Ms. Wheelchair Michigan to visit DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

On Wednesday, July 18, the Detroit Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan will welcome Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2012, Stephanie Deible.

Deible, 21, from Grant, Michigan, was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan on March 3. She has cerebral palsy and has been an advocate for people with disabilities since she was in high school.  Last year, Deible drew media attention after she was advised to leave a bridal boutique and denied access to a fitting room because of her wheelchair. She contacted area TV stations to bring awareness to discrimination issues she and others face.

As Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, Deible travels across the state, visits advocacy groups and makes public appearances to create awareness, acceptance and understanding of disabilities to the general public.

While at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM), Deible will be meeting and speaking to newly disabled patients and their families.

“I want to encourage people with disabilities to overcome any obstacles they may face. At the same time, I’ll use my title as a tool to educate society about disabilities and about being in a chair,” says Deible.

When she is not traveling the state as Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, Deible attends Grand Valley State University where she is majoring in journalism and will graduate in December. After graduation she hopes to pursue a master’s in sports management.

Deible will compete for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 in Rhode Island, August 6-12, 2012. Her platform in the competition is focused on empowering youth with disabilities to set and achieve their goals.

The pageant is not a beauty contest; instead the abilities, endeavors and achievements of women who use wheelchairs are recognized and honored in this annual pageant.

If you are interested in more information about the Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, Inc. organization please visit http://www.mswheelchairmichigan.org/