About Us

Who We Are

We are a team of change-makers committed to ensuring that every person with a disability has the opportunity, resources, and confidence to live life on their own terms.

Our History

HOCTILC was established to ensure that people with disabilities in Central Texas had access to independent living services and advocacy.

Over the years, we have expanded our programs to include:

Employment and training services
Transition support
Peer support networks
Advocacy and community engagement
Ticket to Work Employment Network services

Today, HOCTIL provides a wide range of services designed to promote abilities, expand options, and support self-determination. From independent living skills training to assistive technology, advocacy, employment support, and resource navigation, we work alongside you to help you pursue your goals and increase your choices. With programs built on empowerment and accessibility, our organization continues to grow so individuals with disabilities can live independently — Your Life, Your Way.

What We Believe

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the guidance, skills, and resources they need, when they need them, so they can pursue independence with confidence.

Whether it’s guidance, independent living skills training, assistive technology, advocacy, or simply the assurance that they are not alone, we ensure every individual receives the support they need, when they need it.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build a world where every person with a disability has the freedom, support, and access they need to live independently and fully participate in their community.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring every individual with a disability has a supportive place to turn for skills, resources, and opportunities. As we expand into more communities, we aim to make our services accessible to anyone seeking independence and a better quality of life.

Meet our Team

Meet the People Behind Our Mission

Executive Director

Melissa.Ingriola@hoctilc.org

Director of Employment and Training

Carma.Franco@hoctilc.org

Director of FMSA/CDSA

Barbi.Oropello@hoctilc.org

Community Partnerships

HOCTILC works alongside local, state, and federal partners to strengthen access and opportunity for people with disabilities.

We proudly support the Rusty Awards, a recognition initiative of the Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities. While the awards are not a HOCTILC program, we assist with outreach and community coordination to help recognize individuals making a meaningful impact.

Rusty Awards

The Rusty Awards

A Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities Recognition Initiative

Recognizing leadership, courage, and community impact in Bell County.

About Rusty Awards

The Rusty Awards honor individuals and organizations who make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities in Bell County. This is a recognition initiative of the Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities, proudly supported by HOCTILC.

HOCTILC's Role

HOCTILC serves as a long-time community partner by assisting with outreach, coordination, and community engagement to support this initiative.

Nominate Someone

Know someone who deserves recognition?

Nominations are reviewed by the Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities.

JOHN C. GARTH PERSON OF THE YEAR:

Must have a disability under ADA guidelines
Must be a resident of Bell County
Must have made a significant achievement (social, economic, inspirational, personal effort, etc.)
Must contribute positively to the community

JIM AND DAURICE BOWMER FAMILY MEMBER OF THE YEAR:

Must be a resident of Bell County
Must have had a positive impact on one or more relatives with disabilities
An entire family may be nominated for this award

SHIRLEY BIELS HEALTH CARE WORKER OF THE YEAR:

Must have worked in a healthcare or fitness-related field in Bell County within the past 12 months
Must have made a positive impact on one or more persons with disabilities
Any healthcare profession is eligible

LAURA “PAT” TAYLOR ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR:

Must be a government employee, nonprofit employee, volunteer, or private individual in Bell County
Must have made a positive impact on persons with disabilities through advocacy or service
This award honors Pat Taylor, known for going the extra mile to help people in need

JENNIFER PHILLIPS AWARD FOR COURAGE:

Must be a resident of Texas (Bell County residency not required)
Recognizes courage and spirit in the face of disability
May be for a disability currently faced or one that has been overcome
Effort and perseverance will be given strong consideration, not just results

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR:

Must be a business, industry, or organization located in Bell County
Must employ persons with disabilities
Business size and number of employees are not factors
Emphasis is placed on equal opportunity and a supportive work environment

MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR:

Must be a member of the media serving Bell County
Must have contributed to reducing attitudinal, social, or physical barriers for persons with disabilities
Must portray persons with disabilities accurately and respectfully
Any publicly accessible media format is eligible
The Committee may forward the nomination for consideration of a Barbara Jordan Award

BELL COUNTY JUDGE’S MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD:

Must be a Bell County resident, group, or organization
Must have made a meaningful impact on the lives of persons with disabilities
This is an open award and may be given to any qualifying individual or entity

ARMED FORCES PERSON OF THE YEAR:

Must have served on active duty in the Fort Hood/Bell County area within the past 12 months
Recognizes efforts or contributions that enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities
Impact may be within the military or civilian community

HARRY WILSON ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

Must be a resident of Bell County
Must have a disability
Must be associated with athletics
Winning or losing is not a selection criterion

PAT ELLIOTT INSPIRATIONAL AWARD:

Must be a resident of Bell County
Must serve as an inspiration to persons with disabilities
The nominee does not need to have a disability

About