Upward Transitions Announces Miss Wheelchair America 2013 Will Participate in Rider Program

Oct. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- The event cooperation between UTTH and the Ms. Wheelchair America and Ms. Wheelchair Texas organizations will highlight the awareness of a more inclusive and peaceful world on behalf of the Ms. Wheelchair Foundation, and the UTTH awareness for improving the lives of people with physical, emotional and mental challenges through horse-related programs.

Ms. Amber Higgs, UTTH Executive Director said, “We are excited about the opportunity to host Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 at our facilities, and promote the foundations that support people of all ages with disabilities.” Ms. Higgs stated that the mission of Upward Transitions is to enhance the lives of people with physical, emotional and mental challenges through horse-related programs and a dedicated community. Upward Transitions’ center is a positive, safe environment allowing those in need to escape their normal daily challenges with the goal of allowing them to become more independent. The UTTH goal is to provide an environment and program that allows each rider to achieve a maximum independence given their circumstances. Not only are there many miracle type stories of medical benefits but the freedom felt by sitting on top of their horse and leaving the confines of their disability behind is what Upward Transitions is excited to deliver. For individuals with mental or emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self esteem

Ms. Kilborne, whom we met at the San Antonio Accessibility Expo said that her foundation is all about "Empowering Women in the Community". Organized in 1972 by a Columbus, Ohio physician, Dr. Philip K. Wood, as a forum for the promotion of the achievements, as well as, the needs of, people with mobility impairments, Ms. Wheelchair America recognizes the accomplishments of women who utilize wheelchairs for mobility. The non-profit program which consists of the State Coordinators and State Titleholders has grown to include programs in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia. The state programs are staffed and coordinated by volunteers dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all citizens will be afforded the opportunities to lead productive and meaningful lives. Ms. Kilbourne said that “the mission of Ms. Wheelchair America is to provide an opportunity of achievement for women who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 52 million Americans living with disabilities”.

The Foundation reports that unlike traditional beauty pageants, Ms. Wheelchair America is not a contest to select the most attractive individual. It is instead a competition based on advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for persons with disabilities. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature.

The Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 competition took place in August 2012 in Providence, Rhode Island, co-hosted by the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation and the Ms. Wheelchair Rhode Island Foundation.   thirty-five contestants from around the country will competed for the Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 crown.  The week of competition was packed full of leadership workshops, mentoring, networking and judging sessions.

A panel of five diverse judges from across the country selected Ms. Kilbourne to wear the  2013 crown.  The judging decision was based on a combination of private interviews, a platform speech presentation and on stage questions.  Ms. Kilbourne was selected to represent all wheelchair or mobility limited individuals from across the country, and must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature.   You can learn more about the annual pagent by visiting:  https://www.facebook.com/MsWheelchairAmerica2013Pageant

Ms. Wheelchair America and Ms. Wheelchair Texas Pageants use competitions designed to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for the millions of disabled Americans. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature.

As Ms. Wheelchair America, Ms. Kilbourne’s duties are numerous. For 2013 she has the opportunity to travel, make public appearances, and conduct radio, print, and television interviews in the fulfillment of her responsibilities. These include promoting awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and attitudinal barriers, educating Texans on disability issues, and informing the public of the achievements of people with disabilities across our great state.

Upward Transitions and Ms. Wheelchair America invite the public to participate in the cooperation of these two foundations who serve the people of Texas and America who deserve opportunity through awareness, and participation in the programs sponsored by the foundations.

You can learn more about the Ms. Wheelchair America  Foundation by visiting: http://www.mswheelchairamerica2013.org/home, and in addition, you can learn more about Upward Transitons Therapeutic Horsemanship by visiting: http://www.upward-transitions.org or call Blue Planet Marketing, Dave Howell at 210-618-6566, dave@bpmktg.com.