MDA MAGAZINE WINS NATIONAL AWARD
TUCSON, Ariz., April 4, 2003 — An article in Quest,
the national magazine of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, has earned
a national award in the prestigious Unity Awards in Media competition
for 2002.
The story, “Learning
at Home,” was written by Christina Medvescek, a senior staff
writer at MDA, which is headquartered in Tucson. It was published in
February 2002.
The article explores homeschooling and homebound education for children
with physical disabilities. Both programs are options mandated under
the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The
article presents accounts of several students with neuromuscular diseases
who’ve chosen to be educated at home; gives the pros and cons
of each option; and offers further resources to help parents in decision-making.
Medvescek has been a member of MDA’s national staff since June
2001. As a freelance writer, she’s had articles published in Parents,
Newsweek, the Christian Science Monitor, the Arizona Jewish Post and
other publications. She’s also worked as a mediator, trainer and
writer in conflict resolution.
The Unity Awards are presented yearly by Lincoln University of Missouri
in Jefferson City to entries that “reflect accurate exposure of
issues affecting minorities and disabled persons.” Medvescek’s
story was selected best in the reporting on education category in the
Print – Minority Audience Division.
“We’re extremely gratified to see Quest and Chris Medvescek
receive this well-earned recognition,” MDA President & CEO
Robert Ross said. “Quest is an important part of MDA’s efforts
to help families affected by neuromuscular diseases cope with the many
challenges they face.”
Carol Sowell is the editor of Quest, published bimonthly. Selected stories
from the magazine can be seen at www.mda.org/publications/Quest.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular
diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services,
and far-reaching professional and public health education.
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