Ms. Wheelchair America a success for Wooster resident
By Angela Workman
August 20, 2012
343
Summary: Wooster resident, Angela Hunter, attended the Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 contest as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio from Aug. 6-12. Competing alongside 27 other women, Hunter was educated, informed and changed as a person. Hunter will continue working to improve the lives of those with mobility impairments.
Live life. Be an example. These were the concepts of Angela Hunters speech at Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 and Leadership Institute from Aug. 6-12.
And an example she is. Hunter is a Wooster resident who was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Ohio in March and works to ensure rights and reduce barriers for those with mobility impairments. Her trip to Providence, Rhode Island was one of many activities shes been participating in this year.
Hunter is doing more than just living life, too. She is improving the quality of life of those around her. Hunter was one of 28 women at the competition, and the enormity of this struck an emotional chord.
It gives women who use wheelchairs an opportunity and platform to make changes in world. We get to educate and advocate for the over 54 million people who are living with different abilities in the United States. We promote awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and attitudinal barriers, informing the able-bodied public of the achievements of the millions of people with disabilities across the nation. So, not only do we get to communicate our needs and achievements, we get to be a voice for others, Hunter said.
The Ms. Wheelchair America competition included three different meetings with five judges. The contestants were asked questions about the American with Disabilities Act, advocacy, how to empower others and personal achievements.
Hunter said she would not trade a single moment of the competition. Despite the flurry of activity, Hunter reported growing and changing as a personblossoming into an even more capable advocate.
At the beginning of the crowning ceremony we introduced ourselves and stated our platforms. After the final contestant was introduced, the entire crowd stood and cheered. As the crowd got louder reality hit me. I was one of 28 women in the country to be honored with a state title. Everyone was so proud of us. I was (and) am proud to be in that group. As I looked at the crowd and my new sisters I was moved to tears. It was an amazing experience, Hunter explained.
The song, For Good, from the play, Wicked, was performed at the competition as well. Hunter said the following lyrics described the way she felt the entire week about the women she connected with: It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime. So, let me say before we part, so much of me is made from what I learned from you. You'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart, and now, whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine, by being my friend.
These 28 women have the power to impact the world in a huge way. Theyll do this by living life and being an examplebecause empowerment breeds change and progress.
For the remainder of the year, Hunter will be making appearances across Ohio, delivering informational and motivational speeches. Anyone who would like Hunter to make an appearance at an event can contact her at mswheelchairohio2012@gmail.com.
