Ms. Wheelchair Kansas Program
The Program
The Ms. Wheelchair Kansas program is not a beauty contest, but rather a competition to select the most articulate, accomplished delegate who will serve as a role model and spokesperson for people with disabilities in Kansas. This woman of achievement will have the opportunity to travel throughout the state of Kansas educating the general public, business community, legislature, and others about the issues that are of importance to people with disabilities. She will share her chosen platform (or passion) with different groups, interact with the media, and serve as a role model for youth and adults alike. She will also serve as an advocate in the disability community. Her overall message will be one of promoting diversity and breaking down stereotypes against people with disabilities. Her reign will lead to an opportunity to attend the national competition where she will compete for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America.
Mission
The Ms. Wheelchair Kansas program will annually select one woman, who is wheelchair mobile, that will successfully advocate, educate, and empower all people on a state level.
- be a US citizen who is 21 years of age or older
- utilize a wheelchair for 100 % of daily community mobility
- be a resident of Kansas for at least the past 6 months
- marital status is not a consideration
- have not held a title in another state
- be willing to raise money and obtain sponsors for the state and national entry fees
- be willing and able to travel throughout the state - this includes having access to reliable and easily obtained transportation
- be ready and willing to successfully advocate, educate, and empower all persons with disabilities through various opportunities over the course of the year
Requirements
The Judging Process
Contestants will be judged based on the following criteria:
Accomplishments- personal achievements since onset of disability only in the following areas:
Academic
Vocational
Personal
Adjustment to disability
Communication Skills
Ability to deal with media, peers, civic groups, etc.
Public relations skills
Advocacy for persons with disabilities
Self-confidence, motivation, initiative, creativity
Self-perception / projection
Poise, demeanor
Appropriate attire, personal presentation
Contestants will be judged during the following events:
two personal interview sessions
a platform speech presentation
an on stage interview