Members
Another Way
Another Way is a peer-run community center and sanctuary in Montpelier that offers voluntary, non-clinical support for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Rooted in mutual aid and self-determination, they provide a welcoming space for connection, creativity, and healing outside the traditional mental health system. Their drop-in center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.—all are welcome.
ARC of Rutland
ARC Rutland advocates for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to live with dignity and fully participate in community life. Serving Rutland County and surrounding areas, ARC offers inclusive, low-cost programs that promote personal growth, self-advocacy, financial stability, and social connection. Activities include dances, outdoor initiatives, the Wing Center, and the Self Advocates Becoming Empowered group. ARC is the only organization in the area offering these vital social programs, which foster mental and physical well-being, community inclusion, and a true sense of belonging.
Brain Injury Alliance of Vermont
The Brain Injury Association of Vermont works to prevent brain injuries and ensure that all survivors receive the support they need to thrive. BIAVT raises public awareness, promotes access to rehabilitation and services, and advocates for policies and funding to support individuals with brain injuries and their families. Through collaboration with state agencies and coalitions, including VCDR, BIAVT advances statewide systems of care that foster recovery, independence, and community inclusion for all Vermonters affected by brain injury.
Disability Rights Vermont
Disability Rights Vermont is the federally designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in Vermont. A nonprofit organization, DRVT promotes equality, dignity, and self-determination through individual advocacy, legal representation, and systemic reform. DRVT provides information, referrals, and support to individuals with disabilities and advocates for positive systemic responses to the issues they face—working to advance access and justice across all areas of life.
TASH
TASH is an international association dedicated to the inclusion, dignity, and civil rights of people with disabilities. With over 30 chapters and members in 34 countries, TASH advocates for a society where all individuals can fully participate in all aspects of life. Founded over 25 years ago, TASH opposes segregation, abuse, and neglect, promoting the right of individuals with disabilities to direct their own lives and thrive in integrated environments. Their mission is to eliminate the physical and social barriers preventing equity, diversity, and quality of life for people with disabilities.
UVM Center on Disability & Community Inclusion
The CDCI promotes inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages to build meaningful relationships, make personal choices, engage in valued activities, and live safely in their homes and communities. Working in collaboration with individuals with disabilities, their families, and communities, CDCI supports this mission through interdisciplinary preparation, outreach, research, and the dissemination of information. As Vermont’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), CDCI partners with agencies, universities, and organizations to improve systems and outcomes across the state.
Governor’s Committee On Employment Of People With Disabilities
The Governor’s Committee promotes equal employment opportunities for all Vermonters with disabilities by advising the Governor on issues impacting employment and fostering partnerships among businesses, government, and the disability community. The Committee works to advance policies and practices that support inclusive workplaces and economic equity.
MADFreedom, Inc.
MadFreedom is a Vermont-based human and civil rights organization working to end discrimination and oppression based on perceived mental state. Launched in 2020, MadFreedom seeks to build political power for people labeled with psychiatric histories and to challenge the stigma, marginalization, and systemic injustices they face. Through advocacy, education, and movement-building, MadFreedom envisions a world where all people—regardless of mental state, race, gender, class, or ability—are free to live without coercion and with full equality under the law.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves individuals and families affected by MS across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The chapter provides vital information, resources, and connections to support people in navigating life with MS. Through community events and fundraising, the chapter empowers those affected by MS and advances the Society’s mission: to cure MS while ensuring people with MS can live their best lives.
Vermont Center for Independent Living
Founded in 1979 and directed by people with disabilities, VCIL works to promote the dignity, independence, and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities. VCIL offers cross-disability services and advocates for self-determination and full community participation. Core services include Information & Referral, Peer Advocacy, Skills Training, and Systems Advocacy, as well as programs like Home Access, Meals on Wheels, and the Sue Williams Freedom Fund. VCIL also provides ADA-related technical assistance and operates the statewide toll-free I-Line for information and referral.
Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Founded in 1926, VABVI is the only private agency in Vermont providing training, support, and services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Serving approximately 2,000 clients annually across all ages, VABVI helps Vermonters cultivate adaptive skills, build independence, and improve quality of life. As vision loss becomes more prevalent with an aging population, VABVI’s services continue to grow in importance and reach across the state.
Vermont Association of the Deaf
The Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves individuals and families affected by MS across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The chapter provides vital information, resources, and connections to support people in navigating life with MS. Through community events and fundraising, the chapter empowers those affected by MS and advances the Society’s mission: to cure MS while ensuring people with MS can live their best lives.
Vermont Council for Exceptional Children
VCEC is a professional community dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with exceptionalities and their families through advocacy, leadership, and excellence in education. As part of an international network, VCEC promotes inclusion, equity, and professional development for those who support students with special and gifted needs. VCEC works to shape policies and practices that ensure every learner is valued and supported.
Vermont Educational Surrogate Parent Program
The Vermont Educational Surrogate Parent Program ensures that the educational rights of children with disabilities are protected when parents are unavailable. VESPP volunteers represent students in state custody, unaccompanied homeless youth, or those whose parents are unknown or cannot be located. Volunteers act in the parental role in the special education process, supporting students’ rights to appropriate services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Vermont special education rules.
Vermont Family Network
The Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves individuals and families affected by MS across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The chapter provides vital information, resources, and connections to support people in navigating life with MS. Through community events and fundraising, the chapter empowers those affected by MS and advances the Society’s mission: to cure MS while ensuring people with MS can live their best lives.
Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council
The Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council advises and assists Vermont’s Agency of Human Services and Agency of Education in implementing the statewide early intervention system under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). VICC brings together family members, service providers, and agency representatives to improve outcomes for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. The Council promotes coordination across systems and ensures that families are central in shaping policies and services that support young children’s development.
Vermont Occupational Therapy Association
The Vermont Occupational Therapy Association is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization dedicated to promoting and advancing occupational therapy practice, research, legislation, and education in Vermont. VOTA supports occupational therapy practitioners through professional development, public advocacy, and collaboration with healthcare, educational, and community partners. Committed to inclusivity and excellence, VOTA works to enhance the health and well-being of Vermonters across medical, educational, and community settings.
Vermont Psychiatric Survivors
Founded in 1983, Vermont Psychiatric Survivors is an independent, statewide, peer-run organization governed and staffed by individuals with lived experience of the mental health system. VPS promotes mutual support, peer-led advocacy, education, and community engagement to challenge discrimination and advance self-determination. The organization engages in systems advocacy to amplify the voices and rights of psychiatric survivors across Vermont.
Vermont Council for the Blind
The Vermont Council of the Blind (VCB) is a state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, advocating for the rights and independence of blind and visually impaired Vermonters. VCB works to improve access to education, employment, and community life, and promotes public awareness of the capabilities and needs of people who are blind. Through advocacy, peer support, and public education, VCB empowers individuals to lead full and independent lives.
Vermont Developmental Disability Council
The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council is a federally funded, independent organization that promotes policies and practices supporting the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in community life. VTDDC brings together self-advocates, family members, and system partners to identify barriers, influence public policy, and improve services. Through advocacy, grantmaking, and leadership development, VTDDC works to ensure that all Vermonters with developmental disabilities have equal rights, self-determination, and opportunities to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities.
Vermont Federations Of Families For Children’s Mental Health
The Vermont Federation of Families supports families of children and youth (ages 0–22) experiencing or at risk for emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. The Federation provides emotional support, system navigation assistance, information and referral, and advocacy to help families access high-quality, family-centered services. Through partnerships, trainings, resources, and legislative updates, the Federation promotes accessible, inclusive mental health supports statewide.
Vermont Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The Vermont Speech-Language-Hearing Association (VSHA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting Vermont’s speech-language pathologists and audiologists. VSHA offers professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities to enhance the quality of services for individuals with communication, swallowing, and hearing disorders. As the state affiliate of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, VSHA is governed by volunteer board members from across Vermont.
Vermont State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Established in 1980, the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) for the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) collaborates with DBVI to enhance vocational rehabilitation services for Vermonters who are blind or visually impaired. The SRC’s responsibilities include developing and reviewing state goals and priorities, evaluating program effectiveness, assisting in state plan preparation, assessing consumer satisfaction, and submitting annual reports to the Governor and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The council comprises members from business, industry, labor, rehabilitation providers, consumer organizations, education, and advocacy groups.
Vermont State Rehabilitation Council
The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) collaborates with HireAbility Vermont to improve and expand services for Vermonters with disabilities. Comprising representatives from the business sector, individuals with disabilities, advocates, the Vermont Client Assistance Program (CAP), and community partners, the SRC works to enhance vocational rehabilitation programs. Council members, appointed by the Governor, serve terms based on established guidelines, ensuring a diverse and effective approach to addressing the needs of people with disabilities in Vermont.