Comments on the Pageant held in Des Moines, Iowa

I was honored to have the opportunity to be a part of Ms. Wheelchair America. In my wildest dreams I could have guessed that I would be participating in this program. I thank everyone who encouraged me, stood behind me, and were my biggest supporters. Most importantly, I thank God that this was in His plan for me. 

I had a great time in the heat of Iowa. The staff of the hotel and the MWA staff were wonderful. I met some wonderful women that I hope to meet again someday and stay in touch with. This is a beauty pageant - but only of the beauty within - that each woman possessed and I am so glad I got a chance to meet them all. Please stay in touch.

More photos can be found at:
Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania Photo Album 

Jaclyn Michelle Kratzer is a disability advocate and writer in Pennsylvania. She enjoys writing, going out, being around people, and helping others. She is 30 years old, and she has a lot of ambition and zest for life. Jaclyn was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two and a half. She uses a motorized wheelchair as her primary mobility tool. CP does not get worse or better. Jaclyn is very independent, but needs some minor assistance.

As she became older, and understood more about disabilities, her passion for educating society about disabilities grew and became her goal. This led to an interest in advocating for all civil rights for all!

She has been very active in educating people about many different types of disabilities. She graduated from Reading Area Community College with an Associate in Applied Sciences in Human Services and that is just the very beginning in a long journey of reaching her educational goals. She is also a certified advocate from Temple University. She won the title of Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2003. In January 2003, Jaclyn will be going back to college.

Jaclyn is the Executive Director of Differently Abled Associates, Inc., Peer Counselor for Abilities in Motion, a Center for Independent Living, and was a Tutor for people with special needs at Reading Area Community College. Jaclyn is also an online columnist at BellaOnline, Suite 101, and LifeTips. Her articles and poetry have appeared in many places including: Christian Friendship, Personal Growth, Civil Rights, Family Health, Our Journey, Positive Reflections, The Front Street Journal, Wom(y)n to Women, and many more.

In her spare time, Jaclyn enjoys watching TV, going places, chatting with friends, listening to music, and writing. Her favorite color is red.

Jaclyn Michelle Kratzer

As Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2003 I plan to:

• Travel around the Commonwealth teaching children and adults disability awareness. 
• Break down barriers that people with disabilities face by educating the community about the barriers that exist, especially the biggest barrier found in negative attitudes and perceptions toward people with disabilities.
• Be a mentor to all people with disabilities and be a role model to provide an example that anything is possible, despite disabilities.
• Educate parents and students as well as educators on how successful transitioning from school to adulthood is possible.
• Advocate for disability rights and access for all.
• Provide a voice for all people with disabilities to have in Congressional matters within the Commonwealth.

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