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

Mack Marsh, Executive Director

Mack Marsh, was named the Executive Director of TACIL on February 28, 2011. Mack was a life-long resident of Louisiana where he owned a successful wholesale company for 13 years. In 2001, Mack experienced a spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia.  After his injury, Mack worked as an Independent Living Specialist at New Horizons Independent Living Center (NHILC) in Shreveport, LA.  In 2002, Mack was named Director of IL at NHILC. He was instrumental in helping secure equipment and funding to address the critical needs of people with disabilities following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, helping to raise and distribute over $6.5 million in durable medical equipment.  In 2007, Mack turned his attentions to injury prevention becoming the Marketing Director for ThinkFirst, the National Injury Prevention Program. In two years with ThinkFirst, Mack educated over 400,000 youth and young adults on how to prevent traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. He worked to help increase the reach of the ThinkFirst for Kids education program and organized several SafeKids Day events.  In 2009 and 2010, Mack was the director of the Louisiana Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, tripling the grant’s income and helping leverage in excess of $8 million for non-profit organizations providing supports and services toward employment for people with disabilities.  Mack is “Dad” to two children (10 and 15) and is actively involved in their school and sports careers.

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