BLOG : Ms. Wheelchair NY 2016 Advocates for Kids and Talks about Concepts

Former Ms. Wheelchair NY 2016 recently made a guest appearance at the Concepts of Independence Gala in November. Since most of her advocacy work focuses on children with disabilities, we were thrilled to have her there to present the Special Wishes awards to the kids of Concepts. As a Concepts Consumer herself, we know her work is vital to our community. We asked her to share how she got to be in the position of Ms. Wheelchair NY, how it affected her life, and also share a bit about her advocacy work with children. Read on to find out what she had to say:

My experience as Ms. Wheelchair NY

I never knew how passionate I was about advocacy until I found the Ms. Wheelchair New York pageant. I am friends with the 2015 title holder and saw all the amazing things she was doing while raising awareness to her platform: life, liberty and the pursuit of access. 

I love children and I am a big kid at heart. Being around children with disabilities and seeing the inequality in schools broke my heart. 26 years after the American with Disabilities Act we should not still be seeing children with disabilities being excluded from class activities, recess and field trips. Being close to three children with disabilities, I had to do a lot of advocating to have them equally included in these activities. This got me thinking about other parents (and other active family members who play a role) who don't know their rights, or don't know how to go about fighting to attain them. This is what made me choose my platform. 

During my reign as Ms. Wheelchair New York, I was able to do so many wonderful things. Some of my activities included reading to children at libraries throughout New York, speaking at school and after-school programs, participating in fundraisers for different charities for children with disabilities, presenting at the Manhattan Girls Club, and I even started my own mentoring program for young adults. 

I also have the honor of participating in a viral movement, Huffington Post’s Crip the Vote, which was geared toward letting the presidential candidates know what is important to people with disabilities. I also was a part of Cerebral Palsy Foundation's huge gala at Sotheby's Auction House, which was all about women with disabilities and fashion. 

Why I am a Consumer with Concepts

My mother and I have been Concepts members for many years and have benefited from their unique way of providing homecare services. We both know how important it is to depend on people for personal care. Unfortunately, many people are not able to live independently due to lack of services, but thanks to Concepts such people have the independence that we all deserve.  Given the opportunity to choose trustworthy, committed, caring, and loving people to come in your home and take care of you eases so much of your daily obstacles. 

Meeting the Children of Concepts at the 2016 Gala

When I was invited to present awards at the Concepts Gala, I was very excited! It gave me the opportunity to be around children (which I love!) as well as give me the opportunity to say thank you to those who play a huge role in Concepts. The venue was gorgeous and all the kind people there warmed my heart. Not everyone is given the opportunity to say thank you to those who play a role in making their lives even just a little bit easier, as well as for those involved to see firsthand how important their time, dedication, and sponsorship means. And this was a great event to do just that. 

Meeting three of the Special Wishes recipients made my heart smile. These kids were very excited and very loving. Being able to receive things that make their lives easier increases their independence, confidence, and ensures them to be successful and active members of their community. Sometimes we all need just a little boost to remind us that we can reach the stars, and I know this Gala helps them - each differently - to remind them of that.

I am thankful to Concepts for inviting me to the Gala and for all the wonderful people who put it together as well as the sponsors. I am also thankful to Concepts for allowing my mother, myself and others to be able to live independently. 

Written by Jessica de la Rosa

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