Congratulations to Ms. Wheelchair America 2009 Michelle Colvard from Houston, Texas!!! Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2008 was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2009 on, July 26th, 2008, at the Hilton Hotel in Rockville, Maryland. Michelle was crowned on the 18th anniversary of the signing of the American with Disabilities Act. Read Michelle’s profile and view some more pictures.

NOTE: Event video and slide shows are being developed. Please check back soon to see them.

Michelle was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2008 in February 2008, and Ms. Wheelchair America in July 2008. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of Houston and earned her Master’s degree in Health Promotion from The University of Texas School of Public Health. Michelle was born with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair since the 6th grade – but those who know her don’t see her wheelchair, or her disability.

With her background in health promotion research and strong focus on women’s issues, her platform as Ms. Wheelchair America 2009 emphasizes the importance for people of all abilities to take responsibility for their health and wellness. Michelle stays active with daily exercise at her gym, and through recreational activity such as snow skiing, basketball, kayaking, and travel. She also races her MINI Cooper in autocross competitions, even taking 1st place in her class.

As Ms. Wheelchair Texas and in her position as the Executive Director of Houston’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Michelle is an active advocate for people of all abilities. Michelle is also the past Chairperson of the Houston Commission on Disabilities and the winner of a Jefferson’s Award in recognition of her volunteer service. Among her achievements is her involvement in “Playgrounds without Limits”, Houston’s first inclusive playground for all children. As Ms. Wheelchair America 2009, Michelle helps prove that women who “happen to use wheelchairs” can be every bit as successful, vibrant, and powerful as other women.

1st runner up - Ms. Wheelchair California Shannon Coe

2nd runner up - Ms. Wheelchair Iowa Ashley Lerch

3rd runner up - Ms. Wheelchair Michigan Kathleen LeMieux

4th runner up - Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Jaime Blanton

Congratulations to those contestants that received the following awards.

Nicki Ard Achievement Award - Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, Shari Cooper
The Board of Directors of Ms. Wheelchair America thought it fitting that they rename the Special Achievement Award to the Nicki Ard Achievement Award. Nicki was Ms. Wheelchair America 2001. Nicki passed away one month after completing her year as Ms. Wheelchair America. The award was given to women who best exemplifies Nicki’s motto, “I live my life every day writing a melody that the world will remember when my song is complete”.

People’s Choice Award - Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina, Brandee Ponder
Friends and family were given the opportunity for the past month to vote for their favorite titleholder. Votes were cast at $1.00 per vote. This was the first year voting online.

Internet Hit Award - Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina, Brandee Ponder
This award was established this year. It allowed the general public to vote by the Internet.

Miss Congeniality Award - Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, Jaime Blanton
This award goes to the Titleholder who is voted most helpful and courteous by her peers.

Todd Mullins Courage Award - Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, Kristen Parisi
This award was voted on by individuals who are special donors to the organization. They attended last nights platform speeches and were asked to vote their favorite platform speech.

Best Platform Award - Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, Amanda Steiner
This award is earned by the contestant with the most exceptional platform speech that is delivered within established timeframes, contains both an attention getter and statement of action, and is relevant, informative and persuasive while upholding speaker credibility through the incorporation of firsthand experiences.

Disability Advocate Award - Ms. Wheelchair Colorado, LaTonya Reeves
This award recognizes the contestant who demonstrates a high standard of excellence in advocacy for others to emulate and exemplifies a pioneering spirit advocating for barrier removal advancing inclusion and human rights to ensure equality and dignity for all people with disabilities.

It was also announced today that the Kiwanis have invited Ms. Wheelchair America 2009 to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade!!!

Don’t forget to vote for the People’s Choice Award!

Below are pictures of the State displays. Each contestant created a display board to show their accomplishments and to share information on their States.

All of the contestants safely arrived in Rockville, Maryland yesterday. Check out the individual contestant pages daily for new pictures. Today is Funday at the pageant where contestants get a chance to experience Maryland by checking out the sites. Contestants also get a chance to meet each other and establish new friendships. Don’t forget to vote for the People’s Choice Award!

The Contestants get to know each other by putting on improvisational skits and getting out and having fun!