Updated: October 26, 2006

I am Autumn Grant and I was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2006, on April 8th 2006. So far it has been a most remarkable, positive and powerful experience. I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people both with and without disabilities.

I was diagnosed at the age of 10 with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, this came as quite a shock since I had been very physically active, especially in dance. In 1996, shortly after graduating from college I started using a wheelchair.

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I have to admit it was a very difficult transition to make. However, I soon learned that my wheelchair was actually my key to a more independent life.

I received a BA in Humanities with a concentration in Classics from Providence College, graduating summa cum laude and with the Directors Award for Excellence in the Humanities in 1996. I also received my MA in Higher Education Administration from Boston College in 2000. I hope to begin working on my Ed.D in Higher Education Administration focusing on students with disabilities in the fall of 2007.

I currently serve as the Director of the Center for Academic Achievement at Stonehill College. Not only do I coordinate services for students with disabilities, I also run a college wide tutoring program and a summer program for “at-risk” students. In addition, I advise undecided students and teach 1-2 classes each semester. I really love what I do; I get such joy from helping others succeed.

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David Barner, Principal at Thatcher Elementary School and Autumn Grant

Thus far as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I have had the opportunity to meet with my local state representative and attend a rally for personal care attendants at the state house.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet two amazing women at an MDA event, Kristen Connors, Ms. Wheelchair America 2006 and Stephanie Booth, Ms. Wheelchair Rhode Island 2006. Perhaps my most rewarding experience thus far was meeting with three kindergarten classes and reading to them a great story about a remarkable young girl, who uses a wheelchair. The children were so sweet and smart and had such great questions; they already realize that people who use wheelchairs are people just like them.
I cannot wait to go back. On the agenda for the future, I will be meeting with our Governor’s Commission on Disability, and attending a local MDA summer camp on VIP day, as well as many other events still in the works.

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Autumn Grant at the Massachusetts State House on April 12th for the Mass Live at Home Rally.

For the rest of my reign as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I will be promoting my platform “Independence through Education”. The statistics regarding women with disabilities with college degrees, full time employment and those living below the poverty level are startling. I believe that education is the first step towards obtaining independence and I will spend my year working to eliminate barriers keeping some people with disabilities from becoming involved in post secondary education.

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Autumn with the rest of Nacho Average Team (mom Carol Grant, dad Stan Grant, and boyfriend Kenny Bergeron) at the Muscular Dystrophy Association Stride and Ride on May 21st. Autumn is not wearing her crown because Ms. Wheelchair America, Kristen Connors, was also present.

I cannot wait to meet everyone in Arkansas, this will truly be a once in a lifetime, as well as, a life changing experience.

Best Wishes,

Autumn

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Judy Hoit © 2006