Our Annual Meeting is at the Marsteller Building 8730 Sudley Rd. June 25 from 5-7. All are welcome. If you are a member of IEC, you have voting privileges. This year, we will be voting on a new board member. We will also be presenting the slate of new officers. More details to arrive by mail for those who have officially signed up for membership.
Please come and celebrate with us on July 19, 2008 as we observe the 18th anniversay of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!
Some of last year’s community participants
Last summer, as a grant requirement, IEC had its first ADA Fair. This turned out to be a big event for our small non-profit organization and the community. Over 30 businesses came and set up exhibits to display
In the last issue of Your Power, you learned about Virginia’s Olmstead Plan, based on a Supreme Court decision that requires that persons with disabilities be able to live in the most integrated setting possible and that states support them in this effort. This column provides information about Virginia’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) project. MFP is part of an effort to transform Virginia’s system of long-term supports for people living in their home communities.
Continue reading the From The Executive Director Mary D. Lopez, PhD article
Life as an intern has been an amazing ride so far. I am learning so much. Ever since I’ve started at Independence Empowerment Center (IEC), I feel so free and independent. I have always wanted to see how it would feel to be out in the working world on my own. My experience working here has given me the chance to do just that.
Continue reading the Life as an Intern by Kathryn Kaczmarski article
Independence Empowerment Center, along with the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy (VOPA), is offering an informational workshop on legal rights for people with mobility difficulties and other disabilities regarding accessibility at shopping malls, other retailers and accessible parking. Join in and learn about retail store accessibility issues and what to do to overcome barriers.
Continue reading the Are Place You Shop Inaccessible? Learn What do Do! by Stephanie George article
In the coming months you will receive notices about the improvements to the Medicaid Waiver Services. Most of the changes will take place in the month of July. These changes will mean beneficial additions to the waiver programs. Such additions will include Money Follows the Person (see article on page 2), environmental modifications, assistive technology, and transition coordination, to name a few.
Continue reading the What’s New With Medicaid? by Roberta McEachern article
Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy’s (VOPA) two-part presentation begins with an overview of the different rights of individuals with disabilities. Part one touches on what VOPA does to assist individuals with disability discrimination issues, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Virginians with Disabilities Act. It also addresses specific rights as they pertain to individuals using assistive technology, service animals, interpreters and other accommodations. Finally, part one of the presentation concludes with an overview of self-advocacy and explanation of how VOPA might be able to help you with your issues.
Many people with disabilities face discrimination. Come join us to learn more about it. Lawrence Dulin from the Prince William County Human Rights Commission will be talking about what discrimination means, areas and basis for discrimination and how to file a complaint. He will also give us useful information about the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the PWC Human Rights Commission. Please come join us on June 17th at the old Marsteller School building 8730 Sudley Rd in Manassas at 2 pm. Please use the back entrance to the right side (North) of the building. For more information contact Stephanie at 703-257-5400 ext. 115.
Best entrance to use at the Marsteller Building is on the North/Right. (see photo above) or call IEC for directions.
From Spring 2008 Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 2
The following piece on disability is an excerpt from the United Spinal Association’s “Tips on Interacting With People With Disabilities.” These tips are designed to help you understand what to do and what not to do when in the company of a person with a disability.
People With Cerebral Palsy
As a result of injury to the Central Nervous System, people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have difficulty controlling their muscles. Many people with CP have slurred speech and involuntary body movements. Your impulse may be to discount what they have to say, based on their appearance. Monitor your responses and interact with the person as you would with anyone else.
Four deaf adults participated in a writing workshop at Independence Empowerment Center lead by a Literacy Volunteers of America - Prince William, Inc. tutor with the assistance of an ASL interpreter. The twenty-five hour program was designed to improve the participants’ English writing skills. The students chose to refine their writing skills in order to improve their employment opportunities.
Continue reading the Writing Workshop at IEC by Debbie Titus article
