Jan Blaustone, 45, of Nashville, Tenn., strives to be a leader by being a positive example. Blaustone's career and volunteer work focus on disability issues and family life.

A substitute teacher and writer, she's the author of two books about families and children. Blaustone also writes articles for magazines, newspapers and MDA publications.

As an active volunteer in her community, Blaustone's efforts have included serving as a consultant on special needs adoptions and making classroom visits to educate youngsters about the contributions of people with disabilities. She's a volunteer leader for MDA, serving on MDA's National Task Force on Public Awareness. She also speaks on behalf of MDA at seminars and fund-raising events and helps motivate others in MDA support groups. Blaustone is also an accomplished artist and has three paintings in the MDA Art Collection.

In 1987 at age 32, Blaustone received a diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. The slowly progressing disease causes weakness and wasting initially in the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles. She uses a motorized scooter and sometimes a manual wheelchair to assist with her mobility. Blaustone lives in Nashville with her husband, Michael, their son, Lee, 10, and their two dogs.

She graduated with honors in English from California State University in Sacramento, where she also earned an award for her photography. She previously worked in advertising and as a fire fighter.

Blaustone's selection as the MDA National Personal Achievement Award recipient was announced on the 2000 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day weekend. She continues to work with MDA and on her goal of being a role model of independence and determination for people with disabilities.