Statewide Iowa — The deadline is next week for Iowa women who use wheelchairs to apply to compete in the upcoming Ms. Wheelchair Iowa contest.
State coordinator Tasha DeGroote says the event focuses not on disabilities, but rather on the abilities of contestants. She says you must be at least 21 years old and be willing to make public appearances, either virtually or in person.
That travel includes a trip to the national competition for Ms. Wheelchair America next fall in Grand Rapids, Michigan. DeGroote says a successful candidate will need to be able to communicate their passion to the public, and she emphasizes, this is not like the Miss Iowa pageant.
DeGroote, who was Ms. Wheelchair Iowa 2013, says the new titleholder will be selected based on what they’ve accomplished since the onset of the disability, whether it was a recent accident or a lifelong condition.
The deadline to apply is October 24th. To apply, contact DeGroote through the Ms. Wheelchair Iowa Facebook page, at tashaswheels@gmail.com or at (319) 464-7574. This year’s contest will be held October 29th at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls.
