HJ273: Commending Joan Manley.
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WHEREAS, Joan Manley of Lexington was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009 - 2010 at the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Pageant held on March 20, 2009, at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program is to raise awareness of the abilities and needs of the disabled community through education and advocacy in order to influence attitudinal, architectural, and social change for all Virginians; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley became a spinal cord injury quadriplegic in 1984 after an automobile accident; as she adjusted to her disability and developed skills in living independently, she became a passionate and powerful advocate for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, in 1995 Joan Manley founded the Rockbridge Area Transportation System, which provides specialized transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities; the System now provides 1,000 rides per month; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley also championed the need for accessibility in downtown Lexington before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act; her persistence led to the creation of a local committee that raised funds and commissioned construction of 15 downtown curb ramps; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley currently works as an advocacy specialist for Valley Associates for Independent Living, whose mission is to foster independence and remove barriers to independent living in the community; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley is a member of the Rockbridge Disability Services Board and a member of the Community Integration Advisory Commission, which identifies barriers and solutions to community integration; and
WHEREAS, during her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Joan Manley?s platform is her motto?Making Choices and Having Choices to Make; she encourages people with disabilities to identify their options, fight for more choices, and pursue self-direction in all areas of their lives; and
WHEREAS, a positive and inspirational speaker, Joan Manley travels across the state promoting her platform and raising awareness of issues confronting people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and talented woman, Joan Manley represents her community and the Commonwealth with great enthusiasm and dedication; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Joan Manley on her selection as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009 - 2010; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joan Manley as an expression of the General Assembly?s congratulations, respect, and admiration for her work on behalf of people with disabilities.
Patrons-- Cline, Anderson, Athey, Bell, Richard P., Cosgrove, Cox, J.A., Cox, M.K., Garrett, Gear, Greason, Griffith, Jones, Kilgore, Landes, Marshall, R.G., Massie, Morefield, Nixon, Oder, Pogge, Putney, Sherwood, Stolle and Tata
WHEREAS, Joan Manley of Lexington was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009 - 2010 at the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Pageant held on March 20, 2009, at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program is to raise awareness of the abilities and needs of the disability community through education and advocacy in order to influence attitudinal, architectural, and social change for all Virginians; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley became a spinal cord injury quadriplegic in 1984 after an automobile accident; as she adjusted to her disability and developed skills in living independently, she became a passionate and powerful advocate for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, Joan Manley founded the Rockbridge Area Transportation System, which provides specialized transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities; the System now provides 1,000 rides per month; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley also championed the need for accessibility in downtown Lexington before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act; her persistence led to the creation of a local committee that raised funds and commissioned construction of 15 downtown curb ramps; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley currently works as an advocacy specialist for Valley Associates for Independent Living, whose mission is to foster independence and remove barriers to independent living in the community; and
WHEREAS, Joan Manley is also a member of the Rockbridge Disability Services Board and a member of the Community Integration Advisory Commission, which identifies barriers and solutions to community integration; and
WHEREAS, during her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Joan Manley?s platform is her motto Making Choices and Having Choices to Make; she encourages people with disabilities to identify their options, fight for more choices, and pursue self-direction in all areas of their lives; and
WHEREAS, a positive and inspirational speaker, Joan Manley travels across the state promoting her platform and raising awareness of issues confronting people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and talented woman, Joan Manley represents her community and the Commonwealth with great enthusiasm and dedication; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Joan Manley on her selection as Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, 2009 - 2010; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joan Manley as an expression of the General Assembly?s congratulations and respect and admiration for her work on behalf of people with disabilities.
