More than 40 women from across Maryland participated in a wreath-making event organized by the nonprofit organization Women Embracing Abilities Now (WEAN), which aims to free women with disabilities from limitations and realize their full potential. WEAN is part of the National Alliance on Disability.
“This is about how we help people with disabilities live their best lives,” said league president David Greenberg. “We can’t cure paralysis, cerebral palsy, autism or head injuries, but we can help people thrive and support their families with disabilities.”
The celebration, held at the Wellness Center in Baltimore, the league’s main campus, also included Chandra Smith of Pasadena, the reigning winner of the Miss Wheelchair America 2024 pageant and Miss Wheelchair Maryland 2023. This year’s Miss Wheelchair Maryland, Dominique Sessa of Talbot County, was unable to attend due to illness. She will compete in the Miss Wheelchair America 2025 pageant, which runs from Aug. 19-25 this year in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“It’s all about using everything you have to create something unique that’s your own,” said Smith, who is also on the league’s board of directors. “We all have different abilities, so you just have to let that shine… be yourself. [having] The courage to be your true self.”
Janice Jackson, founder of Women Embracing Abilities Now, prepares for a wreath-making event at the Baltimore Federation of Disabilities on June 22. (Angelique Gingras/Staff)
Started in 2005, WEAN held events throughout the year that drew more than 100 people before the pandemic, and invited Miss Wheelchair Maryland titleholders to speak to members. Now, WEAN meets weekly online and hosts one big event each year. This year’s big event was wreath-making.
Janice Jackson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit, said when planning the event, they were looking for something artistic and inclusive.
“Each person’s wreath is unique and different, which symbolizes how unique each person is in their disability,” Jackson said.
The effort was led by Elizabeth Shenar, the league’s certified art therapist.
“Learning new skills improves children’s self-esteem and makes them feel good, and most importantly, they have fun doing it,” she said.
Keona Mayo took part in the day’s celebrations, helping to make wreaths and organising the event. She met Jackson after being disabled in a car accident in 2005 and has been a WEAN member ever since.
“What I love about this group is we have such a strong sisterhood. We encourage each other and lift each other up. We understand each other like no one else can,” she said.