Ms. Wheelchair coming to area
Mansfield News Journal
Ms. Wheelchair coming to area
March 4, 2002
News Journal staff report
Photo: Stacy James achieves her dream of being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Ohio. She wants to use her life to empower others. (Photo by Carole Shaw).
MANSFIELD — Stacy James, an inspirational speaker and a wheelchair athlete from Columbus, will be speaking to schools, business groups, youth groups and advocacy groups after being crowned Miss Wheelchair America (Ohio) Feb. 23. She also will be in the Miss Ohio parade in Mansfield in June.
“This is a dream come true,” James said. “I want to use my life to show others that the impossible is possible, that they can overcome any adversity and that people in wheelchairs can live active and productive lives. This gives me an incredible platform.”
James’ dream is to become Ms. Wheelchair America. The national pageant is in August in Maryland, where contestants from 29 states will compete.
Ten years ago, James was paralyzed from the neck down after hitting her head on the bottom of a swimming pool and has since determined to help disabled people to be seen as able. She has spoken in college classes about how to communicate with and include disabled people in the classroom and in their lives.
She was a keynote speaker during Miami University’s Disability Awareness Week, sharing her story and educating others about disabilities.
She also enjoys speaking to students with disabilities, showing activities they can be involved in, as well as principles for getting the most out of life.
If you would like James to speak to your group, she can be reached at (614) 397-5597 or Stacy@ meetStacyJames.com. To learn more about Stacy’s story, visit her Web site at: www.meetStacyJames.com.