About VCDR

The Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) is a cross-disability advocacy organization that seeks to increase awareness of disability issues and effect systemic change through legislative and administrative processes. VCDR staff work closely with member organizations to empower people with disabilities, thus enabling them to directly participate in legislative decisions which will expand their civil rights.

Originally established as the Vermont Coalition of the Handicapped (VCH) in 1974, VCH changed its name to the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights in 1990. VCDR is comprised of 28 member organizations including local and statewide organizations of Vermonters with disabilities, parents, advocates and service providers.

VCDR's Board of Governors consists of two representatives from each voting member organization. On behalf of their organizations, these Board members meet semi-annually to vote on decisions regarding the Coalition's internal structure and policies. In addition, the Board adopts the Coalition's annual legislative platform. A smaller Steering Committee meets monthly with the Executive Director. VCDR also offers non-voting Ex-Officio, Associate, and Individual memberships and welcomes participation at all of its meetings and activities. VCDR’s Legislative, Education, and Individual & Family Support Committees also meet during the year to review policies, regulations and proposed legislation, determine Coalition positions, and prepare advisory comments to State Boards and Committees.

VCDR staff is available to provide advocacy information and training to grassroots disability groups. We also advise groups in setting up communication networks for advocacy and will provide email alerts upon request, as hot issues arise in the legislature.

Each year VCDR sponsors Disability Awareness Day, bringing together disability advocates, consumers and families, providers, and policymakers from across the state.

The Coalition is funded primarily through grants and dues from its membership organizations.