Vermont Democratic Disability Caucus
Mission
The mission of the Vermont Democratic Disability Caucus of the Vermont Democratic Party (VDP) is to create visibility and a strong voice for our Disability community in Vermont politics, by providing an intersectional space for Disabled people to connect, create safety, and build political power.
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Support, mentor, and elect candidates who stand up for Vermont’s Disability community, particularly candidates with Disabilities, to diversify and grow political engagement for a just and democratic society at all levels of government.
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Support elected Disability Democrats through partnership and community presence.
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Advocate for policies and practices that uplift our community and stand up against attacks on Disabled people by mobilizing communications and people in support. Recognizing different forms of institutional and cultural ableism, including how to counteract them, is integral to our mission. We must recognize ableism in laws, policies, and practices, as well as respond to and understand innovative alternatives.
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Promote a sense of community, belonging, and celebration of our community, and help build a culture of inclusivity and equity within the VDP. Advocate for our community to the VDP and ensure accessibility, representation, and support.
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Collaborate with and support initiatives, and grassroots groups, that support our Disability Vermont community and the Vermont Democratic Party.
Caucus Leadership
Chair
Keilani Lime
she/her
Keilani is a disability rights activist and a person living with disability and chronic illness. She currently serves as a member of the Disability Community Advisory Board for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE).
She holds a degree in Fine Art in Advertising and has built a dynamic career in marketing, working with nonprofits, startups, and small businesses. Her work has taken her across a range of sectors, from helping shape Vermont’s medical cannabis program to leading marketing efforts for a world-renowned youth circus.
In addition to her advocacy and professional achievements, Keilani is an accomplished painter with a small but engaged following.
As an activist, she is dedicated to centering the voices and experiences of people with disabilities. Her work focuses on improving accessibility, expanding educational opportunities, and raising awareness about disability rights and justice to drive meaningful change.
Outside of her professional life, Keilani is an avid gardener and amateur herbalist. She lives in a 200-year-old farmhouse in Vergennes, Vermont with her fiancé, Dan, and their goofy mutt, Mookie Petts.
Vice Chair
Nick Brosseau
he/him
Nick has long been passionate about politics and the law, and his experience reflects that commitment. He graduated with a degree in Political Science in 2015 and recently completed an internship with the Vermont Democratic Party, deepening his understanding of party operations and grassroots organizing.
A proud public servant, Nick currently serves as Town Chair of Swanton and is an active member of the Franklin County Democratic Committee, where he helps coordinate local strategy and encourage civic engagement. He also serves as a delegate to the State Committee representing Franklin County.
Nick’s political aspirations include pursuing a professional career in either politics or law. Volunteering has been central to his journey; he consistently lends his time to support Democratic efforts across Vermont, helping with outreach, campaign activity, and community organizing.
Before his current political involvement, Nick gained diverse workforce experience as a person with a disability; he’s held regular jobs at McDonald’s and worked in a factory, jobs that have grounded him in the realities of working-class life and informed his approach to public service.
Blending his professional ambitions with real-world experience and grassroots leadership, Nick brings enthusiasm, empathy, and a clear vision for leveraging politics to create meaningful change in Vermont.
Secretary
Patty Keough
she/her
Patty Keough (she/her) is a passionate advocate, creative spirit, and dedicated community member whose life and work reflect deep empathy and resilience.
After being disabled out of her position in computer technology in 2006 due to chronic pain in her hands, knees, back, and feet, Patty shifted her focus to advocacy and the arts. Living with chronic pain is a daily challenge, but it hasn’t stopped her from finding new ways to contribute to her community.
Patty is a singer, songwriter, performer, comedian, and emcee who brings humor, heart, and humanity to every stage she steps on. Her creative work is infused with the same spirit of connection that fuels her advocacy.
She is also a devoted animal lover who independently rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes cats, working closely with Second Chance and Francis of Assisi Animal Rescue in Bennington, Vermont. Her home is often a haven for feline friends in need.
As someone living with disability, Patty is committed to helping others navigate the complex landscape of paperwork, systems, and daily realities that come with it. “It’s a full-time job in itself,” she says, and she approaches that work with compassion and lived experience.
Patty also lends her tech, communications, and social media skills to support causes she believes in—offering her expertise to help build awareness and support for grassroots efforts throughout her community.
Events
Resources
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FinanceAgency of Human Services Programs and services administered by AHS departments and community partners that support older Vermonters and people with disabilities across Vermont. AHS is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the state. Whether you are seeking assistance with health care, housing, economic stability, family support, or looking to connect with community resources, we have a wide range of programs and services designed to meet your unique needs. Capstone Since 1965, we have supported individuals and families in Central Vermont to achieve stability and rise out of poverty. We focus on making ends meet, building stronger families, creating warm and healthy homes, and opening doors to economic opportunity. Politisit addresses financial barriers to civic engagement for parents and other caretakers of minors. In order to ensure institutions and government entities are serving our communities well, we need families to engage in community meetings, civic activities, and legislative discourse.
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RecreationVermont Wheelchair Accessible Trails Curb Free with Cory Lee Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
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GeneralCapstone Since 1965, we have supported individuals and families in Central Vermont to achieve stability and rise out of poverty. We focus on making ends meet, building stronger families, creating warm and healthy homes, and opening doors to economic opportunity. DIAL Make Vermont the best state in which to grow old or to live with a disability - with dignity, respect and independence. VCIL VCIL is a nonprofit directed and staffed by people with disabilities. VCIL was founded in 1979 and is the only Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Vermont. We serve all of Vermont. We were the first organization in the state, with a majority of board and staff with disabilities. At this time, 80% of our staff and 92% of our board are people with significant disabilities. We understand what it takes to help others. VCIL’s central office is in Montpelier with five branch offices in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Morrisville and Rutland.
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Social MediaBuilding Bright Futures Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living Disability Rights Vermont Disability Social/Support Group Dysautonomia Talk Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Vermont Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan and Related CTDs New England/MA Support Group Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Support Group Feeding Chittenden Health Vermont Hunger Free Vermont Interstitial Cystitis Warriors Lyme Disease Support and Wellness National Association Councils on Developmental Disabilities ( ACDD) Small Nerve Fiber Neuropathy Town Meeting TV Vermont CARES Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council Vermont Democratic Disability Caucus Vermont Food Bank, Barre VT Vermont Leadership Vermont Lending Closet Vermont Lyme Group Vermont Nurse Practitioner Association
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HealthOver 100 years ago, the first Vermont State Board of Health could little envision the many accomplishments that public health efforts would achieve in the state – several of which were recognized throughout the country as pioneering efforts. Nor could anyone have imagined the scope of public health services expected by our citizens today and provided by Vermont’s public health workers. The Vermont Health Department works to be sure that all Vermonters can use the information, services and resources that we share. We want to be accessible to everyone and inclusive of all people. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) Improving the Health of Vermonters with Mobility Limitations and Intellectual Disabilities through Integrated Chronic Disease Prevention Programs project is funded by cooperative agreement #NU27DD000008-01-00 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its content is solely the responsibility of VDH and do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC or the Department of Health and Human Services. All Brains Belong VT is a nonprofit providing flexible, individualized ways to get healthcare and connect with community. The Comprehensive Pain Program (CPP) was created for those with chronic pain lasting three months or longer that affects – or has the potential to affect – mental health, ability to work or family relationships and social relationships. Service Animal Information VT Dept of Human Resources Service Animal Information Newsletter regarding service and assistance animals, what constitutes one or the other, and what the law requires. This .pdf assists with the vast confusion around the subject of service and assistance animals.
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VocationEmployment for People with Disabilities. We are a mandated group of volunteers with a broad range of personal and professional experience who are passionate about employment opportunities for all. The Department of Human Resources is very excited to unveil its new and improved website! Along with a sleeker look, the site is more user friendly and boasts additional useful information and resources for both prospective and current employees. Hire Ability Vermont is the public-facing entity of the State of Vermont’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation whose mission is to help Vermonters with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful careers while helping employers recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities. This is a free, statewide resource for employers throughout Vermont and neighboring counties in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York. HireAbility Vermont is dedicated to creating lasting professional connections between local employers with roles to fill and job seekers eager to lend their talents and expand their career paths.
Get in Touch
500 Terry Francine St.
San Francisco, CA 94158
123-456-7890
