A Journey of Achievement and Pride
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 30, 2009
Contact:
Pamela C. Clark, Ed.D.
(W) 276-656-0290
(F) 276-656-0261
(C) 540-520-8468
Joan Manley of Lexington, Virginia Crowned New Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009-2010
Fishersville, Va – Joan Manley became the 2009-2010 Saturday March 28th at the organization’s signature gala event held at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Ms. Manley, of Lexington, became a Spinal Cord Injury Quadriplegic due to an automobile accident. She works with numerous organizations, boards, and is a part-time Advocacy Specialist with VAIL Center for Independent Living. She speaks regularly for local groups about living with a disability while promoting accessibility for all in her community. Joan enjoys independent living, adaptive recreation, home gardening, and traveling.
Platform of Advocacy:
Individuals with disabilities should have adequate CHOICE and should be
aware of their CHOICES and take responsibility for them.
Motto of Inspiration:
It's Your Choice To Make; The Time Is Now
Self Perception:
Passionate, Persistent, Particular, Positive, Powerful
Sponsor: Carillon
This year’s event was hosted at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, March 28, 2009 in Fishersville, VA. It was a full weekend of activity and competition followed up by an inspiring evening of excitement as 5 contestants from across the Commonwealth came to vie for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia.
Misty Dart of Richmond was 1st runner up and received the H. Wayne Sale Scholarship award. Misty is a 28 year old T5 paraplegic from Richmond, Va. After rehabilitation at WWRC in 2001, following a vehicle accident, she attended John Tyler Community College from 2002-2005. She became and active leader in the college and the local community, earning several academic awards and graduating Magna Cum Laude in Arts and Sciences. She is currently in remission from Cushing’s disease and returning to her active lifestyle.
To have Ms. Wheelchair Virginia at your next engagement, become a contestant, to be a sponsor, or more information please visit www.mswheelchairva.com . Joan will be representing Virginia at the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair America Program on August 24-29, 2009 in Rapid City, South Dakota.
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Ms. Wheelchair Virginia is a non-profit organization that focuses on the accomplishments of Virginians with disabilities. Our mission is to educate, advocate and raise awareness of the abilities and needs of the disability community; but more importantly, to inspire and motivate Virginians as role models of courage and hope.
To learn more about the program, and check out the all the upcoming highlights and photos from this year’s event, please visit our website at www.mswheelchairva.com
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Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center:
The Premier Rehabilitation Community Serving People With Disabilities.