Linda Reid Recieves Colgan Award

Dec. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- For more information contact
Dr. Mary Lopez, Executive Director
703-257-5400

LINDA REID RECEIVES COLGAN AWARD

   Manassas, Virginia--December 20, 2010. On behalf of Independence Empowerment Center, the Senator Charles J. Colgan Advocacy award will be given to Linda Reid, who has for years worked for greater accessibility and equality for citizens with disabilities in Fauquier County.  The award is bestowed annually by the center for independent living, which serves Prince William and Fauquier Counties, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Mrs. Reid receives the award this year because of her tireless dedication to community causes, especially those that benefit children. She serves on the State Special Education Advisory Committee and the Fauquier County Disability Services Board, as well as works with individual government officials to increase accessibility and equality. She has collaborated with the school system to conduct disability awareness exercises and served on the Strategic Plan Special Education Work Group. She devoted enormous effort to developing funding for, planning and overseeing the building of the beautiful Fun For All accessible playground in Warrenton.

The award is named for Senator Charles J. Colgan, who has long been a friend to the disability community. As Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he helped to ease the financial hardships associated with disability. He has patroned many bills to ensure the rights of people with disabilities and promote their employment. He co-sponsored the Economic Development for Virginians with Disabilities Grant Program, which created a government fund for nonprofit organizations that employ or train people who have disabilities or workplace disadvantages. He also sponsored legislation that increased the financial worth limit on the tax exemption for people who are elderly or have disabilities, and in 2004, expanded the use of disabled parking and license plates to parents or legal guardians of people with disabilities.

Senator Colgan has followed and been a part of the activities of Independence Empowerment Center (IEC) since it first started more than 14 years ago. IEC’s mission is to support, empower, and provide options to people with disabilities. IEC helps people to gain access to services appropriate to their needs, exercise their civil rights, participate in all aspects of society, and advocate their value to society.

The award will be presented at IEC’s annual holiday open house on Tuesday, December 20 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, 9001 Digges Road, Suite 103, Manassas, VA 20110.

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Non-profit working with people with disabilities in Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William and Fauquier Counties to promote independence and advocate for civil rights.