Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living

Connecting people to the power of independence

Volunteer

Join Our Team- Vehicle Operator

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BVCIL is seeking a driver to join our team supporting persons with disabilities in the community. Vehicle operator is responsible for operating a lift-equipped 10 passenger bus and minivan with a rear-entry ramp to transport individuals with disabilities throughout our six county coverage area. Operators conduct pre-trip inspections; observe safety regulations and policies; and log and track vehicle usage.
Vehicle Operator will be expected to:
· Maintain a working knowledge of streets and businesses within the Bryan and College Station areas;
· Provide courteous service to passengers and community which includes being friendly, patient and flexible with the ability to relate well to others under all circumstances;
· Maintain accurate, legible and complete reports;
· Attend to the transport related needs of passengers including operation of mobility device restraints and all types of mobility device lifts including hydraulic platforms, ramps, and restraints;
· Ensure vehicle cleanliness; and
· Other duties as assigned.
Requirements of the position are:
· Valid Texas Driver’s License;
· Minimum three years verifiable driving experience with a good driving record;
· High School Diploma or GED, preferred;
· Minimum one year experience working with people with disabilities preferred;
· Have excellent interpersonal skills;
· Possess strong organizational skills;
· Willing to promote the Independent Living Philosophy;
· Willingness to travel;
· Ability to walk, stand, push, stoop, bend, stretch and lift 50 pounds routinely; and
· Personal experience with a disability preferred.
Part-time, Full-time, and Volunteer positions available.
To apply for this position, contact Mack Marsh at Mack@bvcil.org or 979-776-5505 Ex 1002.

BVCIL hosts the 24TH CELEBRATION OF THE ADA

dreamstime_xl_34905213BRYAN, TEXAS – The Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living will host a party in the park to recognize the 24th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (BVCIL) will host its first annual ADA Celebration event on Monday, July 28th, 2014 at Tiffany Park in Bryan to celebrate …

The 24th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

So what is the Americans with Disabilities Act? . . . . . . . . The ADA is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

BVCIL would like to celebrate this momentous occasion with our community by throwing a ‘party in the park’ with FREE food, games, crafts, fun, and Beep Baseball. We will also be unveiling our new ADA accessible bus!!! The event will be held at Tiffany Park, 3890 Copperfield Drive, Bryan on Monday, July 28th, 2014 from 4pm-7pm. There is sure to be lots of fun had by all and the park also has a splash pad for the kids to cool down in. Please join us!!!

Please RSVP here.

For more information, call BVCIL at 979-776-5505 or via email at info@bvcil.org.

Promoting Independence Advisory Committee

DADS Recruiting PIAC Members

Do you want to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible? If so, you may want to apply to be a member of the Promoting Independence Advisory Committee (PIAC). The deadline is May 1.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) are accepting applications for PIAC members from:

  • Advocates for individuals with disabilities, regardless of type of disability or their age
  • Advocates for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) or their family members.
  • Home health care providers
  • IDD service providers
  • Nursing home providers

DADS and HHSC are looking for representatives from across the state.The committee meets at 9 a.m. on the third Thursday of January, April, July and October in Austin. All terms expire on August 31, 2017.

How can I become a member?

To apply, you must submit  a detailed resume and cover letter that indicates which category you wish to represent and your reasons for submitting the request. The deadline is  close of business May 1, 2014. Resumes and cover letters should be sent to:

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
Mail Code W650C
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030
Attention: Bill Macdonald

If you prefer to email your application, it must be in PDF format. It should be sent to bill.macdonald@dads.state.tx.us.

What is PIAC?

The committee was established by Senate Bill 367, 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, to assist the state in meeting its obligations under the United States Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision (June 1999) to ensure that all people have the right to live in the most integrated community setting of their choice.

The committee has nine members, including advocates, providers and recipients of long-term services and supports. They represent people of all ages who have physical, intellectual and behavior disabilities. Click here to learn more about the Promoting Independence Initiative and the PIAC.

The committee produces an annual status report on the state’s efforts to comply with the Olmstead decision and the state’s Promoting Independence Plan. In every even-numbered year, the committee offers recommendations to HHSC to consider for inclusion in the revised plan, which is submitted to the governor and the legislative leadership before the beginning of a new legislative session.

This information was retrieved from the DADS website at http://www.dads.state.tx.us/homepage/index.cfm?storyid=361 on 4/10/2014.

If you would like BVCIL assistance in completing your application materials – Give us a call at 979-776-5505 x107 or by email to advocacy@bvcil.org

 

Celebrate Service: National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, 2013

by Nancy Flowers and Pat Morse

Celebrate Service captures the meaning of this signature week, honoring the people who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.

Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week has grown in scope each year, drawing the support and endorsement of U.S. presidents, governors, mayors and other respected elected officials.

National Volunteer Week embodies the energy and power volunteers evoke on a daily basis as they lead by example–not only encouraging the people they help, but motivating others to serve as well.

This year, Points of Light is also honored to recognize the fourth anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund through a series of celebratory and service events across the nation.

Celebrate Service presents an opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and government entities alike to celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through service.

Board Member Recruitment

BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECRUITMENT NOTICE

The BVCIL,a consumer-based, consumer-controlled, cross-disability, cross-cultural, non-residential, private nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization (established in 2010) is recruiting individuals with an interest in serving on our Board of Directors.

Prospective Board Members must be dedicated to our mission of promoting the full inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of community life through person-centered practices and belief in the Independent Living Philosophy.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you reside in Brazos, Burleson, Madison, Robertson or Washington County and wish to be considered for Board appointments, please send a letter of interest to:
Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living
Attn: Nominating Committee Chair
1869 Briarcrest Dr.
Bryan, TX 77802

OR via email: info@bvcil.org