AVATIL had its genesis in the Lakeshore Vocational Projects Association, first started through the efforts of parents in the late 1950’s and formally incorporated in 1966.  In 1971, LVPA obtained a short-term grant to implement social development programs for special education students, developing an awareness of their special needs from a base of over 200 children.

Residential and workshop programs for adults were first established in a building provided by the United Church.  In 1973, funds were sufficient to move the residential program into a fourplex apartment building in Lachine. Further funding was obtained from the Federal Government in 1975 for a residential, vocational and social development program know as AVATIL (Apprentissage à la vie autonome/Towards Independent Living)

By 1981 the AVATIL program has assisted at least 40 people towards greater independence.  The methodology was evaluated and approved by a McGill University research team. Since that time, AVATIL has established itself as a recognized, effective organization that serves a wide range of clientele and is funded through subcontracts with provincial institutions.  Today, AVATIL assists over 150 people a year.

Although primarily an adult service, AVATIL has more recently implemented adolescent intervention programs to identify the population and provide early support.  Parent groups and summer adolescent programs have also been undertaken. AVATIL’s aim is to identify and serve individuals who have need for residential assistance, community support, social development and vocational services.