~Vermont Advocates for Individuals with Limitations~
Who We Are
Vermont Advocates for Individuals with Limitations (VAIL) is a small, growing advocacy effort based in Vermont.
We focus on dignity, accessibility, and real inclusion for disabled people. VAIL is community-centered. We listen to lived experience and work alongside disabled adults, families, and allies.
We are early in our journey. Our goal is to build steady, honest advocacy that respects the full human experience.
VAIL is a new organization committed to advancing dignity, access & inclusion in Vermont. Founded by Owen Dybvig, the developing team is coming together around making a difference in the lives of Vermonters who experience challenges in their daily lives due to various limiting factors.
If you are interested in this new community, consider joining to support our work as a member, collaborator, or voting member on our eventual Board of Directors.
Historic Acts
in the Developing Story of
Accessibility for All in the United States
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1968: Architectural Barriers Act (ABA): Mandated that buildings designed, built, or altered with federal money be accessible.
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1973: Rehabilitation Act (Section 504): Prohibited disability discrimination in programs receiving federal funding, marking a major shift towards civil rights.
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1975: Education for All Handicapped Children Act: Guaranteed access to public education, later becoming the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990.
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1990: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Signed into law on July 26, 1990, it provided comprehensive civil rights protections, requiring accessible public accommodations, transportation, and employment.
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1996: Telecommunications Act: Required telecommunications equipment and services to be accessible to people with disabilities.
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1998: Assistive Technology (AT) Act: Expanded access to technology through state programs.
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2008: ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA): Expanded the definition of disability to ensure broader protection.
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2010: 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA): Updated laws for modern technology, requiring internet-based, digital, and mobile communication to be accessible.
Why We Exist ...
The Job's Not Done!
Despite constant advocacy and the support of dedicated legislators, many disabled people still face barriers every day all around the world. Some are not listened to when decisions are made about their lives which has catalyzed the Nothing About Us Without Us movement. Some people cannot access the tools, spaces, or support they need to live an independent life with dignity. Many people feel isolated, unseen, or treated as less than fully human. VAIL exists to help change this. It's time for advocacy to grow a louder voice through community partnership.
- Support dignity and autonomy in everyday life.
- Challenge practices and systems that leave people out.
- Raise awareness about disability, rights, and human connection.
- Build spaces where disabled people can be heard and included.
We believe that no one should have to fight alone just to be respected, included, and connected.
What We Believe . . .
Dignity for every individual
Every person deserves to be treated as a full human being, with rights, desires, and dreams.
Equal voice
Disabled people should be at the center of decisions, policies, and conversations that affect their lives.
Accessibility as a foundation
Access to spaces, information, and support should be built in from the start, not added later.
Human connection and belonging
Relationships and community matter. No one should be left out of love, friendship, or shared life.
Community-centered change
Real change grows from communities listening and acting together, not from top-down decisions alone.
Development of Inclusive Spaces
Every disabled person's needs sets the bar for inclusive design elements. Businesses must be provided the financial supports to amend their entrances and facilities for all. Funding must accompany legislation, or no change materializes.
VAIL Founder Biography
Owen Dybvig
“Access is not a favor. Inclusion is not optional. Disabled lives are whole lives.”
Owen Dybvig
Owen Dybvig is the founder of Vermont Advocates for Individuals with Limitations (VAIL), a grassroots initiative dedicated to advancing dignity, access, and meaningful inclusion for disabled people across Vermont. As a nonverbal communicator who uses an AAC device, Owen brings lived experience, insight, and determination to his work—demonstrating that communication, leadership, and impact come in many forms.
Owen founded VAIL to challenge barriers, expand supports, and create space for disabled individuals to live full, self-directed lives. His advocacy focuses on connection, autonomy, accessibility, and the often-overlooked human needs of disabled people. Through community-building, storytelling, outreach, and collaboration, he works to shift public understanding and push for real systemic change.
Beyond advocacy, Owen is a writer, screenwriter, and creative storyteller whose work explores disability, identity, and human connection with honesty, humor, and hope. His leadership continues to guide VAIL as it grows into a platform for empowerment, resources, and collective voice across Vermont.
Our Advocacy Team
Advocacy Team Facilitator
Laura Bradley, M.Ed., Behavior Technician
Laura joined Owen's team in January 2026 to support the facilitation and launch of his various advocacy initiatives. Laura's personal story includes her history as an active listener to the needs of others as a teacher and behavior technician for children diagnosed with ASD.
In her capacity as VAIL's Advocacy Team Facilitator, Laura assists in the creation of surveys and forms and helps organize events for people to share their stories. Laura is committed to amplifying the collective voice of people with limitations. As the sister of someone who was in need of support to achieve an independent living situation, her personal experience fuels her intention as an advocate. Laura's background in education informs her ability to empower individuals with positive reinforcement and constant encouragement. She is here to guide the grant-writing process and generally assist in raising awareness around the needs of the community of people with disabilities and limitations.