About Ms. Wheelchair & FAQ
The mission of the Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania Program is to give women with physical disabilities throughout the state a platform to promote the achievements as well as the needs of mobility impaired persons. Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania is dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all Pennsylvanians will be able to lead productive and meaningful lives.
Although the contestants are showcased in a pageant format, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania is by no means a beauty contest. Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania began in 2000 as a way to find the most accomplished and articulate spokeswomen for people with disabilities throughout the state. Contestants participate in a full day of workshops and seminars culminating in a formal ceremony that allows the contestants to present their platforms to the judges and to determine the new Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania.
During her yearlong reign, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania will travel throughout the state to make public appearances. She will give speeches and presentations on disability awareness, educating the public about the contributions that people with disabilities can make to society. She will visit schools, churches, businesses and governments. The winner will eventually go on to represent Pennsylvania at the 2013 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in Providence, RI in August.
The winner will have many wonderful opportunities as Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. She will have the opportunity to travel across the state, give numerous TV, print and radio interviews, meet interesting people and become a role model for all Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
The money that you raise for your $200 entry fee will be put toward the expenses of the pageant, including meals, one night's stay at the pageant hotel and contestants gifts.
The winner receives their crown and sash and a beautiful prize package including jewelry, makeup, and much, much more!
The contestants and their companions arrive at the hotel the day before the pageant. The contestants will be treated to dinner at a local restaurant, giving the ladies the opportunity to get to know each other. Staurday morning, there will be a brief orientation where the events of the day will be laid out. Contestants will be provided lunch and dinner. They will participate in workshops and two 10-minute individual judging sessions. The day will culminate in the onstage pageant when contestants will introduce themselves to the audience, deliver a 2-minute platform speech and answer judge's questions. The crowning of Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2011 is done soon thereafter. Friends, family, and co-workers are encouraged to attend and cheer you on!
The reigning Ms. Wheelchair is required to make at least one public appearance a month. Events that she attends could include activities and conferences within the disability community, meetings with state and local officials and school visits. Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania is expected to raise funds to attend the national pageant in August. She will participate in fundraising efforts to support her reign, report her activities to the board of directors, and be willing to participate in any media interviews.
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