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ABOUT VCDR

The mission of VCDR is to advance the human and civil rights of people with disabilities to ensure full and equal participation in all aspects of community life and the political process.

The Coalition is funded primarily through grants and dues from membership organizations.

This is a time of important change and new activities for VCDR and our members. We continue to do our legislative and policy work but we are also reaching out to involve more people in cross-disability advocacy.

VCDR is building a grass-roots campaign to involve more Vermonters who experience a physical, sensory, psychiatric, developmental or other disability, and their families, in our work. We are also reaching out for new organizational members and other allies, individuals and organizations who share our commitment to protect rights and services that make self-determination and community participation possible for all Vermonters.

VCDR’s website and email alerts will offer new ways to learn about and share disability rights news, involve people across the state in disability advocacy, and share the stories and concerns of Vermonters with disabilities. Individuals, families and allies from all over the state are invited to help shape disability advocacy in Vermont. Disability rights needs all of our voices. Look for our new website and story bank in the year ahead and email or write us if you want to join our advocacy alert network. This is a time when your voice — when all of our voices — are needed and can make a difference.

Originally established as the Vermont Coalition of the Handicapped (VCH) in 1974, VCH changed its name to the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights in 1990.  VCDR is comprised of 24 member organizations including local and statewide organizations of Vermonters with disabilities, parents, advocates and service providers.

VCDR’s Board of Governors consists of two representatives from each member organization.  On behalf of their organizations, these Board members vote on decisions regarding the Coalition’s internal structure and policies.  In addition, the Board adopts the Coalition’s annual legislative platform.  VCDR also offers a non-voting, individual membership and welcomes participation at all of its meetings and activities.