Plans Change After Serious Injury
“In 2005 I was blessed to join about 35 other students traveling throughout Kenya, working in missionary hospitals and clinics,” Yemi-Ese says. Her plan was to complete a PhD after getting a degree in neuroscience from Baylor University the following year, but life took an unexpected turn when a car accident in 2006 left her with quadriplegia. After undergoing nearly a year of intense occupational and physical therapy, she returned to Baylor and received her degree in 2008.
Ms. Wheelchair Texas Pageant
The Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation’s purpose is to make life better and easier for people living with disabilities though education and advocacy. Therefore the pageant focuses on the accomplishments of contestants, and how articulate they are, rather than their looks.Ms. Wheelchair Texas serves as a representative and spokesperson for all people living with a disability in the state of Texas.
“This pageant really opened my eyes as far as recognizing the gifts and determination of women with disabilities,” Yemi-Ese says. “We weren’t judged by beauty, but by character and merit.” .
“My platform is focused on bringing more disabled people into the workforce. I want to team up with currently established organizations to meet that end,” Yemi-Ese says. She works with sixth-graders at Citizen Schools, an after-school program located in Houston.
Mrs. Wheelchair Texas Making a Difference
Yemi-Ese proves herself to be a good spokeswoman for people living with disabilities in the Lone Star state and beyond.
“I wanted to be Ms. Wheelchair Texas so that I could travel, meet others with disabilities and learn more about the issues we face,” she explains.
Adaptive Driving Access is Best Choice
With all the miles Yemi-Ese travels to fulfill her duties as Ms. Wheelchair Texas, reliable transportation is an important concern. After comparison shopping, she chose Adaptive Driving Access, Inc., of Houston for her new Braunability Toyota Sienna LE. The van offers increased independence with a smooth ride and superb accessibility, and she loved dealing with the people at ADA, where adaptive driving is all they do.
In fact, two of the sales people are in wheelchairs. Not only was Yemi-Ese comfortable talking about her needs, but she knew she was dealing with a company that supports her platform of increased job opportunities for people with disabilities.
She feels very strongly that the disability community’s voice needs to be heard.
“Since I’ve been injured I’ve wanted to shine the light on issues of accessibility, and being Ms. Wheelchair Texas definitely has helped reach that goal. I feel that with my travels, I’ve been able to show that disabled individuals can be independent, beautiful, and intelligent. We should be defined by our overcoming of limits, not by limits remaining, and I feel I’m a part of this change in opinion.
“I’ve had the chance, in just two months, to be a part of the opening of the world’s first all-accessible theme park (Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio), speak at TIRR (Memorial Rehabilitation in Houston), been interviewed for televised programs, and so much more.”
Life goes on with Disability, People Adapt and Learn
Before her car accident, Yemi-Ese’s dream was to become a physician, and to help underserved populations get access to quality medical resources. Before her accident, she had always been under the impression that people with disabilities were among those who already had their needs met. She’s learned a lot since then:
“My goals in life now are to do more therapy to increase my independence, strengthen my walk with God, have my own family and home, and get back into the medical field by schooling for art therapy.
“So far, being Ms. Wheelchair Texas has and will continue to build my confidence and determination. I hope to learn more about how this role will positively influence my life and inspire others to aim high as well.
“I want to say to my constituents that I will do my best to represent them and make known our pressing issues. Everyone, able-bodied or disabled, deserves to explore and share their gifts with others. Though the hardships we face differ, our drive to achieve is very much the same. The vibrant, determined person who happens to be disabled should be the image that comes to mind when discussing disabilities.”
Photo courtesy Joyce Ese, Yemi-Ese's sister.
