The 2009 Ms. Wheelchair America winner is a beautiful and smart blond Michelle Colvard from Houston, Texas. Michelle, the Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2008, was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America on July 2008 at the gala ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Rockville, Maryland. She obtained her award symbolically on the 18th anniversary of signing of the American with Disability Act (MWA, 2009).
Michelle who is confined to the wheelchair since the 6th grade due to her inborn spina bifida emphasis the importance for people of all abilities to take care of their health and wellness. She earned her Master’s degree in Health and Promotion from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Michelle is a very active young woman, as she keeps herself fit through daily-based gym exercise and recreational activities such as snow skiing, basketball, traveling, and kayaking. She also enjoys MINI Cooper autocross competition racing. Michelle works as the Executive Director of Houston’s Mayor’s Office for people with Disabilities, and she works hard to integrate disabled people well in the society. She stands behind the successful project “Playgrounds without Limits”, which aims to build inclusive playgrounds for all children (MWA, 2009). Despite her handicap, Michell Colvard proves to be an exceptional woman.
Congratulations MWA 2009 Michelle Colvard!. (2008). Ms. Wheelchair America. 01.08.2009. From http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org/news/congratulations-mwa-2009-michelle-colvard/MWA09 Crowning. (2008). YouTube: Broadcast Yourself. 01.08.2009. From
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXZ2ozlVJck
