Why Be the Light
Navigating disability has never been easy—but today the road for families of children with disabilities is steeper than ever. Parents are expected to figure out complex systems on their own—decoding acronyms, battling insurance, searching for therapists, and facing stigma—all while school resources shrink, costs rise, and waitlists grow longer.
That’s where VELA comes in.
VELA gives parents access to the knowledge, skills, and community they need to navigate these systems and secure what their child needs and deserves. So that parents can move from “I don’t know where to start” to “Now I can.”
Be the Light, VELA’s annual fundraising campaign and event, makes that transformation possible. Funds raised power our hands-on Courses, Monthly Support Groups, Individualized Case Management, Family Event, and Workshops offered in Spanish and English, virtually and in person, always at no cost to families.
Ways to Join Us
There are so many ways to Be the Light!
1. Join the event: You can join us at our 15th annual Be the Light on Thursday, September 24th at Brodie Homestead in Austin - buy tickets here!
2. Donate: You can make a donation below towards our Be the Light Campaign. Thanks to a $10,000 match, every gift during this campaign will be doubled.
3. Bid: Stay tuned for our Silent Auction & Raffle that opens on 9/17. Anyone can participate!
Donate to Be the Light
Until September 24th, help us raise $10,000 so parents move from “I don’t know where to start” to “Now I can”.
Every dollar you give now through 9/24 will be doubled thanks to a generous donor. Donate below!
2026 Be the Light Sponsors
Muchas gracias to this year's Be the Light Sponsors for investing in VELA!
