VELA

As a homegrown Austin nonprofit, VELA empowers families of children with disabilities to become their child's greatest advocates through our hands- on courses, support and community building. When told that your child has a disability, your life is forever changed. Research shows parent involvement to be the greatest indicator of positive health and educational outcomes for children with disabilities, yet parents report feelings of confusion and powerlessness when navigating doctors, therapies and special education for their child. This is especially problematic for the majority of families served by VELA, who are underserved, live below the poverty level and experience language and cultural barriers. Without an informed and supported parent, the child will miss key developmental, academic and community-based resources resulting in limited opportunities and marginalization as an adult. In response to this immense gap in services, VELA was founded in 2010 with a mission to empower underserved Spanish and English-speaking parents of children with disabilities. Through interactive and culturally responsive courses and wraparound services, families gain knowledge, empowerment, resilience and community to ensure that their children thrive. Regardless of income, language, and/or culture, our families share a powerful commonality; they want to create the best possible outcomes for their child. In the last years VELA has grown from a 100% volunteer run agency to having 9 staff, a strategic and diverse board, and a community of committed volunteers.