Independence Empowerment Center

For as long as she can remember Stephanie’s parents called her their miracle child. She was born prematurely and not breathing. Her parents had a choice, they chose to wait and pray. Having mild CP, she faced many obstacles through the years. Learning to do everyday tasks, things which most others take for granted, was difficult. Not being able to walk until the age of 7 made school challenging. She was always encouraged to do her best and discouraged from using the word “can’t.” As she got older, she became more aware of her physical limitations and more importantly, to the barriers that she encountered in society. With a strong family support system, she has had many opportunities for which she is very thankful. She believes that she has learned more from her own life experiences than she could ever learn from a book.

During and after high school, Stephanie worked for almost a dozen years at a fast food restaurant. Though it was difficult, she even waited tables, since as a shift manager it was her responsibility to make sure all store needs were met. As that physical labor became more difficult, she knew it was time to find a different kind of job. Fortunately, for IEC, she came to us for an interview and demonstrated just the kind of exuberance and passion for ensuring the rights of people with disabilities were upheld, that we aspire to. We hired her!

Now she hopes that with the tools and knowledge that IEC has taught her, that she will be able to reach her goals and beyond, as well as assist others to do the same. Working at IEC she learns more every day about civil rights and the Independent Living Philosophy and how to implement the change in barriers found in our society that people with disabilities face daily.

As an Independent Living Advocate she provides information and referral to those who call with questions. She is also the Nursing Home Transition Facilitator for our service area and has worked with youth in our community, including those who attended the Youth Leadership Forum this summer.

If that is not enough, Stephanie also works on the IEC newsletter and is, in fact, the layout designer. She also takes her turn at managing our information table at fairs, conferences and other events, and much, much more.

Email address: sgeorge@ieccil.org