Winners on Wheels - Encouraging Personal Achievement Through Creative Learning

What organization did Marilyn Hamilton found in 1991 in Fresno, California, when a hang gliding accident in the mid-1970s left her paralyzed.

The long answer is: a non-profit, co-ed scouting type program for kids in wheelchairs, challenging them with breakthrough experiences to go after dreams and confidently contribute to the world, Winners On Wheels

The trio of components

The program has three components:

Circles - groups of children in wheelchairs aged 5-14. Led by a volunteer leader, Winners complete badges and projects, learn new skills and take trips. Some badges are:

¨ Fire safety

¨ Water safety

¨ Sports

¨ Journalism

¨ Orienteering

¨ Personal safety

Currently there are 35 Circles in 22 states and the goal is to have a Circle in every state.

Kids Club write-in program - for children who do not have a Circle in their area. Children can complete activities listed in the bi-monthly WOW Connection newsletter.

Web-based program - children can earn badges by the completing interactive Wheels curriculum in six activities.

There is also a pen pal and mentor program available. Children can be paired up with others so they can correspond and learn about each other. Mentors shepherd new Circle Leaders and are an invaluable resource to establishing strong and solid Circles.

"Since our goal is to reach as many children as possible we are putting a lot of energy and resources into our web site," said Hamilton, who is also vice president of consumer development at Sunrise Medical, Mobility Products Division as well as WOW founder and board member.

There are also links to children's and disability sites, a chat room and there will be scheduled chats soon, said Hamilton, who is also an excellent athlete, garnering two Paralympics silver medals, two U. S. Open Tennis Tournaments and six skiing championships.

The WOW philosophy states that by encouraging personal achievement through creative learning and fun you can develop an individual's self-esteem. WOW strives to guide each Winner to achieve at his or her own talent and skill level, in order to assist each child in becoming a valuable, contributing citizen.

"WOW is a great organization. We have a tight knit group of parents that can network together," said Stephanie Montgomery, an employee of Cincinnatti Community Recreation and a Circle Leader in Cincinnati, Ohio for four years. "There's not much of a difference from scouts but WOW kids can discuss their own issues together. Many of them are with nondisabled kids all day and they feel like they can relate to each other well at WOW."

WOW is sponsored by Sunrise Medical and the Fansler Foundation.

What does a WOW member enjoy?

Hannah Kristan of New Haven, Connecticut, 13 in October, has been in WOW four years. She meets every other Saturday at the Easter Seals rehabilitation center with nine other Winners.

"I like being able to do arts and crafts and the sports badges," Kristan said.

Kristan, who has spina bifida, also enjoys listening to music and hanging out with her friends. "I like getting together with other kids in wheelchairs, since I am the only one in my school in a wheelchair," she added referring to West Hills Magnet School of New Haven for grades K through 8.

Fun activities, social interaction, educational sessions and confidence building. Whatever way you look at it, it's a great answer for children in wheelchairs!