Last week at the national competition, we had the privilege of meeting with a former Ms Wheelchair America to discuss issues ranging from women's health to relationships to PCA care. She was a wonderful source of support!
Juliette Rizzo of Rockville, Maryland, was crowned as Ms. Wheelchair America 2005. Rizzo spent her year-long reign traveling the country to speak and advocate on behalf of the more than 50-million Americans with disabilities.
The mission of the Ms. Wheelchair America program is to improve public awareness of the achievements and abilities of women with disabilities and reduce the architectural and attitudinal barriers that impede the quality of life for all people with disabilities. As Ms. Wheelchair America, Rizzo traveled the country meeting with civic, government, church, and school groups and leaders to advance her platform and the Ms. Wheelchair America mission. In addition, she worked to help start Ms. Wheelchair programs in the states that do not currently have state-level competitions.
Rizzo contracted a systemic infection which resulted in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia at the age of 3. She has a B.A. from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Journalism with a minor in Rehabilitation Studies from the University of North Texas. Currently she is the Director of Communication & Media for the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services. She serves on the Arthritis Foundation – Metropolitan Washington Chapter Board, was appointed Commissioner of the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, and serves on the Women’s Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra. Her hobbies include a new-found fitness regime, accessible container gardening, and traveling. Rizzo’s platform was power through participation.
Many of the women at this year's pageant expressed an interest in working with Juliette on putting together a national conference for women with disabilities. Stay tuned for updates.
