Another Way
Another Way is a peer support organization for psychiatric survivors. We also provide advocacy and information for people currently experiencing homelessness. Every Friday evening at 5 p.m., Another Way offers a free community dinner at its Barre Street site and all are welcome.
Another Way Contact Info:
125 Barre Street
P.O. Box 264
Montpelier, VT 05602
Telephone: 802-229-0920
Cell: 404-376-4523
E-mail: [email protected]
Representative: Eli Toohey , Director
Autism National Committee
AUTCOM is the only autism advocacy organization dedicated to “Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism” through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Our organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior. In the face of social policies of devaluation, which are expressed in the practices of segregation, medicalization, and aversive conditioning, we assert that all individuals are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
AUTCOM Contact Info:
Anne Bakeman, AutCom Treasurer
3 Bedford Green
South Burlington, VT 05403
Telephone: 802-658-3374
Fax: 802-658-8061
E-mail: [email protected]
Brain Injury Association Of Vermont
The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Vermont is to create a better future for Vermonters with brain injury and their families through prevention, education, advocacy and support.
Our vision is to bring Vermont to a place where brain injuries are prevented and those who already have a brain injury can get all the help they need.
Dedicated members of the Brain Injury Association of Vermont (BIAVT) work together to increase the public’s awareness of brain injury and its consequences, develop support systems, encourage appropriate rehabilitation for survivors and disseminate information about brain injury. BIAVT believes that everyone who faces life after brain injury deserves the opportunity to achieve maximum functioning. BIAVT advocates for statewide public and private services and the funding to pay for them.
We advocate for and with people who have sustained a brain injury and their family members by responding to their challenges and representing their concerns through legislative efforts and active support of programs created for their needs. The Association participates with the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR), State TBI Program and other state agencies, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) program in efforts to improve Vermont’s capacity to support and serve Vermonters experiencing brain injury and their families.
BIAVT Contact Info:
92 South Main Street
P.O. Box 482
Waterbury, VT 05676
Telephone: 877-856-1772
Fax: 802-244-6850
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.biavt.org
Representative: Trevor Squirrel
Disability Rights Vermont
Defending and advancing the rights of people with disabilities and mental health issues
Disability Rights Vermont, Inc. is a private nonprofit that is federally funded as Vermont’s protection & advocacy system for people with disabilities.
Our mission is to promote the equality, dignity, and self-determination of people with disabilities.
DRVT provides information, referral and advocacy services, including legal representation when appropriate, to individuals with disabilities throughout Vermont. DRVT also advocates for positive systematic responses to issues affecting people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Vermont Contact Info:
141 Main Street, Suite 7
Montpelier, VT 05602
Toll Free: 800-834-7890
Telephone: 802-229-1355
E-mail: info@ DisabilityRightsVt.org
Web site: www.DisabilityRightsVt.org
Representatives: Ed Paquin / David Lacroix
TASH
TASH is an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm. TASH is an organization of members concerned with human dignity, civil rights, education, and independence for all individuals with disabilities. We have over 30 chapters and members from 34 different countries and territories. Since our inception over 25 years ago, TASH has gained international acclaim for our uncompromising stand against separatism, stigmatization, abuse and neglect. We actively promote the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. TASH believes that no one with a disability should be forced to live, work, or learn in a segregated setting; that all individuals deserve the right to direct their own lives. TASH’s mission is to eliminate physical and social obstacles that prevent equity, diversity, and quality of life.
TASH, New England Chapter Contact Info:
Susan Yuan
14 Kettle Creek
Jericho, VT 05465
Telephone: 1-802-656-8166
Fax: 1-802-656-1357
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.tash.org/chapters/newengland
Representatives: Susan Yuan / Bill Ashe
Vermont Association For The Blind And Visually Impaired (VABVI)
The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) founded in 1926 is the only private agency in the state providing services, training and support to Vermonters of all ages experiencing vision loss. VABVI’s mission is to enable Vermonters with vision problems, whether blindness or impairment, to achieve and maintain independence. We have offices in Brattleboro, Montpelier, Rutland and South Burlington. For more information call 800-639-5861.
VABVI Contact info:
60 Kimball Avenue
South Burlington, VT 05403
Toll Free: 800-639-5861
Telephone: 802-863-1358, Ext. 224
Fax: 802-863-1481
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.vabvi.org
Representative: Steve Pouliot
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.
VCIL’s four core services are Information and Referral, Peer Advocacy and Community Outreach, Individual and Group Skills Training and Systems Advocacy. VCIL offers individual assistance and funding through Meals on Wheels, our Home Access Program and the Sue Williams Freedom Fund.
VCIL also provides information and technical assistance on 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.
VCIL Contact Info:
11 East State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
Telephone: 800-639-1522 (V&TTY)
Fax: 802-229-0503
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.vcil.org
Representatives: Sarah Wendell Launderville / Franklin Shiner
Vermont Council For Exceptional Children
VCEC is an international community of educators who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities and their families through professional excellence and advocacy. VCEC is a diverse, vibrant professional community working together and with others to ensure that individuals with exceptionalities are valued and included in all aspects of life. VCEC is a trusted voice in shaping education policy and practice and is globally renowned for its expertise and leadership. VCEC is one of the world’s premiere education organizations.
VCEC Contact Info:
Mary Barton
1047 Beech Street
Manchester Center, VT 05255
Telephone: 802-362-3594
E-mail:
Vermont Council Of The Blind
The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities; cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind persons to develop their abilities and conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.
Vermont Council of the Blind Contact Info:
Harriet G. Hall, President
95 Pine Street, Cemetery Road
Newport, VT 05855
Telephone: 802-334-1709
E-mail: [email protected]
Vermont Council Of Special Education Administrators
The Vermont Special Education Advisory Council advises the Vermont Department of Education of unmet educational needs of children who have disabilities. Specifically, the council comments about:
- Proposed regulatory changes.
- Data and reports.
- Policies involving service coordination.
- Corrective actions defined by the federal monitoring process.
- The education of eligible students with disabilities who are incarcerated.
The council communicates with the State Board of Education, the General Assembly, other state councils, consumer organizations and task forces.
The council’s work guides family-centered systemic policies and practices within education and promotes communities where diverse individuals live, play, learn and work together and are respected and appreciated.
VCSEA’s Contact Info:
Traci Sawyers
Phone: 802.595.5799
Email: [email protected]
E-mail:
Web site:
Chair: Mary Barton
Vermont Family Network
Vermont Family Network’s mission is to empower and support all Vermont families of children with special needs. We are here to listen and help with any needs or concerns you may have related to you or your child’s health, education, or well-being. Our services for families are free. Interpreter services are available.
Vermont Family Network Contact Info:
Pam McCarthy, CEO/President; Karen Price, Director Family Support; Lisa Maynes; Director Family Support
600 Blair Park Rd, Suite 240
Williston, VT 05495
Toll Free: 800-800-4005
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.vermontfamilynetwork.org
Representatives: Pam McCarthy, Lisa Maynes, Karen Price
Vermont Division Of National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS through support services, education and financial assistance for people affected by multiple sclerosis, their family, friends and service providers.
Contact Info:
Jennifer Muthig
The National Mulitple Sclerosis Society, Vermont Office
75 Talcott Road, Suite 40
Williston, VT 05495
Toll Free: 800-344-4867
Telephone: 802-864-6356
FAX: 802-864-6509
E-mail:
Web site:
Representative: Jennifer Muthig/Jon Pierce/Jill Stevens
Vermont Federations Of Families For Children’s Mental Health
The Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health exists to support families and children where a child or youth, age 0-22, is experiencing or at risk to experience emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. The Federation is committed to:
- Providing families needed emotional and informational support.
- Advocating for families and children to receive needed supports and services.
- Promoting the creation of a full array of easily accessible, high quality, family-centered services needed on a state and local level.
- Achieve these ends.
What can the Vermont Federation Provide?
- Individual emotional support.
- Support to navigate the system.
- Help locating services.
- Information and referral.
- Newsletter/Website site.
- Legislative news on children’s issues.
- Family resource library.
- Family/professionals working together.
- Trainings.
VFFCMH Contact Info:
P.O. Box 507
Waterbury, VT 05676-0507
Toll Free: 800-639-6071
Telephone: 802-244-1955
FAX: 802-329-2135
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.vffcmh.org
Representatives: Cindy Marshall Tabor
Vermont Occupational Therapy Association
VOTA Contact Info:
P.O. Box 925
Richmond, VT 05477
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: https://www.vermontot.org/
Representative: Karen Downey
Vermont Psychiatric Survivors
VPS, Inc. is an independent, statewide, survivor-run organization whose primary purpose is to facilitate respectful relationships between our members. VPS, Inc. is open to any and all psychiatric survivors without bias, develops and supports local survivor groups, and assists individual survivors with individualized issues VPS, Inc.:
- Provides information, referral, and networking services to survivors.
- Fosters survivor leadership and develops opportunities for survivor employment.
- Engages in advocacy to improve mental health services.
- Provides education about mental illness, recovery, and the service system through outreach to members and to member organizations.
VPS Contact Info:
Christophre Woods , Executive Director
1 Scale Ave., Suite 52 Howe Center
Rutland, VT 05701
Toll Free: 800-564-2106
Telephone: 802-775-6834
FAX: 802-775-6823
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.vermontrecovery.com/vps.html
Vermont Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The mission of the Vermont Speech-Language-Hearing Association is to serve the needs of speech-language pathologists and audiologists by providing opportunities for professional development and networking regarding communication disorders and advocating for the professional standards and interests of its members necessary to provide the highest quality services.
VSHA Contact Info:
Susan Kimmerly
University of Vermont
E.M. Luse Center
Pomeroy Hall
Burlington, VT 05405
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.vsha.us
Representatives: Susan Kimmerly / Kathy Hayes
The ARC has been a leader in advocating for the rights of all people with developmental disabilities to receive community-based vocational and residential services, to receive assistance in acquiring respite and flexible funding for natural families, and many other initiatives that enhance and strengthen family and community relationships.
Cindy Martell
PO Box 978
St Albans, VT 05478
Telephone: 802-524-5197
Website: www.arc-nwvt.org
email: [email protected]
Center On Disability And Community Inclusion
The Center on Disability and Community Inclusion (CDCI), in collaboration and coordination with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and communities, will promote opportunities for these valued life outcomes for individuals with disabilities of all ages in all facets of community life:
- meaningful relationships,
- personal choice and control,
- meaningful activities,
- safety and health, and
- living in a home and community.
How Do We Achieve Our Mission?
We strive to achieve our mission by providing:
- Interdisciplinary Preparation,
- Community and Outreach Services,
- Family and Consumer Services,
- Research and Evaluation, and
- Dissemination of Information,
in partnership with the programs and activities of university, agencies, and organizations.
CDCI Contact Info:
Jesse Suter
University of Vermont
Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
311 Mann Hall
208 Colchester Ave.
Burlington, VT 05405-1757
Telephone: 802-656-1143
Fax: 802-656-1357
E-mail:
Web site: http://www.uvm.edu/~cdci
Governor’s Committee On Employment Of People With Disabilities
The mission of the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities is to promote equal employment for all citizens of Vermont by advising the Governor on current issues affecting employment of people with disabilities, and through partnerships between business, government and people with disabilities.
GCEPD Contact Info:
Neal Meier, Ph.D, Executive Coordinator
110 Village Dr. Ext., Fairfax, VT 05454 802-279-1373
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.hireus.org
Representatives: Neal Meier/ Sam Liss
State Rehabilitation Council
Vermont’s State Rehabilitation Council advocates for consumer-directed and effective vocational services and for the creation of resources and services that will result in equal opportunities for Vermonters with Disabilities. Vermont State Rehabilitation Council Contact Info: Kate Larose, SRC Coordinator [email protected]
Vermont State Rehabilitation Council
Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation HC 2 South, 280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-2040
Cell: 802-760-0574 Website at: https://src.vermont.gov/
Representatives: Open
Vermont Educational Surrogate Parent Program
The VESPP staff provides statewide information in six regions of the state. Staff members are available to answer questions, provide additional training and information, talk to school staff and other team members and attend school meetings when requested by the school or surrogate parent. Volunteers who fill the educational surrogate parent role may be foster parents, a guardian ad litem, a student’s family member, or an individual from the community who is interested in assisting a student in need of representation. Federal law does not allow an employee of a public agency involved in the education or care of the child to fill the surrogate parent role.
Vermont Educational Surrogate Program staff recruit, train and assist volunteers who fill the parent role in the special education process for student who are in the care of the State or whose parents are unavailable.
VESPP Contact Info:
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
Telephone: 828-5108
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_interagency/surrogate_parent.html
Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council
The mission of the Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council is to advise and assist the Vermont Agency of Human Services and the Department of Education, as co-lead agencies, to ensure the development and implementation of a statewide system of early intervention services for families and their infants and toddlers with special needs. The system includes parents as equal partners and is:
- Family-centered.
- Community-based.
- Interdisciplinary.
- Collaborative across agencies.
Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council Contact Info:
Helen Keith, Director
c/o Children with Special Health Needs
108 Cherry Street
P.O. Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402
Toll Free: 800-660-4427
Telephone: 802-651-1786
E-mail: [email protected]
Vermont Statewide Independent Living Council
The Vermont Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) exists to advance the equality with which people with disabilities enjoy, participate in and contribute to the lives of their communities, families and friends. This federally funded, Governor appointed council is responsible for the development and implementation of the Vermont State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). With a strong focus on education and advocacy, the SILC works collaboratively with State agencies and other organizations within the disability community to forward its mission.
SILC Contact info:
Tom Hamilton, Executive Director
c/o L64, 43 State St., Second Floor West
Montpelier, VT 05602
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.vtsilc.org
Representatives: Tom Hamilton / Sam Liss
Vermont Association for the Deaf