Wis. Woman Crowned 'Miss Wheelchair USA'

ELLSWORTH, Wis. (WCCO) -- A 31-year-old Ellsworth, Wis. woman has been crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA in a competition that focuses on the accomplishments of women with disabilities.

Fifteen years ago, during a high school theater production, Tasha Schuh took a step backward and fell 16 feet through a trap door.

She landed below the stage. It left her paralyzed from the chest down.

Schuh decided she was going to have a positive attitude and find the bright side of her accident.

"Really this program is all about empowering women, the self-worth in women and just showing the achievements that can be accomplished even if you are sitting in a wheelchair," said Schuh.

She went on to graduate from college with bachelor's degrees in both communications and theology.

She's traveled across the Midwest as a motivational speaker and is writing a book called, "The Last Step Backward." She expects it to be out in the fall.

As Ms. Wheelchair USA, Schuch won a $4,000 prize package.