The Vermont Center for Independent Living has added three new members to its team. Two of them, Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie and Cara Sachs, will devote a significant amount of time to COVID-19 response and the third, Laura Siegel, will serve as VCIL’s Deaf Independence Program coordinator. Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie of Colchester began in early August as VCIL’s independent living coordinator.… Continue Reading VCIL Welcomes New Staff Members
VCIL Hires New Peer Advocate Counselor in Rutland
The Vermont Center for Independent Living has a new addition to its team. Ericka Jones joins VCIL as a Peer Advocate Counselor for the Rutland office. In this role, she will work with peers one-on-one and in group settings to improve options for independent living in the community. VCIL Executive Director Sarah Launderville said, “We are thrilled to have Ericka… Continue Reading VCIL Hires New Peer Advocate Counselor in Rutland
VCIL Celebrates 40 Years
The Vermont Center for Independent Living, a statewide nonprofit organization, is celebrating 40 years of people with disabilities working together for dignity, independence and civil rights. Like other independent living centers across the country, 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… Continue Reading VCIL Celebrates 40 Years
VCIL Honors Amazing Young Advocate
On Dec. 21, the Vermont Center for Independent Living honored a young Grand Isle woman who is striving to make the world a better place. Jacqueline Kelley received the Deborah Lisi-Baker Youth Leader Award. VCIL, a nonprofit organization directed and staffed by individuals with disabilities, works to promote the dignity, independence and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities. The VCIL… Continue Reading VCIL Honors Amazing Young Advocate
Butch & Babe’s Honored for Accessibility
The Vermont Center for Independent Living, a statewide disability rights organization, recognized a Burlington restaurant on Nov. 29 for its commitment to accessibility. Butch & Babe’s owner Kortnee Bush received the Rosemary J. Miller Dining for All Award. Bush opened the Old North End eatery in 2015. Butch & Babe’s serves up good American food and a welcoming family and… Continue Reading Butch & Babe’s Honored for Accessibility
Red Sox Foundation Honors VCIL
The Red Sox Foundation is honoring the Vermont Center for Independent Living for its dedication to social justice, diversity and inclusivity. At a home game tonight, July 9, against the Texas Rangers, there will be an on-field check presentation to VCIL Executive Director Sarah Launderville. VCIL won the $10,000 first-place IMPACT Award, thanks to receiving the most online votes out… Continue Reading Red Sox Foundation Honors VCIL
Red Hen Bakery Excels at Access
On June 8, the Vermont Center for Independent Living presented an Ally of Accessibility Award at a Middlesex business. The award went to Red Hen Baking Company owners Eliza Cain and Randy George, as well as the former owners of the Red Hen building, Donny and Lise Wexler of Strider Development. Red Hen is not only a bakery and café… Continue Reading Red Hen Bakery Excels at Access
Peter Johnke Named Deputy Director of VCIL
The Vermont Center for Independent Living has named longtime employee Peter Johnke deputy director. He has been involved with assistive technology since first joining the disability rights organization in 1990. For the past few years, he has managed VCIL’s database and computer network. As a non-driver, Peter also advocates for expansion and improvements to public transportation. He serves on national,… Continue Reading Peter Johnke Named Deputy Director of VCIL
Unitarian Church of Montpelier Honored for Being Welcoming and Inclusive
The Vermont Center for Independent Living recognized a Montpelier institution on April 17. The Unitarian Church of Montpelier received an Ally of Accessibility Award for its efforts to become increasingly accessible to people with disabilities. VCIL Executive Director Sarah Launderville said, “We are pleased to be honoring the Unitarian Church as they have done an excellent job in making their… Continue Reading Unitarian Church of Montpelier Honored for Being Welcoming and Inclusive