Ms. Wheelchair Washington loves her TiLite Wheelchair

When I think about daily living with a disability and using a wheelchair, I have a basic philosophy: The person comes before a disability. TiLite produces a line of wheelchairs with a customized flair that highlights the person’s unique needs while considering specific tastes and abilities.

As the newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2009, I plan to share my positive experience with TiLite products as I travel to various events throughout my community; promoting TiLite’s quality and excellence to other wheelchair users.

I have been a TiLite customer for nearly nine years. I consider several factors when selecting a chair, some of which go beyond the chair itself. I have always been thoroughly impressed with TiLite’s use of positive, active people in their advertising campaigns. TiLite ads consistently include role models with active and fulfilling lives. TiLite not only produces an amazing product but encourages an active lifestyle as well. It is incredible to see people with disabilities using wheelchairs in every facet of the community, enjoying life to the fullest.

"I love my TiLite YR because its function and design put the person first, its style and tailored fit draw attention to the individual; not the wheelchair. TiLite magnificently blends necessity, durability and artistry into a wheelchair unlike any other wheelchair I have owned in the past. I am and always will be a loyal TiLite customer!"

Jannette is featured in Provail's March Newsletter

Provail has been a big supporter of the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program the past few years, and we want to thank them for their support and what they do for the disability community.

To learn more about Provail organization or to sign up for their newsletter, visit their website at www.provail.org

Jannette attends "Say Hey" Event - March 25th Tacoma, WA

On March 25th, Jannette, Ms. Wheelchair Washington attented an event in Tacoma, WA called: "Say Hey". This event is to celebrate and offer networking opportunties for people with disabilities, business leaders, community organizations and goverment officials. This event welcomes job seekers and newly hired individuals with disabilities to the community.

Jannette says, " I was honored to attend this event to get a chance to get out in my community and meet local people with disabilities, business leaders, organizations, and goverment officials. It is great this event is being held to promote employment for people with disabilities. Thank you to the sponsors for holding such an important event!"

This event is sponsored by:

1) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Website: www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr

2) The Washington State Business Leadership Network
Website: http://www.wsbln.org/

3) Goodwill "Because jobs change lives"
Website: www.tacomagoodwill.org

Above in the Photo Is Janette (left) Middle, Karen Walters, of the WSBLN (A Sponsor of "Say Hey" & Dan Eberle, Career Specialist at Bates Tech College.

Article about Jannette in Northwest Guardian

Read the article that was published about Jannette in the Northwest Guardian, the official Newspaper of Fort Lewis, WA. Fort Lewis employee wins wheelchair crown: http://www.nwguardian.com/103/story/4729.html

2009 Ms. Wheelchair Washington 1st Runner-Up Mindy Lindstrom

Mindy Lindstrom- 1st Runner Up Mindy Lindstrom, who has congenital absence of the lower limbs, is from Seattle, WA. She describes herself as joyful, agile, able, concerned and inquisitive. Her platform is called The Ableution, which she describes as a disability revolution, a critical evolution and savvy shift of a collective community. The ableution will create a space to tell stories and share experiences of critical and often overlooked human experience. If she becomes the next Ms. Wheelchair Washington, she says she would work in the schools and education arenas of my local community in order to facilitate real conversation about the experiences of disability, different bodied life, and wheelchairs!

2009 Ms. Wheelchair Washington Contestants - Jacqueline Adams and Krystal Monteros

Jacqueline Adams, who become a paraplegic from a car crash is from Omak, WA. She describes herself proactive, positive, professional, compassionate, and courageous. Her platform is called “Changing the World One Child at a Time.” Since she has been a first grade teacher for over ten years, she wants to to be a positive role model to children and continue to teach them to open their minds and eyes to an awareness and acceptance beyond most adults. She wants to show families that as an educator she can enrich many children’s lives through education and her personal life experience. One day she would also like to write a book about her life story, so she can help others push themselves through life’s many challenges, to see that everyone deserves success and happiness – no matter what happens in their life.

Krystal Monteros, who has Spina Bifida is from Tacoma, WA. She describes herself as successful, determined, enthusiastic, compassionate, and self-motivated. Her platform is called KidsAbility and if she becomes Ms. Wheelchair Washington, she wants to spend time educating kids with disabilities in Washington State to reach their best quality life. As a child who had a different type of childhood due to her disability, Krystal often felt isolated from her classmates. She feels it is important for children with disabilities to have role models at a young age. She wants to be a mentor to children so they all know that while they might be different, they also have many options to do everything they want in life.

Farewell letter from the 2008 Ms. Wheelchair Washington, Meg Paulsen

I can’t believe the year passed so quickly – it’s really true that time flies when you’re having fun! I am excited to be involved in the upcoming pageant and know that whoever is crowned is in for an experience of a lifetime. Thank you to all of the people who supported me both financially and emotionally and I look forward to offering the same support to the 2009 Ms. Wheelchair Washington. It was such an exciting year for me! Once crowned in March I had no idea what wonderful opportunities this title would open up for me. At work my diversity efforts expanded to such an extent that I was able to promote the organizations I volunteered with to an even greater level of recognition. My title afforded me the opportunity to go to Washington DC to represent Washington’s 60,000 people with disabilities as I met with senators and representatives to give a face to my community and support improvements to a Medicare program.

Once at the national pageant in July, I met 26 truly beautiful women who happen to be wheelchair users. I met women who were pre-law, pre-med and non-profit business owners - their efforts around advocacy and the betterment of the world were inspiring. I made fast friends with Ms. Texas who ended up wearing the Ms. Wheelchair America sash and crown home and will be visiting her in Houston in April. Before I even had considered being a nominee for the Ms. Wheelchair Washington I had enrolled at DeVry University to complete my degree in Human Resources Management. I really didn’t expect to win the crown, but when I did I postponed my enrollment. Because of my involvement with the Ms. Wheelchair WA program, I was recognized and awarded a scholarship through the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and reenrolled in school in September so one of my major goals is being accomplished.

Again, I want to recognize and appreciate those who have supported me in my title – I could not have done this without the experience and generosity Tammy Wilber offers in her role as the state coordinator for the MWW program. I look forward to being involved with this program for years to come.

Sincerely, Meg Paulsen, Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2008http://us.mc529.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=megpaulsen@hotmail.com

Testimonial about the pageant from Sigrid Laegreid, Ms Wheelchair Washington

“Being apart of the Ms. Wheelchair America Program, as the 2007 Ms. Wheelchair Washington has been a year that I will never forget. Not only was it an honor to be able to be a representative for people with disabilities, but I also was able to educate people across Washington state about various disability issues. I hope that I was able to leave a lasting impression on all the people I met this past year, and opened their eyes to look past someone’s disability and see them for the person that they truly are. It was for me one of the best experiences ever.” Sigrid Laegreid, Ms Wheelchair Washington 2007

Testimonial about pageant from Sawnie J. Geer, Contestant in the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant 2008

“I was one of 3 contestants in the 2008 Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant. Even though it was a small competition, it was a bit challenging due to the fact I had never done anything like it before. But everyone involved, including the "spectators" made it comfortable and relaxing. We all had a lot of fun. We met new people just like us in the sense we all have mobility issues and even though it may have been for different reasons, we all felt "the same" for a while. It was nice. The pageant itself was not hard at all. You were asked to go in and answer a few general questions to get to know you better, then you went out and told the spectators pretty much the same things and answered a few of their questions. I found it to be simple and straight forward. The winner, Meg Paulson, was a great choice. I was glad to have met her and all the others there that day. Being a part of the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant was a wonderful experience I will never forget.” ~ Sawnie J. Geer, 2008 Ms. Wheelchair Washington Contestant

Message from Meg about trip to Ms. Wheelchair America 2009

Hello All,

It's been a few months since I posted last - I have recovered from the thrilling but draining experience of participating in the national Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in Washington DC. It was an awesome experience and I could not be happier with the results. Ms. W/C Texas - Michelle Colvard - earned the title of Ms. W/C America and she was definitely the person I would most like to have representing my community. She and I have the same disability - spina bifida - so we had much in common and spent the week getting to know each other and sharing like experiences. She is an awesome "roll" model for our community and advocates out of the Houston, Texas Mayor's office.

The week was filled with interviews, group activities, educational workshops and fun theme nights. The experiences left me proud of my community and built character in personal ways that will serve me the rest of my life.

I want to thank all of those people who supported (and continue to support) me - I know that the person I am is just as important as the efforts I have made in the area of advocacy. My WA State MWW Coordinator, Tammy Wilber, was there every step of the way and I could not have taken this on without her unconditional support.

I look forward to staying involved with the program even after I pass the crown and title on to the next Ms. W/C WA - it's an awesome program of advocacy and achievement and does so much to help change the perceptions of women who are wheelchair users.

SCROLL DOWN TO READ ARTICLE IN LOGAN MAGAZINE ABOUT MEG PUALSEN, MS. WHEELCHAIR WASHINGTON

Ms. Wheelchair Washington Featured in Logan Magazine

MS. WHEELCHAIR WASHINGTON, MEG PAULSEN IS FEATURED IN THE 2008 SUMMER ISSUE OF Logan Magazine, which is a publication for Young People with Disabilities
The Misson of Logan Magazine is to inspire, encourage and inform people with disabilities about how to live a lifestyle that is productive, purposeful and pleasurable.

You can learn more about Logan magazine or you subscribe for 4 issues a year for just $14.00 click here: http://www.loganmagazine.com/subscribe.html

People First of WA Event

On the final day of the Ellensburg Employment Conference, I was invited to attend an event put on by People First of WA http://www.peoplefirstofwashington.org/ - it was their annual Self Advocacy In Motion (SAM) - Youth Leadership Retreat Program. I had the honor of saying of few words of welcome for the 20 some high school students with disabilities. I mentioned that there were no programs such as theirs when I was growing up and how much I admired their commitment to advocate for themselves and their community. I had just attended an awesome workshop on leadership at the conference and these kids were utilizing the exact methods suggested to become the strongest of leaders in our communities. The people first organization echoes my platform of people being recognized as people first and not defined by the physical situations they happen to be in. We ended the evening with a viewing of an awesome video titled "Right to Risk" that chronicals the adventure of eight people with significant disabilities on a 15 day, 225 mile whitewater rafting through Arizona's Grand Canyon - check out the website at www.righttorisk.org. The executive producer, Kathleen Jo Ryan introduced the video and I had the pleasure of chatting with her about her adventures as she was on the journey also.

Article published by Meg Paulsen in NRRTS Directions

When Meg traveled to Capitol Hill back in April with TiLite she was asked to write an article for a magazine called NRRTS Directions.

HERE IS THE WEBSITE LINK TO READ MEG'S ARTICLE TITLED: LIFE ON WHEELS - DID I GIVE YOU A STARTLE?" http://www.nrrts.org/Directions/directions%20vol%203%202008.pdf (The article is on page 8 – 10 and and then there are more photos of her on page 19 and 21)
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE DIRECTIONS: This magazine called Directions is the official magazine of the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers. The publication is mailed out five times annually and reaches more than 2000 industry professionals, including over 800 skilled, influential and rehab-focused Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
To find out more about this publication or to learn about NRRTS (the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers) you can visit their website at: http://www.nrrts.org/

Ellensburg Employment Conference - June

The WSBLN sent me to the 31st Ellensburg Employment Conference that highlights supported employment for people with developmental disabilities and was sponsored by Washington Initiatives for Supported Employment (W.I.S.E.). This group came together once again for three days to create a unification of committed people, people that turn the possibilities of employment for people with disabilities into reality. The title of the conference was "Entertain the Possibilities" and the workshops centered around adaptive technology and new trends in supported employment practices. Evening entertainment included winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing - Josh Blue who has cerebral palsy and was frequently profane in a very funny and entertaining way - he had us rolling even more than us wheelchair users usually do!

Spinal Cord Society Auction - June

I have volunteered many times at the SCS Golf Tournament and Auction as it's a very well run event and gives me a change of perspective - their motto is "Cure, Not Care" and every cent they raise goes to the research of curing spinal cord injuries. SCS is a large grass roots organization linked by a monthly Newsletter, and thousands of members throughout North America and other countries. Its goal is cure of chronic spinal cord injury paralysis. SCS is an organization of the spinal cord injured, their families and friends, and dedicated scientists and physicians who are aiming at the ultimate goal of cure through improved treatment and research.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.scsnw.com/

Meg Paulsen travels to Washington D.C. with TiLite

Back in April, when Meg Paulsen, Ms. Wheelchair Washington was invited by the folks at TiLite (http://www.tilite.com/) to attend a conference called CELA (Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy Conference) in Washington D.C. she had the chance to be apart of a conference to meet with people on Capitol Hill.
The 2008 Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy Conference (CELA) was held April 23-25, and offered rehab professionals the opportunity to both earn CEUs and lobby on Capitol Hill. The Hill visits are part of CELA 08, a combined educational and legislative advocacy event that brought over 120 suppliers, therapists, manufacturers and consumers to Washington to push for support of H.R. 2231, which would carve out complex rehab from the DMEPOS bidding program.

Four Ms. Wheelchair Washington's celebrate May birthdays

From left to right:
Ms. Wheelchair Washington 1997, 2007 & 2008
(missing is 2006- I'm taking the photo)

Last year as I held the first Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant and Sigrid Laegreid was crowned in 2007 I found out her birthday was a day after mine. I also know that Ms. Wheelchair WA 1997 (who went on to win Ms. Wheelchair America in 1998) had a birthday in May. Ironically, the 2008 title holder was also a May baby. So on May 24Th, four unique and different women who have all held title of Ms. Wheelchair WA and the current 2008 titleholder, gathered for a birthday celebration on a beautiful Sunday at the Cheesecake factory.

So, happy birthday to
2008 Ms. Wheelchair WA, Meg Paulsen - May 1st
1997 Ms. Wheelchair WA, Elaine Stefanowicz - May 5Th
2006 Ms. Wheelchair WA, Tammy Wilber - May 7Th
2007 Ms. Wheelchair WA, Sigrid Laegreid - May 8Th

SCI Forum at the University of Washington Medical Center

MEG ATTENDS THE SCI FORUM MOBILITY FAIR AT VARILITE BOOTH

On June 10Th, Meg Paulsen, Ms. Wheelchair Washington attends the Spinal Cord Injury Forum Mobility Fair at the University of Washington Medical Center
(Featured in photo: (on left, SCI Forum attendee and Meg on the right, visit the VARILITE table http://www.varilite.com/)

The SCI Forum is a monthly evening educational program for persons with SCI and their friends, family members and caregivers, held at the UW Medical Center. The forums provide current information on a variety of topics relevant to the SCI community, such as maintaining good nutrition, bladder management, assistive technology, fertility after SCI, recreational activities and recovery research. Forum presentations are summarized into written reports, and selected forums are videotaped for viewing as streaming video on the Web site.

She had a chance to meet new people with disabilities from all other and meet local vendors and organizations that provides services for people with disabilities in Washington State. To find out more information about the monthly Spinal Cord Injury Forums held at the University of Washington Medical Center visit their website at: http://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/

OR
For more information about SCI Forums, contact Cynthia Salzman at mail to: csalzman@u.washington.edu or 206-685-3999.

How to make a donation to Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program

On behalf of Meg Paulsen, Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2008 and the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Up until now I have paid out of pocket for the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant and I have also had some out of pocket expenses to help Meg, Ms. Wheelchair WA 2008 to help her get started on her journey. Meg is getting ready to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant at the end of July in Rockville, MD and she has already sent in her deposit of $1500, which covers hotel accommodations and meals for a week for her and a companion. Meg has already paid for this trip herself,plus the plane tickets.

Now it is time to ask for your support! If you would like to make a contribution to Meg Paulsen, Ms. Wheelchair Washington and assist her in getting to the national Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant it would be greatly appreciated.

Your donation is tax-deductible and you will be sent a receipt/letter with the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program non-profit identification number. Here is how a tax deductible donation to the Meg Paulsen and the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant.

How to make a donation:

1) Checks only, please
2) Make the check out to Meg Paulsen
3) In the memo line write "Donation to Ms. Wheelchair Washington"
4) Please mail the check to:
Meg Paulsen, Ms. Wheelchair Washington
18742 144th. Ave. NE # 102
Woodinville, WA 98072

Thank you so much for your support. I have kept this program going financially because I believe in the mission of the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program and giving women with disabilities an amazing year to grow, learn and be a strong advocate for people of Washington with all disabilities.

Thank you,
Tammy Wilber
State Coordinator
Past Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2006

State Pageant Coordinator Meets Ms. Wheelchair America 2008

FROM THE MS WHEELCHAIR WASHINGTON STATE COORDINATOR, TAMMY WILBER:

I recently just got back from Anaheim, CA where I attended a tradeshow for people with disabilities called the Abilities Expo. (http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/). While it is a great tradeshow to attend to find out about the latest products and services for people with disabilities I also got a chance to meet the current 2008 Ms. Wheelchair America, Kristen McCosh. She was there promoting the importance of Physical Fitness for people with Disabilities. She is doing an amazing job representing the 52 million Americans with Disabilities. To learn more about Kristen McCosh, Ms. Wheelchair America check out her website: http://www.mswheelchairamerica08.blogspot.com/ or email her at mswheelchairamerica08@yahoo.com

OutdoorsForAll Golf Tournament & Silent Auction

On June 2nd I attended the OutdoorsForAll annual golf tournament and silent action. I have been involved with OutdoorsForAll (formerly SkiForAll) http://www.outdoorsforall.org/ for many years - they taught me how to cross country ski! I love the energy of the organization and the recreational opportunities they offer are phenomenal!! I look forward to volunteering at their Gala Auction in the Fall - a wonderful event that is always exciting and inspiring! Click on their link under "My Fun" and learn just how fun it is!

Mobility Project Auction

On May 31st I attended an fundraiser for the Mobility Project - http://www.mobilityproject.org/ - a volunteer organization that refurbishes wheelchairs and sends them to people in third world countries. Jenny Smith created an amazing slide show of the organization's travels throughout the world and highlighted the amazing people that the chairs were donated to. Please contact me to find out how you can donate a chair! Here I am pictured with Miss Kingston and her Princess who also volunteered at the auction.

PROVAIL Fundraiser - May

I had a great time volunteering at the 2008 PROVAIL auction - it was their first and was really well done. Tammy and I handed out bidder packets and then had a fantastic dinner while joining in on the auction action w/ local celebs Meeghan Black and Pat Cashman. PROVAIL is celebrating their 65th anniversary of providing people with disabilities the dignity, choice, opportunity and independence that everyone deserves. Check out their website at http://www.provail.org/. Here I am pictured with Meeghan Black (middle) and Tammy Wilber (on Right)