(KAIR)--An educator from Atchison, who was named Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2023 in March, is now competing in the 52nd Annual Ms. Wheelchair America National Competition, in Grand Rapids, Iowa.

According to a release, the competition is underway now through September 3, with 23-year-old Daija Coleman among the competitors at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel who, throughout the week, will be judged based on their ability to make a difference for the more than 56 million Americans living with disabilities.

The competitors represent states across the country.

According to the release, the competition will culminate with a Crowning Gala on September 2, 2023 where Ms. Wheelchair America 2024 will be crowned.

Representing the state of Kansas in the competition is Coleman, who uses a wheelchair for mobility because she has Cerebral Palsy. She lives in Atchison, where she works as a 5th grade teacher at Atchison Elementary School, having received her Bachelor of Education from Washburn University. According to the release, Coleman volunteers at Exceptional Humans, a nonprofit organization that supports humans with diverse abilities to live self-determined lives. She enjoys reading, painting, and writing, and her platform focuses on educating others to be A+ Advocates. Coleman describes herself as compassionate, resourceful, and a troublemaker.

Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. is a non-profit organization that relies solely on the dedication and hard work of volunteers from across the country, fundraising by contestants, and the help of local sponsors.