She was awarded the Ms. Wheelchair Masschusetts Lifetime Achievement award at a ceremony in Providence this month.

Now, East Wareham resident Patti Pazarino is back in Wareham -- and ready to take action.

"This town needs a makeover," Panzarino said, "of attitudes and accessibility."

The Ms. Wheelchair America competition is based on personal interviews, speeches, and on-stage interviews. The goal was to find a national spokeswoman for disabilities.

The 53-year-old Panzarino was born with spinal muscular atrophy, type 2, and has never walked.

Her platform of "creative perseverance" -- as she explains, "finding ways to achieve more than you ever thought was possible in your life" -- earned Panzarino the title of Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts earlier this year, and the opportunity to participate in the national pageant for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America.

"It was an amazing, empowering week," Panzarino said.

Ms. Wheelchair Texas -- Mariah Kilbourne -- was awarded the national title.

Panzarino was thrilled for Kilbourne, whom she called a "dynamic 24-year-old."

"The competition was fierce. They said the judges had a very difficult job," said Panzarino, noting: "There really were no losers. We're all winners."

Earning the Lifetime Achievement award, which is given to the contestant who the judges believe has made the largest contribution and impact for people with disabilities, was particularly humbling -- and unexpected -- for Panzarino.

As they announced the award, Panzarino says she thought to herself: "I wonder who got this?"

Panzarino is now even more energized -- and has her work cut out for her.

She's Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts for another seven months, and she's got a lot of advocating and mentoring to do -- and changes to make.

"It doesn't end" with the conclusion of the pageant, Panzarino said. "This propels me forward."

Panzarino, who has lived in town for 17 years, is tackling Wareham first.

In addition to leading workshops, mentoring, and advocating for people with disabilities, Panzarino hopes to inspire change by getting a group of able-bodied people into wheelchairs and having them navigate Main Street and other areas of town to show the difficulties that people in wheelchairs face daily.

"One step is too many," she said, noting that many businesses are not wheelchair-friendly.

Also on Panzarino's list is launching a nonprofit "to empower musicians with disabilities."

A musician herself, Panzarino plays keyboards, sings, and serves as music director in her four-member band, Olypsys. She is currently looking for space to meet and conduct lessons.

Panzarino is ready for all the hard work.

"I only have seven more months!" she said, again emphasizing: "But it doesn't end there."

Want to book Panzarino for a speech or workshop? She can be reached at mswheelchairmass@comcast.net.

To hear Panzarino's band, Olypsys, visit www.facebook.com/olypsys and www.olypsys.com.