October 1, 2003

Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota Holds the Key to Disability Awareness

by Kathy Wechsler

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. Starting in 1945, Congress declared the first week of October to be National Employ the Handicapped Week. Deciding on a more acceptable title, Congress changed the name in 1988.

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Jennifer Onsum of Minneapolis is using her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2003 to increase disability awareness, promote disability rights, and encourage people with disabilities to be active and involved members of society. She has spinal muscular atrophy.

Throughout October, Onsum, 22, will appear across the state to talk about Disability Employment Awareness Month. On Oct. 7 she’ll visit the Whitney Senior Center and take part in the Granite City multiple sclerosis support group. She’s also scheduling media interviews and is concerned about inaccurate media portrayals of people with disabilities.

Onsum, who uses a power chair for mobility, always manages to remain optimistic about life. Found to have SMA when she was 18 months old, she’s used a wheelchair since age 4. Onsum’s enthusiastic spirit and dedication to people with disabilities earned her the statewide title and a shot at the honor of being crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2004. The competition honors women of achievement who use wheelchairs.

She says that her experiences in the Ms. Wheelchair pageants helped her feel more “inspired, empowered and more confident as a person.”

“I stay positive by keeping active and participating in everything that a ‘normal’ person does,” said Onsum, who enjoys sports, especially PowerHockey, going to concerts, traveling, socializing with friends and volunteering at MDA events. “I think surrounding yourself with family and friends is a large part of staying positive.”

MDA’s 1993 Minnesota Goodwill Ambassador, Onsum is now a public relations major at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and does Web design and online promotions management for the entertainment industry on a freelance basis. Eventually, she’d like to get involved with event planning and fund raising.

Coming from a family that’s been volunteering for the MDA Telethon for more than 20 years, Onsum and one of her older brothers, Steve, share a diagnosis of SMA. Whenever possible, Onsum attends events and assists with planning MDA summer camp activities. She’s also an active member of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service organization.

Onsum continues to reach her goal of increasing disability awareness as she schedules speeches and appearances for Disability Employment Awareness Month.