The Coalition For
Barrier Free Living, Inc.

+1 713-974-4621

Corporate Office

Mon - Thu: 8:00 - 5:00

Site always open

About Us

History

In 1975, the Coalition for Barrier Free Living (CBFL) was established by people with disabilities for the sole purpose of advocating for equal rights and opportunities. Downtown curb cuts and the development of an accessible transportation system were two of the major advocacy projects CBFL fought for and won.

In 1978, CBFL opened the Houston Center for Independent Living (HCIL) – its first consumer-­controlled service project, and the first CIL in Texas.

In 1998, CBFL expanded independent services in Texas by opening the Brazoria County Center for Independent Living (BCCIL) in Angleton, Texas.

In 2004, the Fort Bend Center for Independent Living (FBCIL) opened its doors in Sugar Land, Texas. Fort Bend County is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S.

Executive Directors

Sandra Bookman

Executive Director Employment Tenure 4/19/1985 - 2/28/2018

Chamane Barrow

Executive director Employment Tenure 4/28/1998 - 1/15/2022
Frankie Watson 2023

Frankie Watson

Interim Executive Director
Employment Tenure 4/1/2014 - Present

Board of Directors

Michael Garrett, Chairman of the Board

My name is Michael Garrett. I was born in Fort Worth, Texas. I have lived in Houston for over 45 years. I am currently retired …

Read Bio →

Darrell Simmons, Vice-Chairman of the Board

My name is Darrell K. Simmons. I have more than 20 years of experience working with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. I am considered a subject …

Read Bio →

Chris Noble, Secretary of the Board

My name is Chris Noble. I was born Syracuse, New York, raised in St. Louis, Missouri and have lived in Houston, Texas since 1969. I …

Read Bio →

Susan Silverman, Board Member

My name is Susan Silverman. I am a rare bird. I am a native Houstonian, born and raised, educated in Houston, Texas. I am currently …

Read Bio →

Gilbert Paul, Board Member

My name is Gilbert Paul, I was born in New Gulf, Texas and raised in West Columbia, Texas. I am a retired heavy equipment operator …

Read Bio →

Susan Lindsey, Board Member

My name is Susan Lindsey. I currently serve as the Regional Director for the Gulf Coast Region Five for the Texas Work Commission- Vocational Rehabilitation …

Read Bio →

Raul Tello, Board Member

My name is Raul Tello. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico. I have lived in Houston for over 30 years. I am currently retired and …

Read Bio →

Libby Davis, Board Member

My name is Libby Davis, I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and raised in Ada, Oklahoma. I am a retired ‘purchasing specialist’ for the Texas …

Read Bio →

Patricia Jefferson, Board Member

Patricia A. Jefferson is a native Houstonian and a proud product of the Houston public schools and the 5th Ward community. Following graduation, with honors, …

Read Bio →

Corporate Staff

John Weber

Accountant

Maria Orozco

Receptionist

Diann McMillan

Financial Secretary

Charles Williamson

MOS/Reasonable Accommodation Assistant

Toni Poston

Information & Technology Technician

Ana Urena

Administrative Director

Erin Hostetter

Executive Assistant