United Spinal’s UsersFirst program has teamed up with MS. Wheelchair America (MWA) to host a webinar series for current and former MWA title-holders to enhance their communication, peer-mentoring and advocacy skills.
The webinars offer guidance on topics such as public speaking; leadership; sexuality; fashion; health and wellness; and caregiver relationships.
“If we can help one person connect with a resource that they were not aware of or find the confidence to use her voice for personal or social change then this webinar series will be worth it,” said Autumn Grant, MA, senior academic advisor, Academic Achievement Center, Bridgewater State University and a former MWA title holder.
“During our discussions with Ms. Wheelchair America we realized the two organizations’ missions complimented each other. MWA and UsersFirst focus on advocacy and empowerment for people who use wheelchairs. The MWA title-holders are located throughout the nation and this format provides them the opportunity to stay connected throughout the year,” said Ann Eubank, LMSW, OTR/L, ATP, VP of Community Relations at UsersFirst.
The first meeting took place on December 6 and included 15 participants.
“We hope to grow that number substantially over the coming months. Past and current contestants had a number of reasons for wanting to be involved including connecting with friends, expanding their peer support network, learning more about advocacy issues and just wanting to see what it is all about,” Grant added.
The webinar format also makes it easier for people with transportation issues or those who live in rural areas to participate.
“I believe this is a unique opportunity for many of the participants because it allows them to express their ideas and opinions in a safe and supportive atmosphere,” Grant said. “The participants are excited about sharing their knowledge and learning from one another.”
The idea for the webinar series came from discussion between Grant, Eubank, and the President of the Executive Board of Directors of Ms. Wheelchair America Inc. Kristen Connors, who wanted to give contestants a way to connect and begin talking about advocacy before Ms. Wheelchair America 2013–which will take place this summer in Providence, Rhode Island.
“I am so pleased to be working with UsersFirst. I think this is a great collaboration between two groups who work hard every day for people with disabilities. These webinars will further the understanding of women who happen to use wheelchairs along with building a camaraderie between previous, present, and future titleholders where they can feel free to discuss whatever is on their mind without fear of feeling different,” said Connors.
Ms. Wheelchair America provides 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. 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.
For more information on the webinar series, contact Autumn Grant at mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com.
Tom Scott
Web Editor
