People with Disabilities
Bill of Rights & Declaration
of Independence

PREAMBLE — We believe that all people should enjoy certain rights. Because people with disabilities have consistently been denied the right to fully participate in society as free and equal members, it is important to state and reaffirm these rights. All people should be able to enjoy these rights, regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.

1. The right to live independent, active and full lives.

2. The right to the equipment, assistance, and support services necessary for full productivity, provided in a way that promotes dignity and independence.

3. The right to an adequate income or wage, substantial enough to provide food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities of life.
4. The right to accessible, integrated, convenient, and affordable housing.

5. The right to quality physical and mental health care.

6. The right to training and employment without prejudice or stereotype.

7. The right to accessible transportation and freedom of movement.

8. The right to bear or adopt and raise children and have a family.

9. The right to free and appropriate public education.

10. The right to participate in and benefit from entertainment and recreation.

11. The right to equal access to and use of all businesses, facilities, and activities in the community.

12. The right to communicate freely with all fellow citizens and those who provide services.

13. The right to a barrier free environment.

14. The right to legal representation and full protection of all legal rights.

15. The right to determine ones’ own future and make one's own life choices.

16. The right to equal participation in voting and political processes on all levels.

MISSION STATEMENT

TACIL is a membership organization committed to promoting dignity, equality, inclusion and independence for all Texans with disabilities.

TACIL Staff

Jodi Park, Director of Disability Affairs & Outreach

As TACIL’s Director of Disability Affairs & Outreach, Jodi will be concentrating her efforts in two major areas. Via DARS grants, TACIL will have the opportunity to work with branding experts to assist both CILs and TACIL in developing a consistent message which promotes Texas CILs’ value and visibility to their local communities, the press and the State Legislature. Jodi is also continuing to promote and elevate TACIL’s Project Open House, a statewide initiative among CILs to build and improve relationships with entities such as local housing authorities and local decision making bodies to increase visibility of and other housing options for people with disabilities.

Jodi previously served for 10 years as Director of Projects & Communications for the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) where she coordinated statewide advocacy, legislative education, projects/special events and education of consumer, agency and legislative networks. At the local level Jodi has served as a City Commissioner and graduated from Leadership Austin and the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University. For many years Jodi has focused her volunteer and advocacy efforts in the areas of civil rights for people with disabilities, women, children and companion animals. Jodi has worked through five legislative sessions, and will use those skills to elevate TACIL’s presence and standing in the coming years. Jodi’s contact information is: jpark@tacil-texas.org and phone: 512.374.0730 or cell: 512.694.3395. FAX: 512.371.7370.



Rachel McClure, Administrative Assistant

Rachel McClure serves TACIL’s Administrative Assistant, ensuring that all grant and member activities run smoothly and efficiently. Rachel is trilingual, has strong community organizing skills and brings a wealth of legislative experience with her. In fact, Rachel, who has a BA in Political Science and Spanish, last worked as Legislative Director for State Representative Scott Hochberg during the 81st Session. She has worked through eight sessions at the Capitol and has also served as Program & Policy Director for the legislative advocacy organization Public Citizen. In her free time Rachel established and runs a non-profit Artists’ Cooperative. Rachel’s contact information is: rmcclure@tacil-texas and phone: 512.374.0730. FAX: 512.371.7370.

2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors
Click here to view a list of our Board of Directors.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

TACIL Presentation
View our short presentation to learn more about the Texas Association
of Centers for Independent Living.


TACIL Brochure
View a printable version of TACIL's brochure.



Annual Report 2008
Learn more about TACIL in our annual report.



TACIL 2010-11 Project Initiatives
Want more information on TACIL's latest and upcoming projects?

TACIL
5555 N. Lamar Suite J103
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512.374.0730
Phone: 512.371-7370
Jodi Park: jodi@txsilc.org