VAIL is a center for independent living (CIL), meaning it is consumer-controlled and run primarily by people with disabilities. A “CIL” requires that 51% of the staff and 51% of the board of directors be people with disabilities.
We provide five core services that enable people with disabilities to live more independently. Our services include:
Information and referral. VAIL specialists are knowledgeable about community resources and can refer consumers to the programs that can be most helpful to them.
Independent living skills. VAIL specialists provide skills training in areas such as money management, time management, public transportation use, proper medication use, use of assistive devices, personal and home safety, prescription assistance, personal advocacy, and much more.
Individual and systems advocacy. VAIL specialists help consumers advocate for their rights to live independently and work for societal changes that would better support independent living for people with disabilities.
Peer counseling. Counselors who have disabilities may share similar experiences and may better understand what barriers others with disabilities encounter. VAIL peer counselors are prepared to assist you in making your own choices and reaching your goals of living independently in your community.
Transition services. VAIL specialists help students with disabilities transition into college or work after high school.
We also assist clients with getting a driver’s license or Texas ID, applying for benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and other forms of assistance, and evaluating assistive technology such as hearing aids, alarm clocks, smoke alarms, doorbells, etc. We can help clients apply for electronics with assistive technology features such as iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, iPads, or other phones or tablets.
