VAIL is a non profit, non residential, consumer led, cross disability organization that serves as the center for independent living (CIL) in South Texas.
What are Centers for Independent Living?
CILs are hubs of disability information, resources, services, and advocacy. CILs have a unique ability to creatively address barriers within their individual communities, allowing the CIL to network to respond quickly in times of crisis and emergencies. Investing in CILs benefits the entire community and yields a strong return for taxpayers. CILs provide five core services.
Independent living can be considered a movement, a philosophy, or specific programs. In the context of ACL, independent living programs are supported through funding authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (The Act). Title VII, chapter 1 of the Act states the current purpose of the program is to “promote a philosophy of independent living including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.”
https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living