bed conducts primary clinical research and partners with medical and academic institutions across the country. U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek rate Mary Free Bed as a national Best Rehabilitation Hospital for 2021-22. For more information, visit www.maryfreebed.com.
