Register here for the “Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL): An Overview of Supports and Services” workshop.

If you are unable to attend, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time.

Please join us for this overview of the supports and services that the Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) can offer. VCIL works to promote the dignity, independence and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities. Like other independent living centers across the country, VCIL is committed to:

• services for all disabilities;
• promotion of active citizenship;
• and working with others to create services that support free-choice and full participation in community life.

Presenters:

• Peter Johnke (he/him) is Deputy Director of the Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL). He’s been part of the Independent Living Movement for over 30 years, advocating for accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Peter is hard of hearing and has low vision and doesn’t drive. He is a carless traveler and advocates for better public transportation services. He is an adept user of assistive technology, and a member of the Vermont Assistive Technology Advisory Council. In his role as Deputy Director, he is the leader for VCIL’s Community Access Team. The team provides ADA technical assistance throughout Vermont. Peter lives in an off-grid geodesic dome, in East Calais, with his wife Helen and occasionally a cat.

• Nick Parker (he/him) is the Information, Referral & Assistance Specialist / Equipment Distribution Program Specialist for the Vermont Center for Independent Living. Nick is hard of hearing, autistic and has several chronic illnesses that affect his mobility. Nick has been with VCIL for nearly three years and before that was a peer in the Equipment Distribution Program himself. Nick identifies as a transgender man and enjoys advocating for peers the LGBT+ community. He likes biking, video games, birdwatching and being in nature. He is a beginner ASL student and enjoys going to Deaf events. Nick lives in Montpelier with his adult son.