RHODE ISLAND WOMAN WITH SMA NAMED 2006
MS. WHEELCHAIR AMERICA
Tucson, Ariz. August 2, 2005 — On July 23, Kristen Connors of
Cranston, R.I., was named Ms. Wheelchair America for 2006 at the 33rd
annual Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant in Albany, N.Y.
Connors, who has type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, competed against 27
other finalists from across the nation for the title. She’s a
leading MDA volunteer in her community and is active in issues affecting
people with disabilities.
As Ms. Wheelchair America, Connors will travel the country as an advocate
for people with disabilities and educate the public about disability-related
issues. She’ll visit advocacy groups, make public appearances
and give media interviews.
Connors also will promote awareness of the need for elimination of architectural
and attitudinal barriers by highlighting the achievements of people
with disabilities.
Connors, 33, is a constituent caseworker in the Rhode Island office
of U.S. Rep. James Langevin, where she works with constituents who
need assistance with education, housing, military, veteran and disability
issues.
Connors, who accompanies Langevin on most of his Rhode Island presentations,
also represents the congressman on several boards and commissions, including
TechAccess, HomeChoice, Medicare Housing Work Group and the Youth Leadership
Forum.
She’s involved in the Rhode Island HomeChoice Coalition and the
Rhodes to Independence Housing Work Group Committee, to benefit people
with disabilities.
Connors also participates in many aspects of MDA activity, including
fund-raising events.
Connors and her twin sister, Kelly Buonaccorsi, who also has SMA2, received
this year’s MDA Personal Achievement Award for Rhode Island, and
are among finalists for the 2006 national award. The recipient will
be announced on the MDA Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.
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