Congratulations to Alex McArthur, Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina!
North Carolina is making a splash at the Ms. Wheelchair America program -- it holds the title for 2010 and 2011.
At 22 years old, Alex is now Ms. Wheelchair America 2011. This lovely young woman with Muscular Dystrophy was diagnosed as a child and has been using a wheelchair for 3 years now, and is still getting used to the “wheelchair image.”
Alex is certain to bring her style to the program. A year of exciting memories begins!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Richmond Disability Examiner articles hits 4,900 viewers
Who would have thought the need for information was so great? Not me. I am amazed at the response from the Richmond Disability Examiner articles. The emails of gratitude have warmed my heart. 82 articles and 4,900+ readers since February 2010. WOW!
Since I began writing the disability resource and event articles in February, I have been educated with a wealth of information about the disability community. My knowledge has expanded beyond Cerebral Palsy. I wasn't aware of all the resources available until I had to research to find them. And what a gold mine I found.
Each article reminds me how blessed I am -- that I am healthy! I, as does the world, take our gifts for granted; the ability to see, talk and walk. It is not until we are face to face with a disability that we see ourselves for who we are. Either we have compassion for those less fortunate and do something about it, OR, we turn a blind eye to the disability and forget it exists.
I opt to see it and do something to help. I hope you feel the same.
The disability world is short of advocates, those who not only see, but have compassion to help. The rewards of "helps" is amazing -- it literally changes lives of both the giver and the receiver.
I leave you with this request: FIND a "helps" that matches your talent, than GIVE freely.
Life can be spent in constant personal enjoyment with no eternal rewards, or in constant personal giving that returns enjoyment beyond your dreams. The choice is yours.
Nancy
Since I began writing the disability resource and event articles in February, I have been educated with a wealth of information about the disability community. My knowledge has expanded beyond Cerebral Palsy. I wasn't aware of all the resources available until I had to research to find them. And what a gold mine I found.
Each article reminds me how blessed I am -- that I am healthy! I, as does the world, take our gifts for granted; the ability to see, talk and walk. It is not until we are face to face with a disability that we see ourselves for who we are. Either we have compassion for those less fortunate and do something about it, OR, we turn a blind eye to the disability and forget it exists.
I opt to see it and do something to help. I hope you feel the same.
The disability world is short of advocates, those who not only see, but have compassion to help. The rewards of "helps" is amazing -- it literally changes lives of both the giver and the receiver.
I leave you with this request: FIND a "helps" that matches your talent, than GIVE freely.
Life can be spent in constant personal enjoyment with no eternal rewards, or in constant personal giving that returns enjoyment beyond your dreams. The choice is yours.
Nancy
Monday, May 31, 2010
Richmond Disability Resources
As the Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond, my knowledge of disability resources have expanded.
It's amazing how many resources are available for those in need, especially those available from the state.
And, I've been amazed at how many resources are seeking volunteers -- have a few hours, there are many places seeking your help.
The disability community evolves around need and resource and a place to find the two. Check out the disability resources in Richmond at www.examiner.com/x-37348-Richmond-Disability-Examiner.
It's amazing how many resources are available for those in need, especially those available from the state.
And, I've been amazed at how many resources are seeking volunteers -- have a few hours, there are many places seeking your help.
The disability community evolves around need and resource and a place to find the two. Check out the disability resources in Richmond at www.examiner.com/x-37348-Richmond-Disability-Examiner.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Connections 2010 Event
I had the privilege of attending the Connections 2010 Event in Richmond, VA on Saturday. An event offering an abundance of resources for the disability community.
Sixty+ vendors provided information about their specific resource to hundreds of attendees. As the Richmond Disability Examiner, I was amazed how receptive the vendors were to my offer of FREE PUBLICITY for their outreach. They were eager to share their resource with the Richmond community.
I learned a lot about resources and events since accepting the challenge of writing for http://www.examiner.com/. My scope of disability knowledge has expanded to include such things as Music Therapy.
I also learned a lot about ME during these past nine weeks of writing -- God is in control of my future. Through his leading, and my obedience to that still small voice, the 35 articles written have educated 2,135 readers in nine weeks! Wow.
What does my future hold as a writer -- GOD KNOWS, I'm just along for the experience!
Sixty+ vendors provided information about their specific resource to hundreds of attendees. As the Richmond Disability Examiner, I was amazed how receptive the vendors were to my offer of FREE PUBLICITY for their outreach. They were eager to share their resource with the Richmond community.
I learned a lot about resources and events since accepting the challenge of writing for http://www.examiner.com/. My scope of disability knowledge has expanded to include such things as Music Therapy.
I also learned a lot about ME during these past nine weeks of writing -- God is in control of my future. Through his leading, and my obedience to that still small voice, the 35 articles written have educated 2,135 readers in nine weeks! Wow.
What does my future hold as a writer -- GOD KNOWS, I'm just along for the experience!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Niki Swann Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011
WOW! I now have a new appreciation for judging. It is a serious obligation, and certainly not one to be taken lightly.
It was a learning experience for me; it stretched my comfort zones by miles. It taught me valuable lessons in seeing beyond the physical. These ladies were amazing -- totally amazing. The ROLLED through their fears and ROLLED into victory lane. All of them were winners in my eyes.
2006, four years ago, I walked through the doors of the Holiday Inn, Midlothian,VA as a volunteer. 2010 I walked through the doors of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center as a judge. Four years of incredible growth and knowledge in the disability community.
The Ms. Wheelchair America program has changed the lives of EVERYONE involved - from the contestants, to the volunteers, to the judges. NO ONE crosses their threshold and remains the same. If they do -- they left their heart outside the door.
I leave you with this motto: VOLUNTEER - it literally changes your life!
Nancy
It was a learning experience for me; it stretched my comfort zones by miles. It taught me valuable lessons in seeing beyond the physical. These ladies were amazing -- totally amazing. The ROLLED through their fears and ROLLED into victory lane. All of them were winners in my eyes.
2006, four years ago, I walked through the doors of the Holiday Inn, Midlothian,VA as a volunteer. 2010 I walked through the doors of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center as a judge. Four years of incredible growth and knowledge in the disability community.
The Ms. Wheelchair America program has changed the lives of EVERYONE involved - from the contestants, to the volunteers, to the judges. NO ONE crosses their threshold and remains the same. If they do -- they left their heart outside the door.
I leave you with this motto: VOLUNTEER - it literally changes your life!
Nancy
Saturday, March 20, 2010
New Title ...
Since becoming involved with the Ms. Wheelchair America Program, life has been an adventure.
For me, a new title ... Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond. I write about my favorite things e.g. resources and events for the disability community. Check out my website at www.examiner.com/x-37348-richmond-disability-examiner.
AND ... I am attending the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011 Pageant at the end of the month, but this time, not as a volunteer, but as a judge. Oh my -- I feel like I have graduated from a four year university. Four years ago I stepped across the threshold of the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2006-2007 Pageant as a volunteer. This year I step across the threshold as a judge. I was overwhelmed at the offer.
AND ... the sequel, The Adventures Continue, is close to going to press. Hard to believe it has been almost a year since My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 was released. Once again, we will release the sequel at the World of Possibility Expo in Maryland on May 14th.
Stay tuned for additional events -- they never end to amaze me at what the wheelchair users can accomplish.
For me, a new title ... Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond. I write about my favorite things e.g. resources and events for the disability community. Check out my website at www.examiner.com/x-37348-richmond-disability-examiner.
AND ... I am attending the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011 Pageant at the end of the month, but this time, not as a volunteer, but as a judge. Oh my -- I feel like I have graduated from a four year university. Four years ago I stepped across the threshold of the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2006-2007 Pageant as a volunteer. This year I step across the threshold as a judge. I was overwhelmed at the offer.
AND ... the sequel, The Adventures Continue, is close to going to press. Hard to believe it has been almost a year since My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 was released. Once again, we will release the sequel at the World of Possibility Expo in Maryland on May 14th.
Stay tuned for additional events -- they never end to amaze me at what the wheelchair users can accomplish.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Power of Language
Did you know that WORDS hurt? I'm sure you do. But do you also know that the use of the wrong words can also inflict pain? I'm sure you do also.
Kathie Snow's article "People First Language" reminded me of the power of words. Her article references the correct use of descriptive words relating to the disabilities community. Please read her entire article at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
What did I learn?
"Handicapped" is an archaic term -- it's no longer used in any federal legislation - that evokes negative images (pity, fear and more.)
"Disabled" is also not appropriate. Traffic reports frequently say, "disabled vehicle." (They once said stalled car.") In that context, "disabled"means "broke down." People with disabilities are not broken down!
Words are descriptive - they describe a person, a place or a thing. To correctly describe people, we must use the correct descriptive word.
The most important lesson I learned from her article:
People First Language puts the person before the disability, and it describes what a person has, not who a person is.
For example:
SAY - People with disabilities INSTEAD OF - The handicapped or disabled.
Let's take Kathie Snow's advice and THINK before we SPEAK.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Kathie Snow's article "People First Language" reminded me of the power of words. Her article references the correct use of descriptive words relating to the disabilities community. Please read her entire article at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
What did I learn?
"Handicapped" is an archaic term -- it's no longer used in any federal legislation - that evokes negative images (pity, fear and more.)
"Disabled" is also not appropriate. Traffic reports frequently say, "disabled vehicle." (They once said stalled car.") In that context, "disabled"means "broke down." People with disabilities are not broken down!
Words are descriptive - they describe a person, a place or a thing. To correctly describe people, we must use the correct descriptive word.
The most important lesson I learned from her article:
People First Language puts the person before the disability, and it describes what a person has, not who a person is.
For example:
SAY - People with disabilities INSTEAD OF - The handicapped or disabled.
Let's take Kathie Snow's advice and THINK before we SPEAK.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year
Welcome to 2010 --a year of promised memories that will change your life.
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
My 2010 is certain to be full of adventures with my wheelchair angels -- specifically Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. Life is never dull when I'm volunteering with Cathy and her incredible friends.
Cathy, and eight wheelchair angels, boarded the Celebrity Mercury for a twelve day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Their goal -- to enjoy the open seas and an adventure of a lifetime.
Travel with the differently abled is an adventure indeed. What I saw was amazing -- wheelchair ladies dancing the night away with the able bodied. And yes, they made a HUGE impression on the passengers of the Celebrity Mercury.
Such an impression was made by Juliette Rizzo -- she won the dance contest against four able bodies couples. Her dance - THE TANGO. Her partner - Gabriel, a cruise professional dancer.
The Navigator Nightclub was overflowing with guests -- most unaware that one couple was differenly abled. It was a magic moment when Juliette and Gabriel rolled to the center of the dance floor -- then the music began and moment by moment the audience was mesmerized by the performance.
Dancing a TANGO is difficult for the able bodied, but add the power wheelchair and you have a sight to behold. And it was -- the judges were amazed and the audience, well the applause spoke loudly of their approval.
Five couples competed, but only one would take the trophy -- and that couple was Juliette and Gabriel. Visit http://www.nancycarey.com/, click on Eastern Caribbean to take a look at the winning couple!!!
Disable Does Not Mean Unable is Cathy Porter's motto -- and she proved it on this cruise. Juliette and Cathy danced the night away -- every night of the twelve day cruise.
SO ... if you're afraid to take a chance to experience LIFE, remember my wheelchair angels.
Nancy Carey
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
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