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Vermont Center for Independent Living

Citizens with disabilities working together for dignity, independence, and civil rights.

The Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) works to promote the dignity, independence, and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities.VCIL is committed to cross-disability services, the promotion of active citizenship, and working with others to create services that support self-determination and full participation in community life. Founded in 1979,VCIL is a statewide, nonprofit organization directed and staffed by individuals with disabilities.

Mission Accessible

VCIL believes that individuals with disabilities have the right to live with dignity and with appropriate support in their own homes, fully participate in their communities, and to control and make decisions about their lives.

VCIL's Four Core Services

VCIL Direct Services

VCIL also provides practical assistance for interpreting and implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws.

VCIL's toll-free I-Line at 1-800-639-1522 (voice or TTY) provides information and referral services to all Vermonters with disabilities and the Deaf, their families, service organizations, schools, government agencies, and individuals.

What's New

Accessible ropes course with presentation by Warren Macdonald (world-class climber whose legs were amputated above the knee) - Vermont's Northern Lights Rock & Ice Gears Up For Empowerment Weekend - October 11th and 12th
Hearing Matters: Talk With Others Who Understand - Free demo of hearing products at CVMC on October 9, 2008.
The Roadshow for the Deaf - November 6, 2008 - Bennington and Rutland. Come and learn what each agency can do for you!
Register to Vote! At a VCIL Community Meeting. List of VCIL Community Meetings
VCIL has compiled a valuable list of things you should know about voting. See the Voting and Election Information and Resources page.
Meet together with people with disabilities to share ideas, talk about issues, learn from one another, and plan fun events! List of VCIL Community Meetings
The summer, 2008 edition of The Independent is now online!
Sign Up For Youth Leadership Forum
Ongoing Peer Volunteer Activities & Events Committee members wanted
Bennington Battle Day Parade (August 17, 2008) Float Committee volunteers needed
You can now see our accessible recreation and sports listings calendar on our Web site. Check out this month's calendar!
Looking for accessible recreation and sports opportunities or a workshop on wellness for people with disabilities?
Read about, and view, the new VCIL accessible recreation and sports calendar and listings.
VCIL Opposes Physician-Assisted Suicide
Read our articles, visit our links, and watch our commercials against physician-assisted suicide.
New VCIL Information & Referral Request Form
Make an I & R request directly from the VCIL Web site!
VCIL Library Catalog Now Online!
View and search more than 600 titles in the VCIL independent living library.
Email VCIL Staff
Contact VCIL staff directly from the VCIL Web site through the phone numbers list or Web contact form.
New Accessible Trail To Open At Historic Site - Mount Independence Trail Will Open Vistas To Mobility Challenged
You can now apply for the Sue Williams Freedom Fund (SWFF) and the Home Access Program (HAP) on the VCIL Web site. Visit the application form to apply online or download a PDF application.
SILC Offers "Neighborhood Chats" to Review New Vermont State Plan for Independent Living
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING (NCIL) ACTION ALERT! Please send in your stories to support the "Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2007"! More information here

ADA Celebration - July 26, 2008

Vermonters join VCIL in celebrating the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

LEADER OF TOMORROW -- At this year's ADA Celebration, Deborah Lisi-Baker, front left, presented the Deborah Lisi-Baker Leader of Tomorrow Award to a group of students from Harwood Union High School for their involvement in a project called "Speak Out for Understanding." Accepting the award are, front right, project guru Maureen Charron-Shea and, back row, from left, students Grace Kirpan, Emma Wade, Abby Zarotny and Tucker Sargent.

HAPPY OCCASION-- Back row, from right, Harriet Hall and Vermont Center for Independent Living Board Member John K. Hall of Newport City, along with Gov. Jim Douglas, and his wife, Dorothy, were among dozens of attendees at VCIL's ADA Celebration July 26 on the Statehouse lawn. In the foreground is VCIL Executive Director Deborah Lisi-Baker. The disability rights organization was marking the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADA -- John Tracy of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy's office was among the distinguished guests at this year's ADA Celebration. In the background is ASL interpreter Barb Walker.

WORDS OF WISDOM -- Kelly Lucci, an outreach representative for the office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, spoke at this year's ADA Celebration.

18 YEARS OF EQUALITY -- Patricia Coates of U.S. Representative Peter Welch's office spoke at this year's ADA Celebration. Rep. Welch was one of the first co-sponsors of the ADA Restoration Act.

GETTING OUT THE VOTE -- Missy Shea, voter outreach coordinator for the Vermont Secretary of State's Office Elections & Campaign Finance Division, attended the ADA Celebration. At right is master of ceremonies Ruben Ortiz-Rivera.

United Way Community Partner