11/2/2009

Frazier Rehab Institute Announces the Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Pageant

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Who:    
Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky

What:  
2009 Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Pageant for women, ages  21-60, who utilize a wheelchair for mobility. Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky pageant provides education and advocacy for individuals living with disabilities across the state by raising public awareness through speaking engagements and assisting with program development.

This year’s event will also feature a performance by the Miracle Dancers, a dance group created by Diana Chambers, owner of the Diane Moore Dance Academy. This is an inclusive dance group specializing in Performing Arts and Special Needs classes for youth with disabilities. They have performed all over Louisville including the Kentucky State Fair and the Crusade for Children.

When: 
Sunday, November 8, 2009
3:30 p.m.
Reception to follow in the hotel lobby until 6:00p.m.
 
Where: 
Holiday Inn Hurstbourne Louisville
1325 S. Hurstbourne Parkway at I-64
Louisville, KY • (502) 426-2600

Why:  
To help women living with disabilities recognize their potential, share their accomplishments, and challenge their personal growth.

Background:  This year’s contestants from around the state include:
Sarah Service- Worthville, KY
Cheryl Medley- Louisville, KY
Bobbie James- Hopkinsville, KY
Tyandriau Irvine- Louisville, KY
Donna Caudill- Louisville, KY

Each contestant participates in several one-on-one interviews with judges before the event.  On stage during the event, contestants are asked two questions.  The judges score each contestant on how well they articulate their response and communicate.

The pageant winner will serve as a spokesperson for the Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Organization and may have contact with city, county and state government officials, as well as Mayors, County Commissioners and Legislators.  She may appear before schools, businesses, civic groups and religious organizations and speak about her accomplishments since the onset of her disability.  The winner of the Kentucky pageant will also move on to the national pageant held in July, 2010.

Since 1974, the purpose of the Ms. Wheelchair America Program has been to offer an opportunity for women in wheelchairs to educate and advocate for others with disabilities.  The woman selected uses her title to open doors and speak to those who often do not have knowledge of disabilities.

Louisville hosted the first Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Program in 1998, with the help of the 1997 Ms. Wheelchair America winner, Teri Cecil.  Frazier Rehab Institute was instrumental in beginning the tradition for Kentucky.

This year’s sponsors include Frazier Rehab Institute, Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky and Superior Van and Mobility.

For more information on the program, please contact the Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky State Coordinator Pat O’Bryant at (502) 394-9160 or President of the Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Board Jenny Smith at (502)-550-1335.

Photo and interview opportunities available.