Are you a woman who uses a wheelchair in Ohio and have a passion you’d like to share? Consider transforming that passion into an advocacy platform by competing for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Ohio.
About Ms. Wheelchair Ohio
Ms. Wheelchair Ohio is a nonprofit organization focused on advocacy and education, aimed at raising awareness about disabilities and the various physical, attitudinal, and institutional barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. It also highlights the achievements of women who use wheelchairs.
Ohio holds the distinction of being the first state to host a Ms. Wheelchair competition. Established in 1972 by Dr. Phillip K. Wood, the competition, originally named Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, aimed to honor the determination and capabilities of his patients. The initiative gained national recognition, leading to the creation of Ms. Wheelchair America later that same year. Presently, 30 states conduct Ms. Wheelchair competitions, allowing state titleholders to compete at the national level for the Ms. Wheelchair America title.
The Purpose of the Competition
It is important to note that Ms. Wheelchair Ohio and Ms. Wheelchair America are not beauty contests; instead, they focus on advocacy, leadership, and accomplishments. Women who use wheelchairs and are aged 21 or older can compete to represent their community by highlighting issues they are passionate about that could improve the lives of those with disabilities. For example, the inaugural Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, Julie Cochran-Rogers, effectively used her title to promote structural and educational accessibility, as well as to challenge societal stigmas surrounding the disability community. She played a significant role in making Ohio State University accessible.
My Experience and Current Reign
As the crowned Ms. Wheelchair 2023, I was fortunate enough to travel throughout the state, discussing how inclusive literature can help raise awareness, embrace differences, advocate for acceptance, and inspire others to dream big.
Currently, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Alexandra Martinez is sharing her “Dance through Disability” platform across the state, illuminating the therapeutic benefits of dance and the importance of disability awareness in creative spaces and beyond.
Eligibility and Requirements
There are no specific rules regarding advocacy platforms, as long as women wheelchair users compete using a platform they are passionate about.
To compete at the state level, candidates must:
- Be an Ohio resident for at least six months
- Be ready to pay a $250 application fee
- Be willing to travel throughout the state to promote their platform and fundraise for the national competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, each August.
For national competition, candidates must:
- Hold a state title
- Be prepared to fundraise a $2,000 national application fee
- Be willing to travel across the country to advocate for their platform and raise funds for Ms. Wheelchair America.
While women can compete at the national level only once, they may enter the state competition as many times as they wish until they earn a title.
Women who do not win the state title initially can enhance their advocacy skills through disability-focused workshops by joining the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Ambassador Program.
For more information about Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, visit www.mswheelchairoh.org. To request application materials, contact Laura Sykes, President/State Coordinator of Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, at [email protected].
