Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living

Connecting people to the power of independence

Advocacy

How to help support Brazos Valley Gives this year

Leave a Comment

By: Brittany Defran KRHD

BRYAN, Texas — The season of giving is right around the corner and one Brazos valley non-profit is gathering community support for those most in need.

The pandemic has taken away big fundraising events from non-profit organizations like the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living. However, with Brazos Valley Gives, the community can still come together to support one another.

BVCIL provides individuals with disabilities peer support, soft skills training, and other services to assist them with independent living.

“That’s very important to people in the disability community to get that independence,” said Shelby Catron, office and communications manager for BVCIL.

And with the community’s help, BVCIL can continue to accomplish that goal.

“Brazos Valley Gives is a one-day event, it’s all online, it’s for all non-profits in the Brazos Valley area,” said Kathryn Pacha, independent living facilitator for BVCIL

Early donations are now open to the public ahead of the big day of giving.

But each organization is also doing a big push.

“We have our art tile project which is, for a 20-dollar donation, you can come get an art tile, take it home and decorate it however you want, bring it back and we will put it on display,” Pacha added.

BVCIL says it’s here to help all people, no matter their age or disability.

“Whatever the need, we stay fully integrated into the community whether that’s helping with job skills, helping to find a job,” Catron shared.

Many have new employment thanks to their services.

But one of their most sought-after assistance is transportation.

“Transportation, we run nights weekends, and holidays you know if there’s no other option in the area, we’ll help people get to the grocery store, get to family gatherings,” said Catron.

Giving those with disabilities the confidence to accomplish their goals.

“We recognize the importance that people are still integrated in their day to day lives,” shared Catron.

Every Friday, BVCIL will spotlight one of their many different services, so you can learn more about all the things they do to positively impact the community.

KRHD News wants to tell your stories from the Brazos Valley.

Watch the recording here

Rev Up! – Vote

I VOTE EARLY

Send questions to revuptx@gmail.com or visit www.revuptexas.org.

The November 3 election will have a dramatic effect on disability rights and services at the local, state, and national levels for the next decade. 

The DISABILITY VOTE can influence the outcome of this election.  It is in our interest to support candidates – regardless of which party they represent – that support policies and funding that promote our ability to be included in our communities like every other Texan!

The COVID 19 pandemic poses unique challenges to the DISABILITY COMMUNITY.  Do we go to the polls and possibly confront long lines? Or do we use the mail-in ballot process (for the first time for many of us)?  The controversy about mail-in ballots adds another level of confusion.

REV UP Texas’ I VOTE EARLY campaign encourages eligible voters to use the mail-in ballot. But if you want to go to the polls, vote during the EARLY VOTING period. (See In-Person Voting below.)

>>REGISTER TO VOTE

If you have not already registered to vote, you MUST register by October 5 to be able to vote on November 3. Click here to register.

>>VOTING BY MAIL

  • To request a mail-in ballot, click here.
  • To be sure that your mail-in ballot WILL BE COUNTED, you must fill it out and mail it the day you get it – or the next day at the very latest. If you can hand-deliver your ballot, that’s even better. But you MUST deliver it by October 12.

>>IN-PERSON VOTING

Early Voting Dates: October 13 – October 30

General Election: November 3

  • Because of COVID-19, many counties are having a hard time finding poll workers.  This may cause counties to consolidate or eliminate polling locations.
  • If you find long lines when you go to vote in person, there are laws that may allow you to get preference.
  • Contact your county for voting locations. Click here to find contact information for your county election official.

>>LINKS TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

Secretary of State General Information on Disability – Voting  

Disability Rights Texas – Voting

Survey about how airlines handle wheelchairs and scooters

Leave a Comment

A group of advocacy organizations is conducting a survey about problems with air travel for passengers with disabilities in order to set revised and updated standards for wheelchair handling, labeling, storage, airline and airline contractor training.

If you use a wheelchair or scooter full-time for mobility, please take the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/792HG6D

Volunteers needed to participate in a research study on pregnancy and women with disabilities

Leave a Comment

Volunteers are needed to participate in a research study on pregnancy and women with disabilities.

 

Women may be eligible if they:

-Are between 18 to 44 years of age

-Have a disability or are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and

-have had an unplanned pregnancy in the past two years

 

Participants will receive $30 for their time.

Please contact us by phone at 434-924-0074, or by email at studyforwomen@gmail.com 

 

This research study is being conducted by researchers from the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities, the University of Virginia School of Nursing, and the University of Missouri School of Nursing. It is funded by the National Institutes of Health

Governor Abbott Issues Proclamation Recognizing the 27th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Leave a Comment

July 26th is often regarded as America’s second Independence Day for the estimated 56 million Americans with disabilities. On Wednesday many agencies and organizations around our state will be observing the anniversary of the ADA with local celebrations to raise awareness of the rights of Texans with disabilities and the many contributions they make to our state. GCPD staff members will be exhibiting at an ADA Open House in Austin being hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation.
The Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) is honored to share Governor Abbott’s ADA proclamation and best wishes to the state for the 27th Anniversary of the ADA.

The State of Texas – Governor
To all to whom these presents shall come,
Greetings: Know ye that this official certificate is presented in recognition of the:
27th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, July 26, 2017.

In Texas, we understand that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their American Dream. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush – a Texan – signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in many areas, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, housing and education. The ADA is critical to ensuring accessibility and full inclusion for men and women with disabilities. Through continued commitment to fairness and equality of opportunity, we can ensure a bright future for all residents of the Lone Star State.

As you gather to celebrate the anniversary of this historic legislation, First Lady Cecilia Abbott joins me in sending best wishes.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name and caused the Seal of the State of Texas to be affixed at the City of Austin, this the 5th day of July, 2017.

Greg Abbott
Governor of Texas

A printable copy of the official 27th ADA Anniversary Proclamation is available on the Governor’s website.