Helping the disabled aid themselves

Haymarket resident and special education teacher Martha Prokop knows how much independence can mean to a disabled person. And she has nothing but good things to say about Independence Empowerment Center, which will soon hold its annual American with Disabilities Act Fair.

IEC is a community-based, non-profit, non-residential service and advocacy organization with a mission to encourage, support and provide options to people with disabilities. The center promotes independent living, a philosophy that people, regardless of their disabilities, have the potential and the right to exercise individual self-determination.

Prokop's adopted daughter Emilia, who is developmentally delayed, has worked extensively with IEC. She said her daughter really likes IEC because "they were almost like peers … not condescending."

IEC staff members have disabilities themselves, she said, so there is a client-to-client relationship.

Prokop said one of the most important aspects of IEC is that IEC connects people with disabilities to separate agen-cies providing resources they need. Since agencies are "all over the place," most people, especially recent high school graduates, do not know how to access services or do not understand them, she said. Prokop used the example of SSI. If a client calls Social Security, he or she will receive information about SSI and nothing else.

Through IEC, Emilia has received assistance with job searches, access to a variety of services and encouragement that has led her to advocate for the disabled.

"Emilia is a people person," her mother said. So advocating for others with disabilities was a natural step for her."

Emilia is also interested in working with and training service dogs.

The celebration will be held at the Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas on July 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Besides commemorating 19 years since ADA's signing into law, fair participants will recognize IEC's 10th year of operation.

The fair will feature more than 25 organizations. Food will be available from A La Carte Catering. Organizations such as Care Connection for Children and Poison Prevention will be on site. Groups that serve individuals with disabilities, including Didlake and Awl Personal Care, will also participate.

Local government agencies will include Manassas Prince William County and Fauquier Disability Services Boards, PWC Area Agency on Aging, Human Rights Commission and PWC Emergency Preparedness Citizen's Corp.

In addition, Best Buy will sponsor a raffle for both Wii Sports and Wii Fit, with all proceeds going to IEC. Tickets are one for $2 or three for $5.

Children will enjoy activities such as "fair-type" games, a magician and a puppeteer. Performances will include the Happy Hoofers dancers of Manassas and music by local bands Stir Fry and Jericho.

IEC will also host a silent auction during the fair with items including statues of wizards and dragons, a whitewater rafting trip, restaurant certificates, Yankee candles and handmade jewelry. Sports enthusiasts can bid on auto-graphed items from the Washington Capitals and Redskins. There will be an assortment of children and pet items as well.

Spurred by grassroots actions, the ADA was signed into law July 26, 1990 and brought about drastic changes to American society. As a result of the ADA and the disability rights movement, Americans have expanded their think-ing to include people of all ages and abilities.

During the fair and all year round, IEC's goal is to recognize the power of people with disabilities. People like Emilia demonstrate how worthwhile this goal is and how appropriate it is to celebrate the ADA.