Despite having to overcome a developmental disability, Pomier has the ability to outwork many who do not have a handicap. He works in lawn care for the Iberia Parish ARC center and competes in badminton in the Special Olympics.
"I like to badminton. It's fun. I play singles and play doubles with another guy," Pomier said of his hobby. "I like cutting the grass and doing things for people and I listen to my boss man and listen to what he says. I like being friends with the people."
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"It is the only recognized sports program for people with disabilities," said Launey Miller, Iberia Parish director to the Special Olympics. "It is worldwide, we have year round activities and it is not limited to the track and field program."
The Special Olympics were Friday at New Iberia Senior High. The activities showcased students from 28 different schools. The events ranged from the 100-meter dash, the shot put and the running long jump.
"In a lot of ways the Special Olympics is a competitive program. Kids come in with a high level of competition, in some cases participating in world games," Miller said.
"They form very strong bonds within the whole Special Olympics family. It seems to unite everyone and provides opportunities for a lot of families to come together."
The ARC program is another extension to disabled residents within the parish. The ARC helps developmentally disabled residents find apartments as well as finding and keeping jobs in the community.
Though originally the ARC stood for the Association of Retarded Citizens, the program wanted to shed the "retardation label" while retaining the noted call letters, said Tammy LeBlanc, ARC assistant executive director.
"It doesn't stand for anything anymore, we just want the ARC nationally recognized," she said. "Our mission is to assist and support people to live and be active in their own community. We want them to live as normal and productive life as they can."
The ARC has received assistance from different organizations. The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is contracted by ARC to build apartments for the disabled. The Developmental Disability Council (DDC) helps disabled residents live on their own with financial support. There are also members in Iberia Parish who have also been able to lend a helping hand by donating clothes to the ARC of Iberia resale clothing stores in New Iberia and a new store that just opened in Loreauville.
"Already the community has helped tremendously by dropping off clothes," LeBlanc said. "Our stores have also received some nice compliments. We only have two-three people working within the store, so when folks come in it is a nice atmosphere."
The goal of the ARC of Iberia this week is to kick off their membership drive, said Tatia Greer, development officer.
"We want to create a greater awareness of ARC of Iberia and provide an opportunity to build support for our organization through membership," Greer said. "With membership we can gain legislative support for issues that have a direct effect on people with disabilities."
ARC will send out requests for people to join the organization all this month. Anyone wishing to join or donate to the cause may contact Greer at 367-6813.
With the many different programs in the community which assist the disabled, the relationship is not totally one-sided.
"The disabled community serves the community in a variety of different ways," said Kenny Patton, ARC representative. "Not only do we provide services to the clients we serve, but we give back a lot with clients being in different clubs and organizations in the community. We have people working in several different locations, from fast food to clothing stores.
"I think our contributions to the community are immeasurable. They are able to earn money and put money back into the taxes."
LeBlanc adds, "We want to down play the disability and play up the ability."
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