The Ms. Wheelchair Iowa Program is looking for a new spokeswoman for Iowans with disabilities. Judy Hoit, the program’s state coordinator, says the woman who is chosen to wear the crown must use a wheelchair for 100-percent of her daily mobility and be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 60.
“It’s not a beauty contest,” Hoit says. “The judging is done on achievements and accomplishments since the onset of the disability. We’re looking for people who are interested in advocating for disability issues and likes to speak in front of groups and also travel the state.”
The new Ms. Wheelchair Iowa will also be able to create her own platform to advocate for an issue about which she’s passionate. The deadline to apply to enter the Ms. Wheelchair Iowa program is next week, February 15th, while the contest itself is in about a month.
“The event will be here in Iowa City on Saturday, March 16th, at Eagle’s Lodge,” Hoit says. “The titleholder for Iowa will compete in the national Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant which will be held in Houston, Texas, this year the week of July 15th.” This is the 17th year for the contest in Iowa.
Hoit, a polio survivor, was the first Ms. Wheelchair Iowa. To become a contestant, contact Hoit by email at Accnowjh@aol.com or phone at 319-351-8375.