An organization that speaks out for Iowans who have a disability is looking for a new spokeswoman and the deadline to apply is next week. The 18th annual Ms. Wheelchair Iowa competition will be held next month in Iowa City. Judy Hoit, the state coordinator for the program, explains the qualifications.
Hoit says, “They need to be a citizen of the United States and live in Iowa, between the ages of 21 and 60, use a wheelchair or a scooter for 100% of their daily mobility, and like to make appearances and to talk to groups of people or individuals.”
The woman who wins the title will have a busy year ahead, Hoit says. “One of the first things after being crowned is that she will attend the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant which will be held this year in Long Beach, California, the first week in August,” Hoit says. “That will be a weeklong event where she will mingle and meet titleholders from all across the country.”
This competition isn’t a beauty pageant. It’s for women who use wheelchairs to advocate for — and showcase the abilities of — people with disabilities. “The contestants are judged on their achievements and accomplishments since the onset of their disability,” Hoit says. The winner will be able to create her own platform to advocate for something about which she feels passionate.
The deadline to register is February 21. The Ms. Wheelchair Iowa event will be held March 15th in Iowa City. For information, contact Hoit at 800-351-8375 or at [email protected].