1972, Dr. Philip K. Wood of Columbus, Ohio, established Ms. Wheelchair America because of his work helping persons with functional impairments. He wanted to give women that used wheelchairs for mobility a platform to share their stories. Dr. Wood believed everyone needed to see and understand what he did. The many talents, capabilities and determination they modeled. He understood the importance of looking past differences and accepting each other as contributing members of society. When this started to happen, he believed that change would start and the many architectural and attitudinal barriers could be broken-down. This mission continues today.
For 50 years, the Ms. Wheelchair America organization, a 501c3 nonprofit, has been operated by dedicated volunteers. consisting of State Coordinators and State Titleholders. During this time there has been a representative from 48 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To date there have been over 1000 state titleholders to share the mission that all people with disabilities will have the opportunities to lead productive and meaningful lives. Ms. Wheelchair America has helped these women find their voice and facilitate positive change throughout America. Unlike a traditional beauty pageant, Ms. Wheelchair America is not a contest to select the most attractive women. It is instead a competition based on advocacy, leadership and achievements. Each year, state titleholders gather to learn, build relationships and crown a spokeswoman to represent the 61 million Americans living with disabilities.
Past Competitions
MWA 2021 – 2022 Competition
August 9-15. 2021 Virtual
MWA 2018 Competition
August 14-20, 2017 in Eerie, Pennsylvania
MWA 2017 Competition
August 8 – August 14, 2016 in Grand Rapids, Michigan
MWA 2009 Competition
Rockville, Maryland 2008
MWA 2005 Competition
July 26-August 1, 2004 in Richmond, Virginia
MWA 1993 Competition
Salt Lake City, Utah 1992
MWA 1989 Competition
Mobile, Alabama 1988
MWA 1988 Competition
Bloomington, Minnesota 1987
MWA 1987 Competition
Richmond, Virginia 1986
MWA 1986 Competition
Warm Springs, Georgia 1985
MWA 1984 Competition
Columbus, Ohio 1983
MWA 1981 Competition
August 6-9, 1980 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1980 Competition
August 1-5, 1979 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1979 Competition
August 12-18, 1978 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1978 Competition
September 14-17, 1977 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1977 Competition
September 22-26, 1976 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1976 Competition
September 26-28, 1975 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1975 Competition
September 5-7, 1974 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1974 Competition
September 5-8, 1973 in Columbus, Ohio
MWA 1973 Competition
Columbus, Ohio 1972