Ms. Wheelchair America, the national forum highlighting the achievements of women with disabilities, comes to Houston. This year's pageant theme, "Harnessing Energy and Empowering Women on Wheels," encourages persons with disabilities to mirror Houston's continuous success and growth.

Keynote speaker Lex Frieden is a long-standing disability rights activist, disability policy expert and lead architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Currently a professor at the University of Texas, Frieden became a quadriplegic in a 1967 auto accident and has since been a leading advocator, educator and researcher for persons with disabilities.

The public is invited to view the free public sessions in which additional motivational speakers — Annie Kennedy, senior vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association; Juliette Rizzo, Ms. Wheelchair America 2005; and Ann Eubank, vice president of Community Initiatives at United Spinal Association — will touch on additional topics including Advocating for Your Rights, Americans with Disabilities Act, Independent Living Issues, Social Security/SSDI/SSI and Zumba for Special Populations.