Ms Wheelchair America 2009 First Runner Up and Ms Wheelchair California 2008

Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities, Washington, DC

2010-03-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Event Date: April 26, 2010

For more information:
http://www.usajobs.gov/DisabilityHiringEvent.asp

Media update

2010-02-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Digital Media Commons, Monterey Institute of International Studies by Ryan Gonzalez
http://blogs.miis.edu/dmc/2009/11/09/shannon-coe-inspirational-story-of-the-day/

Mobility International, USA by Stephanie Gray
http://www.miusa.org/publications/books/volunteeraway/simplemagazine_view

December 3rd, United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities

2009-12-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities started off pretty interesting as our Messenger of Peace was Stevie Wonder. General-Secretary Ban ki-moon mentioned that PwDs should be included in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He later introduced Stevie Wonder.

Then Stevie Wonder spoke but during his speech, the fire alarm went off and all of us had to evacuate the building. Since we waited outside for a while, Stevie Wonder, General-Secretary Ban Ki-moon, Ambassador Susan E. Rice (who was scheduled to speak) left. Stevie never finished his speech.

When we got back in the conference room, children from a school in Brooklyn sang Stevie Wonder songs.

Then panelists from the World Bank, Philippines, Republic of Tanzania, World Health Organization, United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, and AARP spoke. Some of them talked about disability rights laws passed in their countries and the need to include people with disabilities in the MDGs but did not offer practical steps in the “how.” They acknowledged this problem. The panelists said getting data and stats on disability in time for the MDGs review progress in 2010 is the biggest challenge. Although there is some information available, we still need to send the information out to the government in 2010.

After lunch, the NYC Commissioner Matthew Sapolin from the Mayor’s Office of Persons with Disabilities spoke about community and economic empowerment for PwDs through aggressive dialog with their constituents with disabilities, meetings, forums, seminars, and conferences, and coalition building with groups who will benefit such as seniors citizens and people with disabilities.

The celebration closed with four international films focused on positive images of people with different disabilities, and a reception followed.

November 14th, Ms Wheelchair DC Gala 2009

2009-11-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Maria, Ms Wheelchair DC 2010!

October 20th, Mental Disability Rights International, 15th Anniversary Commemoration

2009-10-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

October 6th, The Mayor's Annual Disability Awareness Conference

2009-10-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

In recognition of Disability Awareness Month, Mayor Adrian Fenty and his administraion (bottom right photo) held the Mayor's Annual Disability Awareness Conference in DC. This year's agenda was Employment for All. People with disabilities often times encountered numerous barriers in finding employment. The federal and local government of DC are starting many initiatives to actively recruit people with disabilities in government. There will be a job fair conference focused on recruting people with disabilities next year. Federal agencies are supposed to have job openings to hire people with disabilities. Be sure to look out for more information to come.

While there are many challenges to securing employment, there are also success stories. Wendy Batson, Executive Director of Handicap International (top left), and I had the opportunity to talk about employment success stories at HI.

http://www.dc.gov/index.asp

October 3rd, President Barack Obama with First Lady Michelle Obama

2009-10-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

After visiting Georgetown, my husband, Dominic and I decided to have dinner at the Blue Duck Tavern. When we arrived at the restaurant, there were two men from the secret service checking everyone at the door. I didn’t understand why we had to be scanned if we were just having dinner. I asked the hostess and she said there was a “celebrity dining here tonight.” Before we got seated, Dom and I went to the restroom where Dom was accompanied by the secret service in the men’s room and I was accompanied by the hostess in the women’s restroom. When the hostess took us to our table, we had to go through the kitchen where the hostess knocked at the door three times before the secret service opened the kitchen door. The same man who had scanned me earlier at the front door wanted to scan me again. I told him that he had already scanned me so there was no need to do it twice. I felt as though I was being treated differently because I use a wheelchair. I was insistent and did not allow the secret service guy to scan me. So he backed off, acknowledging the fact that he had indeed scanned me already.

We got seated to our table. Fifteen minutes later, I saw First Lady Michelle Obama in a nice evening black dress and behind her was President Barack Obama in a suit without a tie walking 10 feet away from our table. I said to Dom it was “Obama”, and Dom with disbelief on his face said “yeah, right” thinking I was pulling his leg. I told him to turn around and sure enough, Dom saw President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The four of us made eye contacts. Dom in complete coolness nodded at the President while I waived. The President returned a nod to Dom. Then the President and First Lady left the restaurant with several vehicles behind them, one including an ambulance. Dom and I looked at each other with complete satisfaction as one of our dreams became a reality. Of all the US presidents in our lifetime, Dom and I only have wanted to meet President Obama. Why you ask? Because we wanted to thank President Obama for valuing the human rights of people with disabilities internationally. Now that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has been signed by the US, we hope the Senate will be ratifying it soon.

Later, Dom and I found out that the President and First lady were at the Blue Duck Tavern celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!

July 30th, UN CRPD Signing Reception

2009-08-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Left:
Middle - Ambassador Susan E. Rice (Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations)
Bottom left – Michael Winters (US Department of Transportation)

Right:

Top left - Valerie B. Jarrett (Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement)

Top right – Kareem Dale (White House Advisor for Disability Policy)

Celebrating US signing of the CRPD!!

http://www.itodaynews.com/august2009/index.htm
http://www.un.org/disabilities/

July 24th, President Obama signed commitment to UNCRPD

2009-07-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

As Wheelchair America First Runner Up, I want to congratulate President Obama for his leadership in making the commitment to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in commemoration of the 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Handicap International (HI), the international NGO that I am working with this summer in the Washington DC area, gave me an opportunity to write about this historical moment. Please click on the website below to read the brief:

http://www.handicap-international.us/in-the-us/in-brief/?dechi_actus%5Bid%5D=66&cHash=f29fc4240d

Furthermore, in celebration of today's monumental achievement in the disability rights community, I visited all three branches of the U.S. Federal Government- the White House where President Obama signed a document to send Ambassador Rice to sign the UNCRPD in New York next week, the Capitol where laws were being passed for healthcare, and the Supreme Court where liberty and justice united. I believe Franklin D. Roosevelt would have been proud of our victory to human rights for all people.

May 13th, Monterey Kiwanis Club

2009-05-28T21:01:00.001-07:00

April 18th, Supported Life Regional Self-Advocacy Meeting

2009-04-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Alyson Roth, Ms Wheelchair California 2009

2009-04-21T16:57:00.001-07:00

"Alyson grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended church every time the doors were open. She was actively involved in Sunday School, mission trips, and various ministries both at church and in school to help bring others closer to a relationship with Jesus. The Bible became a source of stability and comfort to her through her adolescence and teenage years.

The summer before her senior year in college following a missionary assignment in Northern California, Alyson was involved in a near-fatal car accident that left her with a spinal cord injury and paralyzed from the waist down. Within a matter of seconds, her life went from planned out to completely chaotic and unfamiliar. The God that she had relied on for strength and support her entire life was all of the sudden no where to be seen. The life she knew was completely gone, and her hopes and dreams were completely shattered. That morning in July, she went from walking around just hours before at a gas station to lying in the middle of the desert - paralyzed.

Though trying desperately to hold on to the life she once knew before the car accident, Alyson slowly started questioning not only her friendship with her best friend and driver of the car at the time of the accident, but also the omnipotence and provision of God. Where was He that morning as she lay in the desert? Why did He allow this to happen to her?

God has promised us in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Through her own pain and struggles, Alyson has learned that God will take care of those who suffer as He did with her and that all the years of hurt will be restored in the Lord's time for a better purpose in the end. In the meantime, she feels compelled to live and exude excellence in the name of Jesus and be a voice for those who desperately need mobility in developing countries.

Alyson currently resides in Southern California and speaks to community groups, churches, and schools around the country. In her free time, she enjoys photography, spending time outdoors, reading, and enjoying time with friends and family."

You can watch the pageant on the news:
http://cbs13. com/local/ miss.wheelchair. california. 2.976430. html

Winter 2009, "The Promise of Berkeley" article

2009-04-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

http://promise.berkeley.edu/winter_2009/shannon_coe/

March 23rd, Breakfast with Congressman Sam Farr, 17th District

2009-03-24T02:08:00.001-07:00

March 9-10th, Tax and Financial Awareness for individuals with disabilities

2009-03-12T01:54:00.000-07:00

March 5th, 2009 International Women's Day

2009-03-06T01:03:00.000-08:00

City of Monterey Proclamation for MWA First Runner Up

2009-02-17T01:12:00.000-08:00

February 10th, Americans for UNFPA Luncheon for the Health and Dignity of Women

2009-02-17T01:06:00.001-08:00

Februrary 6-8th, Quad Rugby Portland Invitational

2009-02-17T00:45:00.000-08:00

During the weekend of February 6th-8th, Portland was holding an invitational game for Quad Rugby. Although I have done and seen several wheelchair sports, I have not had the chance to witness a Quad Rugby game live. Therefore, I was excited to make an appearance as Ms Wheelchair America 2009 First Runner Up at the event. On the first day, I was surprised to find myself to be the only girl in a wheelchair. It was not until the next day when I saw a female athlete playing for the British Columbia team. She was a great player. I also met many wonderful teams from Portland Pounders, British Columbia Bandits, Northridge Kings, Michigan Storm, Seattle Slam, and Western Rovers. Some of them have even played for the Paralympics Games in Beijing. The players’ discipline, determination, and strength were amazing. They got right back into the game even though they had just fallen backwards on the court. The game was both fun and intense to watch as the players crashed into each other trying to get the ball behind the line.

Since Oregon does not have a Ms Wheelchair state program, many people at the event were interested and asked me questions about Ms Wheelchair America. I shared with several of them about the pageant and the advocacy work titleholders have done in the country. It would be wonderful if Ms Wheelchair Oregon was established to empower the women with disabilities in that state. On the last day, I had the honor of presenting awards to some of the most talented players. Although Portland Pounders won the game, it was clear that all the teams were winners. I hope the next time I watch a Quad Rugby game; I will see more female players on the court. My appearance in Portland was very memorable.

December 30th 2008- January 1st 2009, Tournament of Roses Parade

2009-01-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

The Kiwanis, an organization dedicated to community service, graciously invited Ms. Wheelchair America and California to ride with them on their float this year. A very special thank you to the Kiwanis! Below are a few pics from the event, including Michelle and I adding a few touches to the float, and us posing in front of other floats. It was an unforgettable experience!

The Kiwanis entry won for most beautiful small float. You can see some more parade pictures (11th picture down is the Kiwanis float) at:

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200901/1013/

October is Disability Awareness Month

2008-10-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Read all about it:

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1380

Oct 24th, Environmental Traveling Companion (ETC) Regatta

2008-10-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

October 18th, ACT Games 2008

2008-10-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

October 13th-16th, Eastern Connecticut State University

2008-10-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Davis Enterprise article

2008-10-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Oct 4th, BORP Revolution 2008

2008-10-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Bay area Outreach and Recreation Program is a Berkeley-based organization that focuses on outdoor activities for individuals with disabilities. Each year BORP holds a fundraising bike ride in the wine growing region of Sonoma, near to California's Napa Valley. You can read more about this great event at BORP's website, http://www.borp.org/revolution/index.htm

I've had lots of fun with BORP riding hand-cycles in the past, but this year I was invited to help cheer the riders along, a role I accepted with great pleasure. Riders both with and without disabilities took part in the event, which included entries for everything from a 100k ride down to a 10k ride. 2008 Paralympic silver-medal hand-cycle champion Alejandro Albor and several other hand cyclists took-on the century along with many friends and supporters who helped make this fund-raising event a great success.

I helped many of the 10k hand-cyclists get ready for their ride at a beautiful spot in Graton, CA - this site was also about the half-way point for the 100k riders who came through after the 10k riders had set out. I've captured part of the adventure below:

Getting Ready for the 10k Ride:

These kids rock!

Here are some of the 100k Riders stopping in:

There were many beautiful sites along the way, and other amazing people to meet at the finish:

Come participate in this great and fun event next year on the last Saturday of September.

Sep 20th, U.C. Berkeley's Division for Equity and Inclusion in Education, Open House

2008-10-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

Gibor Basri, UC Berkeley vice chancellor for equity and inclusion (center) and Berkeley student.

U.C. Berkeley faculty and students.

KCRA Common Ground

2008-09-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a Video of my recent appearance on KCRA Channel 3's Common Ground Segment:

September 13th, Yolo People First

2008-09-13T18:00:00.001-07:00

August 22nd-23rd, AccessToCare Expo

2008-09-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

Top left: Signing autographs

Top right: Interview

Bottom left and right: Celebrity Wheelchair basketball

The two-day expo held at Bayside Church in Granite Bay featured 60 exhibitors from health to disability-related resources and services. The wealth of information for parents who have children with disabilities and people from all walks of life who have health questions found the event invaluable in the community.

July 30th, California Youth Leadership Forum

2008-08-02T21:36:00.001-07:00

Left: YLF delegates
Right: Anthony P. Sauer, Director of Department of Rehabilitation

Left: Senator Darrell Steinberg
Right: Mentors Luncheon

The next day, I spoke to the YLF delegates at the State Capitol about the importance of youth leadership. Then, we went to Senator Darrell Steinberg's office where the delegates got to address issues concerning youth with disabilities. Later, we headed to the convention center for the Mentors Luncheon. It was great to see youth with disabilities taking on leadership roles in the community.

July 29th, Assistive Technology and Resource Fair for the Youth Leadership Forum

2008-08-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Left: Speaking to delegates
Right: Signing autographs

After spending an intense week at the pageant, it was nice to share with 55 delegates from the California Youth Leadership Forum about traveling abroad for people with disabilities and my experience being Ms Wheelchair California 2008 and 1st Runner Up for Ms Wheelchair America 2009. This sparked a lot of interest from the female delegates. I hope to see them in future pageants.

July 21st, Peace Corps Headquarters

2008-08-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

While I was in Maryland for the competition, I spent a few hours at Peace Corps Headquarters in DC. I caught up with Karen Chaput, Peace Corps Videographer, who filmed my experience in Paraguay and met with several staff members. I also had the honor of meeting Peace Corps Director Tschetter, who was a volunteer in India. Great news: Peace Corps has a new initiative to recruit people with disabilities to volunteer in Kenya and other countries.

1st Runner Up Ms Wheelchair America 2009

2008-08-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Top: Fun day group photo

Top left: State display trifold

Top right: 1st Runner Up

Mid left: Around the World theme

Mid right: 50's theme night

Bottom left: Comedy night

Bottom right: Crowning night

I want to express a special thank you to everyone for all your love, votes, and support over the last week while I was at the Ms Wheelchair America Pageant. The pageant was a meeting of 25 state representatives and DC, a wonderful and inspiring group of advocates and individuals, all of whom have so much to give and to share. I’ve been blessed by all the other contestants and look forward to working with many of them in the future. After an intensive week of interviews, speeches, workshops, and activities, it was an honor to receive the title First Runner Up for Ms Wheelchair America 2009. I’ve posted a few highlights from my experience at the pageant. I look forward to all the adventures that lie ahead as we continue to empower individuals with disabilities. As Ms Wheelchair California 2008 and First Runner Up for Ms Wheelchair America 2009, I will continue to promote higher education and to develop leadership vision for women with disabilities. Be sure to view my platform speech on this topic below. Finally, I wish to congratulate Michelle Colvard on her new title as Ms Wheelchair America 2009. I look forward to supporting her and all the other state titleholders in all their endeavors.

Ms. Wheelchair America Platform Speech

2008-07-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

My Speech (1st Runner Up)

Michelle Colvard's Speech (Congrats to our new title-holder!)

Award Ceremony

Ms Wheelchair America Pageant 2009

2008-07-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

From July 21st - 27th, I will be in Rockville, Maryland for the Ms Wheelchair America Pageant 2009. I feel both excited and nervous that I will be going to nationals to represent California. I also look forward to meeting the other Ms Wheelchair state titleholders at the event. Thank you everyone for all your encouragements! By the way, you can also support me by voting for the People's Choice Award on the Ms Wheelchair America website below: http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org/contestants/california2008/

More exciting news--New Mobility magazine published an article I wrote about my Peace Corps experience in Paraguay on the July 2008 issue. Please click on the link below: http://newmobility.com/articleViewIE.cfm?id=11207

Media:

This morning KDRT interviewed me for, "How She Really Does It." I'll post the link when the podcast is available so check back soon.

Also see me on the news - See youtube clip here:

July 15st-16th, Association on Higher Education And Disability 2009 Conference

2008-07-12T16:16:00.001-07:00

At the 31st AHEAD Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada, Olivia Emilia (Mobility International, USA), Jim Kessler (Director of Disability Services at UNC Chapel Hill and Past-President of AHEAD), and I gave a presentation on "Tools and Strategies to Adapt to Change in Support During Overseas Study." During the conference, I met Fran Edelen who is the Diversity Outreach Program Manager for the Central Intelligence Agency.

March 29th, 2nd Annual Community Wheelchair Basketball Challenge

2008-07-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sonoma County Blazers Vs. Napa Police Department and City of Napa Fire Department

Susan Rotchy, Ms Wheelchair California 2007, and I made an appearance at the wheelchair basketball tournament in Napa. We watched the athletes played a tough game. But in the end, the Sonoma County Blazers triumphed. For those who are interested in wheelchair basketball, the Blazers are always recruiting for their team. Please contact Jason Foell at jason@kochconstruction.net. After the game, I drew out the winning ticket number for the raffle prize. All the proceeds benefited the Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network.

Morgan Hill July 4th Parade

2008-07-09T23:37:00.000-07:00

Morgan Hill had its annual 4th of July parade to celebrate our country's independence. The day was full of cheers and festivities as 44,000 people watched floats, bands, and other performances go by in downtown. The crowd and I were buzzing with energy as we greeted each other with "Happy 4th of July!"

July 2nd, City of Davis ADA Standing Subcommittee

2008-07-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

Subcomittee Members: George Moore (Chairperson), Lena Contreras, Shula Shoup, Cecilia Von Beroldington

Staff: Elvia Garcia-Ayala, Teri Spiritosanto, Cameron Gibbs

The City of Davis ADA Standing Subcommittee meets every odd month to address issues of accessibility in Davis. It was an honor to be invited by Council Member Lamar Heystek and Chairperson George Moore to be part of the Subcommitte. However, since I will be moving to Monterey to start my graduate program in August, I will not be able to join this great group of advocates. They have many exciting projects coming up, please join them in their efforts to make Davis a disability-friendly environment.

City of Davis Proclamation

2008-06-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

City of Davis Mayor Sue Greenwald reading my proclamation at the City Council meeting. To read the proclamation online, please visit: http://www.city.davis.ca.us/meetings/councilpackets/20080624/01_PROC-Ms_Wheelchair_CA.pdf

June 1st - 9th, Rural Education and Action Development

2008-06-27T15:01:00.001-07:00

After distributing wheelchairs in Ongole, I extended my time in India with a non-governmental organiztion called READ. They recently built a Disability Center to provide services and aid to people with disabilities in Andimadam, India. Some of the sponsor children in READ were HIV positive and orphans. Again, I saw many cases of young people with disabilities with polio and leprosies. During my visit, I got a chance to play with the children, to distribute school supplies, and to encourag them. You can find out more about the organization by visiting http://www.sahaya.org/read/read.html.

May 21st-June 1st, Wheels for the World India

2008-06-27T14:45:00.001-07:00

I went with Joni and Friends Wheels for the World to Ongole, India to distribute 200 wheelchairs to people with disabilities. Many recipients came to the distribution site either being carried by their parents or crawling to the site. After the recipients received their wheelchairs, I was able to train them on how to use the wheelchairs safely. For many of them, it was their first day of independence. To learn more about Joni and Friends WFTW, please visit: http://www.joniandfriends.org/

May 15th, Sacramento River Cats Game

2008-05-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

After speaking at the Capitol, my husband and I went to watch the River Cats play against the Salt Lake Bees with the kids and teens from Access Leisure. Although the Bees won, it was fun cheering for our home team with fun conversations, ice cream, and hot dogs!

May 15th, Capitol Action Day

2008-05-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

California State Senator Michael Machado

Assemblymember Lois Wolk

Camisha Grandberry, 1st Runner Up MWC 2008, Mrs. Jesse Unruh, and Ruthee Goldkorn, Executive Director of MWC.

Speaking at the Capitol

May 9-11th, Whole Earth Festival

2008-05-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Whole Earth Festival, celebrated each year in Davis CA, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the earth that we live on. In keeping with the festival's "green" theme, I was able to share how Joni and Friends recycles unused wheelchairs and takes them to the developing world where they are much needed. We met many new friends and encountered a good deal of support. Thanks again to everyone for stopping by!

April 24-25th, Disability Rights in Asia Conference

2008-05-07T01:26:00.000-07:00

Top left: Judy Huemann, Director of the Department on Disability Services.

Top right: John Lancaster, Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living.

Bottom second left: Hon. Richard Thornburgh, Of Counsel, K & L Gates, former Attorney General of the United States.

Bottom second right: Akiko Ito, Chief of the UN Programme on Disability for the Division of Social Policy and Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Saowalak Thongkuay, Regional Development Officer for Disabled Persons International in Thailand.

Bottom third left: Venus Llagan, former Chairperson of Disabled Persons International in the Philippines.

Two weeks ago, I attended a conference on disability human rights law in Asia at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle. I learned how the legal framework of the new UN Convention on Disability Rights is applicable in the United States. To learn more about this new Convention, please visit http://www.un.org/disabilities/.

April 27th, Access Leisure VIP Game

2008-05-07T01:20:00.003-07:00

I had a great time awarding medals to VIP athletes at Cal State Sacramento Hornet Stadium.

May 10th, California for Disability Rights Chapter #14

2008-05-07T01:20:00.001-07:00

CDR chapter #14 meeting to organize the Sunshine Rally at the Capitol steps.

April 23rd, Sacramento State University

2008-04-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

This week is Disability Awareness Week at Sac State University. The theme this year is "Recreation without Barriers." I was fortunate to meet with considerable interest in disability rights and advocacy amongst the crowd.

I was able to share in an interview with a school newspaper about the advocacy work Ms. Wheelchair California does in the state.

Paralympic silver-medal hand-cycle champion Alejandro Albor.

April 17th, Disability Awareness Day at Sacramento City College

2008-04-18T03:18:00.000-07:00

Top left: Supported Life Institute
Self-Advocacy Coordination Project
is seeking advisors. If you are interested, please contact Ed Plan at edplon@supportedlife.org or visit http://www.supportedlife.org/

April 16th, Alzheimer's Association Rally

2008-04-18T02:42:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of supporters came to the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento on April 16th to stop budget cuts on in-home support services for those affected by Alzheimer's and people with disabilities.

April 12th, Fundraiser Events for India

2008-04-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

In May, I will be going with Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program to distribute 200 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Ongole, India. For the last few months, I’ve been fundraising money to go on the trip. On the top left, whenever we have time, Tad and I spend our Saturday mornings at the Davis Farmer’s Market asking for donations for his sculptures. Tad makes all the sculptures with only his hands and has used his art to contribute to this life-changing cause. Come see him bend sculptures and help support a great cause! We will be at the Whole Earth Festival from May 9-11th at UC Davis.

Below and on the right, my friend Lonna kindly opened up her home for a dinner fundraiser. With the help of some friends, she made delicious Indian food. I met many amazing souls that night. Although we came from different backgrounds, we all had a heart for India. Many of them gave me great insights and financial support. I would like to thank all of them for their generosity!

March 28th, Dinner in Morgan Hill

2008-04-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Dinner in Morgan Hill with Ruthee Goldkorn, Executive Director of Ms Wheelchair California, Nina, Bob and Maureen Hunt, who are organizing the July 4th Gilroy Parade. We had a fun time getting to know each other. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bob and Maureen for their generosity in inviting Ruthee and me to be in the parade. We hope you can join us there on the Fourth of July! For more information, please visit www.mhparade.com.

March 22nd, California for Disability Rights, Yolano (Yolo/Solano) Chapter

2008-03-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

This group of professionals with disabilities promotes local policy which includes the voice of the disability community. Currently, one of the issues the group is working on is accessible housing.

March 21st, Access Leisure Teen Program

2008-03-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

The Access Leisure Teen Program is an after school recreation and social program for youth with disabilities. We had a fun afternoon playing freeze tag - what a great group!

March 8th, Ms Wheelchair California 2008 Pageant

2008-03-19T10:45:00.001-07:00

At the 2008 pageant with Susan Rotchy, Ms Wheelchair California 2007, and Camisha Grandberry, 1st Runner-up, and another great advocate who will be doing lots of great advocacy work in Southern California this year under her title.

Greetings

2008-03-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my blog! It is an honor to have been crowned Ms Wheelchair California 2008. I'm excited to be able to represent the disability community in California in this special capacity. I look forward to continuing my advocacy work around the state this year - please let me know if you would like to book a speaking engagement or if you know of a visiting opportunity through which I can help make a difference. Thank you for visiting my blog - come back often to see what's new.