Donate to VAIL today!
Would you like
to support services for people with disabilities?
Your donation will benefit people with disabilities in south Texas to live full lives and learn to be independent.
CLICK HERE TO DONATEINDEPENDENT LIVING PHILOSOPHY
Independent Living philosophy emphasizes consumer control, the idea that people with disabilities are the best experts on their own needs, having crucial and valuable perspective to contribute and deserving of equal opportunity to decide how to live, work, and take part in their communities, particularly in reference to services that powerfully affect their day-to-day lives and access to independence.
UPCOMING EVENTS
VAIL EVENTSSUCCESS STORIES
Self-advocacy Services: A 22-year-old woman with cerebral palsy residing in McAllen, TX requested advocacy services from VAIL. The consumer stated that she would like to be able to learn how to advocate for herself and be involved in decision making roles or local leadership positions. The consumer received services from our Peer Advocacy and Leadership Program. The consumer reported that after completed the program she felt that she advocates for herself and others more often, she is better at saying what she wants and what is important to her, is participating in more advocacy activities in her community, and is now serving on a local coalition as vice president.
Assistive Technology Demonstration Lab
VAIL has a demonstration lab with assitive technology that allows for hands on training
VAIL has a mutual agreement with the University of Texas at Austin Assistive
Technology Demonstration Center, Texas Center on Disability Studies, Texas Technical Access
Program. This agreement will allow VAIL to have access to laptop computers equipped with various
assistive technology programs for people with disabilities. VAIL is a demonstration center where
individuals are able to test the new technology before purchasing. The demonstration center is mobile
and allows VAIL to move the project from headquarters to the Laredo center on a monthly basis or to
outreach events in the community.
Why centers for independent living are unique:
The Independent Living Model sees the problem differently and understands disability as a construct of society. In this model, the problem lies in the environment, not the individual. Though many people have physical, intellectual, or mental attributes that deviate from the ‘norm,’ disability is manifested in society through purposefully created and maintained physical, programmatic, and attitudinal barriers.
Learn more about the IL movement Here!5 core services
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING
We provide independent living skills to enhance everyday skills such as meal preparation, money management, time management, medication management, use of public transportation, job-seeking skills, and other skills that want to be learn.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL
We provide our consumers with the knowledge of resources available to them in the community regarding housing, employment, financial assistance, transportation, healthcare, personal assistance services, assistive technology, and access to durable medical equipment.
INDIVIDUAL & SYSTEMS ADVOCACY
VAIL can provide training in self-advocacy skills and receive assistance advocating for accommodations, equal access, and other rights.
TRANSITION
VAIL can help with providing information on how older adults with dsiabilities can move from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences. o
VAIL tranistion specialist can also help youth with disbailities transition from high school to employment and post-secondary education opportunities.
Transition services also include supporting diversion. These are services provided to individuals who may be at risk of being institutionalized.
PEER SUPPORT
VAIL has peer counselors with disabilities who can empathize more easily with our consumers’ situation to ensure their needs are being identified and goals are being accomplished.
Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it – here’s what our clients say:
I highly recommend VAIL i have experienced their dedication to service the community.
Laura Rivero
I started taking ASL classes with VAIL. I advanced rather quickly. They were excellent and even helped me get hired with the Register School for the Deaf as an aide. They’re so awesome! They truly help people
Doc
Our Team
Meet our wonderful staff!
Susan Nelson
Executive Director
Dr. Lidia Fonseca
Director of Programs
Melinda Rios
Executive Administrative Assistant
Jessica Johnson
Bookkeepper
Jeanpaul Powell
McAllen- Receptionist
Vilma Hernandez
IL Purchasing Program Manager
Brooke Hernandez
Deaf Services Program Manager
Ricardo Medina
IL Core Program Manager
Cassie Cervantes
CLASS Program Manager
Jennifer Garza
CLASS Case Manager
Brittanie Trejo
CLASS Case Manager
Teresa Stern
CLASS Assistant
Dacia Tijerina
IL Purchasing Service Coordinator
Antonio Cantu
IL Purchasing Service Coordinator
Ida Mireles
IL Purchasing Service Coodinator
Jesus Sanchez
Independent Living Specialist
Nora Salas
Laredo Office Manager
Jennifer Espino
Independent Living Specialist
Mario Martinez
Independent Living Specialist
Rollie Perez
Deaf IL Specialist
GilbertGarza
Deaf IL Specialist
Fabian Gutierrez
Maintenance Engineeer
Dr. Matthew Atterberry
Public Health Instructor
Jorge Villarreal
EPublic Health Outreach Coordinator
Genesis Lezama
Peer & Transition Counselor
Laurie Gonzalez
Mobility Program Manager
Jorge Garcia
Maintenance Engineer