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Ms. Wheelchair California Jennifer Kumiyama at the 2010 LA Abilities Expo. PVA Publications staff photo.
Grace, Warmth, and Dignity
One California Womans Wish Upon a Star Comes True
View ForumGrace, warmth, and dignity is not only the closing sentence of the Ms. Wheelchair California promise but it also happens to be the words that best describe this year’s winner, Jennifer Kumiyama, who was crowned during the LA Abilities Expo in April.
The 30-year-old Long Beach resident first heard of the pageant more than ten years ago and decided to enter the event last year. “I was nominated as first runner-up during the 2009 pageant,” says Kumiyama. “This experience has been a whirlwind of emotions.”
Kumiyama, who has arthrogryposis, also known as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, competed against eight other women for the honor of her crown. The women are judged based on their one-on-one interviews, onstage interviews, and onstage platform speech. “There was a sense of guilt when they chose me,” says Kumiyama. “What makes me stand out above these other beautiful women?”
Ms. Wheelchair California Jennifer Kumiyama visits with her fans at the 2010 LA Abilities Expo. PVA Publications staff photo.
Spending just a few moments with the new Ms. Wheelchair California answers that question through her modest display of appreciation, contagious personality, and heart-warming smile. She is sure to have a successful year.
Her duties will be numerous during her yearlong reign. She will have the opportunity to travel, make public appearances, and conduct radio, print, and television interviews. These include promoting awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and attitudinal barriers, educating Californians on disability issues, and informing the public of the achievements of people with disabilities across the state.
Ms. Wheelchair California pageants are designed to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for the millions of Americans with disabilities. The selected representative must be able to communicate the needs and accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature. “The program is not a beauty pageant,” says Ruthee Goldkron, executive director and 2001 Ms. Wheelchair California. “We recognize women with disabilities as women of accomplishment and achievement.”
The newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair California is no stranger to the spotlight and can be seen performing with the cast of Aladdin at Disneyland, Calif. “Performing is my passion,” says Kumiyama. “I enjoy helping people forget about life for awhile.” She has been performing with the ensemble since 2002, and has more than 7000 performances under her belt doing four shows per-day before 8000 people. “This year is Aladdin’s final run,” says Kumiyama. “It will be sad to leave my family of performers after such a long run.”
Despite her busy schedule, she spends a great deal of time exploring other passions and stays active with cardio-kick boxing, snow skiing, and surfing. “Life is not worth living if you’re not happy,” says Kumiyama. “Ignore the negative, know who you are, and focus on the positive.”
Kumiyama lives her life in true Ms. Wheelchair California fashion and is a constant reminder that life’s journey is a reward and all things are possible. “Being disabled is not an end to your life. It’s the beginning of a new life full of all the same possibilities.”
For more information on the Ms. Wheelchair pageants or her performances at Disneyland, visit online at:
www.disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/entertainment/detail?name=AladdinEntertainmentPage
www.mswheelchairca.org
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