Angie Wilkerson: Ms. Wheelchair Virginia
2nd Runner-up and People's Choice Award
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Photo description:
Angie Wilkerson and husband James
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I was honored to be crowned Ms. Wheelchair
Virginia 2005-2006 on March 11, 2005, in the state capital of Richmond. I
love Virginia because it's so diverse, with mountainous regions, oceanfront,
small towns, countryside, big cities, and the growth of the suburbs of
Washington D.C. Our state is rich with American history.
I am 31 and at age 12, I was diagnosed with a neuromuscular
disorder called Friedreich’s ataxia and have used a wheelchair full-time
since 2000. I learned the disability doesn't make the person, you can choose
to be the person you want to be. I am an educated adult, also with a learning
disability, who had been told she would never finish high school. Well, I did
finish high school and college too, graduating from James Madison University
with a degree in social work.
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I am employed by Southside Virginia Community
College as a Career Coach at Randolph Henry High School, and does
sensitivity training for Compliance Alliance, a title III ADA consultant
firm. I currently write a devotional column for a local newspaper, the
Southside Messenger. I have been trained in CPR, mediation, and in
volunteering for a sexual assault hotline. I have been employed as children's
and youth program coordinator at a church, service coordinator for seniors
and adults with disabilities at an independent living community, and as an
assistant at a woman’s fitness center. |
| In 2003 I moved from the picturesque mountains of Covington/Clifton Forge,
Virginia, to the beautiful country in the very small town of Keysville,
Virginia. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, James, for 9
years. I have a long history and passion for working with children and youth
and currently assists with the church youth group and give monthly children's
sermons. My interest includes writing, inspirational/motivational speaking,
and advocating for persons with disabilities. In my free time, I like meeting
people, spending time with family & friends, playing with my niece, being
involved with my church, spending time outdoors, movie watching, and
collecting recipes and trying them out. I love to surprise myself with what
I'm capable of, laughing often, and celebrating life by keeping it simple.
Three years ago I started a new Birthday tradition, by asking for an
experience, in lieu of presents. I have been horseback riding, hot air
ballooning, and parasailing despite my fear of heights. |
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Photo description: Angie enjoying the outdoors with her dog and niece.
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| My motto is "Change begins with me"; this means by
doing my best, I may impact someone else for the better, and then they can in
exchange do the same, and so on. Each one of us can change the world by
doing our part and being the best we can be. I intend to do my part to
change the world! I see my year as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia as an opportunity
to educate people about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is
my platform. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to raise awareness,
promote change, and inspire. Yes, I am a person with a disability, but my
disability gave me the ability to grow into a person who wants to better
herself and help humankind.
God bless,
Angie Wilkerson
Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2005-2006
Career Coach for Southside Virginia Community College
Sensitivity Trainer for Compliance Alliance
www.mswheelchairva.com
www.adahospitality.com
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