This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of NMEDA for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
From reading my past posts about people in my family with special needs, you know these issues are near and dear to my heart. I firmly believe that people with a disability are stronger and more aware of their abilities than people without disabilities. My grandmother was blind and she used her other senses to a higher level to be able to function fully. I also recently saw a preview for a new show coming called Push Girls. I saw the interview of these four women confined to wheelchairs after accidents left them without the ability to walk again. They are all so beautiful, strong and confident women. One woman even claimed this was the best thing that ever happened to her. I can’t wait to watch it.
People with disabilities can live active and mobile lifestyles. Do you know anyone with a disability? Someone in a wheelchair that you consider a hero? As it is National Mobility Awareness Month in May, and NMEDA is asking people to submit their stories to be showcased by national and local media. Through online communities, NMEDA’s Facebook page, blog and website, they will share stories from Local Heroes, people who are dealing with or overcoming their mobility challenges. Local Heroes, friends and family members should encourage people to vote for their story on www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com to win one of the custom Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV). The favorite stories will be chosen and the winners will be awarded the WAV on a popular national television. A minimum of three custom WAV’s will be given away.
National Spokesperson, Mike Savicki, a 44-year old, C6, 7 quadriplegic, who is a veteran, athlete, advocate and entrepreneur is backing the event. His personal website is www.mikesavicki.com and he just recently purchased a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle from a NMEDA dealer.
Did you know that over 18 million people in the U.S. and Canada have mobility issues, and that people with disabilities constitute the 2nd largest minority in the United States? Find a Local Hero in your community – whether a caregiver, veteran or person with disabilities, who is dealing with or overcoming mobility challenges. Submit their story and maybe they will be chosen as a favorite story. I can’t wait to read all these inspirational stories!
I can’t wait to read these stories too! I love hearing about local heros who have done amazing things and overcome problems! I’ll be watching to read these!
How inspiring! I didn’t know so many people were affected by mobility issues.
Awesome article!
I never knew there was a month dedicated to people with mobility issues. My mom has MS, and has slowly progressed from being to walk/run to being confined to a hospital bed. I’m so grateful that awareness is being heightened! Thanks for this 🙂
Its amazing how many people are impacted by disabilities!! My daughter had mobility issues for a wheel from hip problems and severe bow legged. Its amazing the things they have done with technology!!!
Interesting!
It is definitely a great idea to remind people to be mindful of those around them. Many people really have no idea what it is like for someone with a mobility disability. I know I sure didn’t, until I took a tumble down a flight of steps, tearing a ligament in a knee and getting multiple bone contusions. I was in a leg immobilizer, and them a full length brace and went through months of physical therapy. Granted, my disability was only temporary (although it seemed like forever at the time), it was a real eye opener. Thanks for posting this!
Dawn
http://www.cheapisthenewclassy.com
I worked for a quadriplegic when I was in my 20’s and she was an amazing person, still is as we still keep in touch at Christmas. She’s in N.S. and I am here in the U.S. She taught herself how to paint and turned that into a little business for herself.
Great post! This is something very few people are truly aware of! I didn’t realize there was a National organization for this type of thing so thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Wow, this is a great sweeps. However, I just became immobile and am just now getting past the severe pain of injury, and do not have ramps, an adequate wheelchair for travel yet, and certainly have not done anything Heroic too much since I am still in the early stages of dealing with this. I do not know if my mobility impairment is permanent or not yet. It’s been a wait and see, and there has been many problems in our rural area with getting a specialist to find out what is going on with my legs.
If I do end up needing this vehicle on a permanent basis I hate missing out on the contest to win one, just because I can’t claim “hero” status. I have a friend with severe MS who desperately needs one of these vehicles too. She can’t claim to be a hero as her impairment is such that she has been home bound. I am not sure the rules are realistic for disability. While I have known active paraplegics, the sweeps leaves out some of those with the greatest needs. I guess they only want people that they can use for marketing advertisements.
Thanks I did not know about this until ur Facebook post
awww love this. i can’t wait to read the stories. my oldest son has mild cerebral palsy and i like to show him that you can accomplish anything if you try hard enough. 🙂
Please vote for me to win one of these amazing vans! Use promo code 967 here: http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/indiana/indianapolis/477/emily-munson
Anything you can do to spread the word also helps. Many thanks!