APD > News & Reports > Media Advisory

Ms. Wheelchair Florida Wins National Honor

PANAMA CITY, FL - Amanda Baker received the Spirit Award when she represented Florida in the 2008 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant last week in Bethesda, MD. The judges chose the Panama City woman for the honor because she best exemplifies the spirit of self determination. The Ms. Wheelchair America crown went to Alana Wallace of Illinois.

"The Spirit Award means a lot to me," Baker says. "The judges saw something special in me and I am so honored. It's amazing to be recognized with such a prestigious award. I must be doing something right!"

Baker, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities and works as the volunteer coordinator for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Bay County. She is using her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Florida to champion her advocacy efforts on behalf of all people with disabilities.

"My platform is inclusion, which means that everyone with and without disabilities should be able to live, learn, work and participate in all of life's activities together," Baker said in her speech at the pageant. "It is important to realize that everyone has something to contribute."

Baker speaks of two memorable experiences she had during the pageant. One of them was Fifties Night, when instructors gave dance lessons to persons who use wheelchairs.

"We danced the night away in our fifties attire!" Baker recalls. "I will also always remember driving up to the stage as they announced me as Ms. Wheelchair Florida. I was very proud to represent my state in that moment and throughout the week."

Baker plans to make the most of her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2007, which continues until February 2008. She serves on several advocacy committees and makes frequent speaking engagements.

Her next scheduled appearance will be August 11 at the Sunset Luau Fundraiser at the Boardwalk Beach Resort, 9400 Thomas Drive, in Panama City. Proceeds from the event will benefit the city's Disability Resource Center (DRC).

"I also hope to meet with state legislators sometime soon," adds Baker.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit apd.myflorida.com or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273). Visit www.drcpc.org to learn more about the DRC and its Sunset Luau Fundraiser.

REMINDER FOR MEDIA---When reporting on stories about people with disabilities, remember to use language that puts the person first, rather than the disability. For example, use phrases such as "persons with disabilities" (instead of "the disabled") and "person who uses a wheelchair" (rather than "wheelchair-bound").