Life Rolls On - Jesse Billauer featured in Noman Editions

Check out Jesse Billauer's feature in Nomad Magazine. Be inspired by his story,his quest to raise awareness of spinal chord injuries and how he changes lives - including mine. Check out pics of "They Will Surf Again" & Ms. Wheelchair California 2010 surfin' it up with LRO Volunteer and friend, David King. Check it out!

https://nomadeditions.com/wave-lines/2011-01-23/jesse-billauer-feature.html#

The 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade

This year the city of Pasadena brings to us across the world the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade. Thanks to Kiwanis International, I was able to ride their float "Childrens' Dreams". It was only appropriate that this be the title of the float, as my platform for the year is "Empowering Children & Young Adults with Disabilities to Make Their Dreams Into Reality". What a great way for Ms. Wheelchair California to start of the year.

The entire Rose Parade Experience was truly one I'll never forget - especially since I was able to share making these memories with my sister Heather, who also got to ride the float with me.

Our first day at Rosemont, where they build a few of the floats, was ever bit of exciting, beautiful & jaw dropping. As far back as I can remember, watching the Rose Parade on T.V. was & still is a must in my family. Seeing how each float was created was a lifetime experience & even more-so when Heather & I got to Help out.

While in Pasadena, I had the opportunity to meet the 2011 Rose Queen - Evanne, and her Royal Court. There were all very sweet. Funny how all o our outfits matched!The day of the parade was so sunny - perfect, considering all of the rain we've been getting the lat few weeks. The stands & streets were filled with so many people including TCU fans & my personal favorite - Wisconsin Badger fans. It truly was a great way to start off 2011.

I'd like to thank Kiwanis - especially Shirley & Bart Carrol, Larry Madick, and Papa Dave Wallach, for hosting Ms. Wheelchair California. Thank you so much for believing in MWCC & helping society become more aware of the disability community. I cannot express how much I love Kiwanis & the amazing people that belong to this great organization. Thank you to our driver for the week, David Juare. I really appreciate your time & your support in making my experience the best possible. A huge thanks to my sister, Heather, for being there for me through everything. I'm so thankful that we got to experience being in the parade together. i love you.

Gettin' Ready for the 2011 Rose Parade!!!

Hey everyone!!!

It's my turn!!! I get to be on the Kiwanis Float for the 2011 Rose Parade! What a great way to start off a New Year. Tomorrow will be my first day at Rosemont & I'm so excited!

The 122nd Rose Parade themed “Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories”, will take place on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units.

2010 Rose Parade Theme Trophy Winner "New Life Rises"

The 122nd Rose Parade will be broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV and Univision. The Parade is also seen in more than 200 international territories and countries. To learn more, visit our Broadcast Partners page.

Even better new - this year's Grand Marshall is Paula Deen!!!!

I hope you all tune in to watch the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade... set your TiVo's & DVR's. Follow me on twitter, MsWheelchairCA, for updates.

Asian & Pacific Islanders with Disabilities Conference

Today I was asked to speak on the "Real Life Stories/Community Building" Panel at the APIDC Panel. I had the opportunity to answer questions about my life, as an Asian & Pacific Islander American with a disability, my profession, what growing up was like and how I contribute to my community. Also on the panel was Tim Jin, Sophorina Ko and Kevin - Dat Vu. Their stories were powerful & very enlightening.

While at the Conference, I was able to sit in on the "Social Media Panel". There I learned how and why social media is a powerful tool to a successful business from Doreen Wong (ARS), James Wright (NBC - Universal), Edwin Dutarte (Pink Slip Mixers) and Lotay Yang (Black Card Circle).

Art students from Long Beach City College were there auctioning off art work to benefit APIDC.

To learn more about APIDC, please go to www.apidisabilities.org

Long Beach CACoD Celebrates Disability Employment

At the Long Beach Library, CACoD gathered to celebrate Disability Employment Month. There were many vendors present to share their resources with those in the disability community.

Thank you CACoD and Long Beach City for having me sing at this event!

Asian Rehabilitation Services - 8th Ha Ha Hollywood

Founded in 1972, ARS has a long history of providing quality commercial manufacturing assembly services and professional custodial services to our business and government customers.

Developing mutually beneficial partnerships with our customers has been crucial to our ongoing success. Customers receive quality business solutions to increase their bottom line, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities, building futures and promoting independence for individuals with disabilities.

ARS is CARF accredited for the following Community Employment Services programs:

• Job Development
• Job-Site Training
• Job Supports
• Organizational Employment Services

The primary focus for Ha Ha Hollywood is to raise unrestricted funds to support the individuals with disabilities ARS serves and provide support for their families who represent under-served / not-served low-income, monolingual speaking communities.

The event was very successful! Congrats to ARS!

Los Angeles Dominion Power Christian Center

LA Dominion Power Cristian Center supports Ms. Wheelchair California 2010! Thank you for having me speak and for your generous donation to the organization!