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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

Ongoing Peer Volunteer Activities & Events Committee members wanted
Bennington Battle Day Parade (August 17, 2008) Float Committee volunteers needed
The spring, 2008 edition of The Independent is now online!
You can now see our accessible recreation and sports listings calendar on our Web site. Check out this month's calendar!
VCIL Employment: Two new part time positions available. View employment page
Accepting bids for accessibilty surveys in Franklin County
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 Photos - July 26, 2007

Vermonters join VCIL in celebrating the 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read more:

LEADER OF TOMORROW - During the July 26 ADA Celebration, VCIL Executive Director Deborah Lisi-Baker presents Ash Brittenham, 10, of Montpelier with the Deborah Lisi-Baker Leader of Tomorrow Award.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADA - John Tracy of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy's office was among the speakers at the ADA Celebration. He is seen here with VCIL Executive Director Deborah Lisi-Baker.

QUITE AN HONOR - Kelly Lucci, an outreach representative for the office of U.S. Sen. Bernard Sanders, presents Deborah Lisi-Baker with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the ADA celebration and Lisi-Baker's recent birthday.

GOOD NEWS - During the July 26 ADA Celebration, Patricia Coates of Congressman Peter Welch's office announced that Welch has signed on as a primary sponsor of the ADA Restoration Act. At left is ASL interpreter Jennifer Raney.

United Way Community Partner