The Vermont Communication Support Project (VCSP) is a new program and the first of its kind in the nation. The mandate of the Project is to provide specialized communication accommodations for people with disabilities to offer equal access to our system of justice and state services. VCSP is administered by Disability Rights Vermont and is funded by the Agency of Human Services (DCF, DAIL, DMH), Disability Rights Vermont, and the Vermont Judiciary.
VCSP recruits, trains and certifies Communication Support Specialists (CSS) who can assist people with disabilities in court, administrative hearings and related meetings. The accommodations that are offered by a specialist, support communication, and overcome barriers to effective communication caused by disability. The Communication Specialist is not an advocate and does not offer legal advice. A large percentage of people who qualify for VCSP services are represented by legal counsel.
Learn more about VCSP in this short video