Dianna Warren has dedicated her life to trying to educate others about people with disabilities.
The 66-year-old Canton woman, who has muscular dystrophy, is a volunteer with Ms. Wheelchair USA and The Dane Foundation, and has served as a Ms. Wheelchair USA Ambassador. She participated in Ms. Wheelchair USA Ohio seven times and competed for Ms. Wheelchair USA All-Star representing Ohio during the 30th anniversary of the event this year.
“It means a lot to me that I can open up so many more opportunities to continue to educate people about disabilities, be more involved in the community and share my platform on the impact of a positive attitude and also on stigma about disabilities,” she said. “It is an opportunity to share my story living with muscular dystrophy since the age of 6 years old. I have accomplished so much, and I love this opportunity. I want to educate people on how to talk to people with a disability and not judge them.
“There are so many stereotypes that go around about people with disabilities. That’s why this means so much to me …, also encouraging people who are disabled to follow their dreams and to help them learn about all the opportunities for them that are out there. I have a lot of determination and am a very dedicated person.”
Warren, a 1979 graduate of Canton McKinley High School, has been married to her husband, Warren, for 46 years. They have a boxer named Olivia.
When did you decide to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair Pageants?
For this competition, I decided to compete back in April and accepted the invite. It is something that I really enjoy doing, representing people with disabilities and educating people about disability and trying to make them more acceptable and not so stereotypical.
I’ve been disabled for 60 years, and I want to share my story and my accomplishments and keep continuing to be part of the community.
Where are some of the places you have traveled as a pageant winner and representative, educating people about disabilities?
I had the opportunity to go to Florida to be part of the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. I’ve been on news radio, to different schools, expos, the Soap Box Derby, and traveled country music festivals with over 100 different appearances in total.
Would you share the accomplishments and awards you have achieved?
I was a cheerleader in high school. I’ve been married 46 years and worked as a secretary and treasurer for a bowling league for disabled people for 32 years.
I was the first disabled person to bowl in the Canton City women’s tournament. I had an opportunity to bowl with some pros, participated in the veterans’ Ohio Wheelchair sport games. I have been awarded Ms. Wheelchair USA Ohio seven times. I have won several bowling awards, including first place. Awarded in an obstacle course with a power wheelchair and a power wheelchair race.
I was inducted into the Canton Women’s Hall of Fame in 2002 for all of my accomplishments and community service. I got Employee of the Month at Babies “R” Us. Plus, I have won a lot of awards from the pageant, including first runner-up, Spirit Award, Ms. Congeniality, People’s Choice Award, Video Press Award, Amazing U Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, the Treasure of the Year Award, and was featured in the Uniquely You Magazine.
What or who has kept you motivated to accomplish all that you have over the years?
All of my family members and my husband. I thank God for him for being with me and guiding me with all of my accomplishments and my health.
One for fun: If you were magically given three wishes, what would they be?
Editor’s note: Five questions with … is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you’d like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ms. Wheelchair USA Ambassador from Canton educates others on disabilities
Reporting by Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
