2.7.3 Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (Pacha)
| TX-Center on Disability and Development, UCEDD | |||
| Program Type | UCEDD | Fiscal Year | 2020 |
| Contact | Jackie Pacha, Ph.D. | ||
| [email protected] | |||
| Phone | 979-776-5505 | ||
| Project Description | |||
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Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) Through the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living, provide services that enhance community integration and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Through the BVCIL, partner with the state Independent Living Council and other centers for independent living on statewide issues related to community integration and quality of life. 1. Need Individuals with disabilities that reside in the counties of the Brazos Valley and beyond (multi-county) currently experience barriers in activities related to employment, transportation, housing, and accessing basic community services. The BVCIL advocates with these individuals and provides support to enable them to increase their participation in society and facilitate the removal of barriers that prevent individuals from being fully included. 2. Overall goals and objectives The BVCIL has 3 primary objectives 1) To support and expand the efforts of persons with disabilities (including those that are typically un-served or under-served) in the Brazos Valley to establish and maintain an independent lifestyle through the development of resources and organizational capacities for persons with disabilities to establish or maintain an independent lifestyle at home or in the community; 2) To promote positive systemic change in public policies and procedures through creating new or expanded options for housing, transportation, healthcare, and community participation for persons with disabilities and collaborating with public and private organizations on issues related to living independently; and 3) To increase public awareness regarding disability related issues through organized activities that assist community organizations in becoming more aware of the physical and attitudinal barriers that exist related to persons with disabilities and educating organizations regarding the supports and services available through the BVCIL. 3. Unusual features The BVCIL is a consumer controlled, non-residential, cross-disability, community-based, private non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and support individuals with disabilities with regard to their choices in independent living. All aspects of the BVCIL (governance, staff, programs, activities, evaluation, etc.) are directed by a majority of individuals with disabilities in the Brazos Valley. 4. Expected benefits Individuals with disabilities develop the self-determination and advocacy skills necessary to meet both their immediate needs and to affect change in state and local infrastructure; Community capacity is increased to include a range of supports and services that support independence at home and community; minimizing or eliminating the need for institutions; and individuals with disabilities are included in all aspects of the community with equal opportunity to choose where to live, work and play. TRAINING ACTIVITY NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS Advocacy 223 Assistive Technology 168 Children Services 0 Communication 194 Family 11 Housing, Home Modification, Shelter 72 IL Skills Training 1065 Information & Referral 990 Mobility 40 Nursing Home Diversion 249 Nursing Home Relocation 25 Peer Support 345 Preventative Health Related Activities 25 Recreation Activities 20 Rehabilitation Technology 0 Transportation Services 3331 Vocational Activities 1321 Youth Transition 74 Total 7557 BVCIL provided 23,862.6 hours of support this fiscal year. |
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