National Organization on Disability

National Organization on Disability. Founded in 1982 by Alan A. Reich, the organization emerged from the success of the International Year of Disabled Persons to champion the full participation of Americans with disabilities in all aspects of society. It operates as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing disability inclusion through research, public education, and strategic partnerships with corporate America and community leaders. The organization's work has been influential in shaping perceptions and policies following landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

History

The organization was established in 1982 by former World Rehabilitation Fund president Alan A. Reich, building upon the momentum of the United Nations-designated International Year of Disabled Persons. Its early work focused on shifting public attitudes and increasing awareness, notably through high-profile initiatives like the annual presentation of the NOD Award to influential figures such as President George H. W. Bush. A pivotal moment came with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, for which the organization actively advocated, helping to usher in a new era of civil rights for people with disabilities. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it launched significant benchmarking studies, including the NOD/Harris Survey on community participation, to provide data-driven insights into the lives of Americans with disabilities.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to expand the participation and contribution of people with disabilities in all facets of American life. This is executed through targeted programs that often serve as bridges between the disability community and other sectors. Key programmatic areas include veterans employment, through initiatives like the Wounded Warrior Careers program, and corporate inclusion, advising major employers like Walgreens and Microsoft on hiring practices. The organization also runs the NOD Emergency Preparedness Initiative, designed to ensure the safety of people with disabilities during natural disasters and other crises, and administers the NOD Corporate Leadership Council, a network of companies committed to inclusive hiring.

Leadership and structure

Following the death of founder Alan A. Reich, leadership transitioned to Michael R. Deland, who served as chairman for many years. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of leaders from business, philanthropy, and the disability rights movement. Day-to-day operations are managed by a President and Chief Executive Officer, with past leadership including Carol Glazer. Its structure is designed to facilitate partnerships, operating with a small core staff that leverages collaborations with organizations like Kessler Foundation and the United States Department of Labor to amplify its impact. The organization is headquartered in the United States and maintains a national scope for its programs.

Impact and recognition

The organization has had a measurable impact on advancing disability employment and public policy. Its signature research, particularly the NOD/Harris Survey, has been cited in congressional testimony and used by agencies like the United States Census Bureau to track disability trends. The organization's advocacy contributed to the passage of key legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. It has received recognition from numerous institutions, including the United States Department of Defense for its work with wounded veterans. Furthermore, its corporate initiatives have influenced the diversity strategies of Fortune 500 companies, helping to increase workforce representation of people with disabilities.

Key initiatives and campaigns

Among its most prominent initiatives is the NOD Corporate Leadership Council, which engages major corporations in a pledge to improve disability employment metrics. The Wounded Warrior Careers program provided comprehensive career support for post-9/11 veterans injured in conflicts like the Iraq War. Another significant campaign was the NOD Emergency Preparedness Initiative, launched after the lessons of Hurricane Katrina, which worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop more inclusive response protocols. The organization also historically conducted public awareness campaigns, such as the That's Why We Pray campaign, and has consistently promoted participation in the United States Census to ensure accurate counting of the disability population.

Category:Disability rights organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1982