Purpose:  According to the National Council on Disability’s (NCD) charter for this body, the purpose of the Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC) is to provide advice and recommendations to NCD on issues affecting people with disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds. Specifically, the committee will help identify issues, expand outreach, infuse participation, and elevate the voices of underserved and unserved segments of this nation's population that will help NCD develop federal policy that will address the needs and advance the civil and human rights of people from diverse cultures.

Overall Focus:  Since its establishment in 2001 and the initial meeting of the charter members in 2002, the twelve-member advisory body has focused on issues impacting people from underserved and unserved diverse racial and ethnic groups. The members represent the major categories included in the U.S. Census data as American Indians and Alaska Natives; Hispanic Americans; Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and African Americans.

Topical areas of CDAC’s recommendations to NCD since 2002: Aligned with NCD’s work plan for each fiscal year, CDAC’s recommendations to the Council have pertained to:

(1) Supporting awareness raising actions that relate to effective implementation and enforcement federal laws with attention to this country’s changing demographics;

(2) Encouraging dialogue to promote greater interagency collaboration at the federal government level; and

(3) Informing and educating the legislative branch as well as the general public about human and civil rights issues that often impact the lives of people with disabilities differently who are also members of diverse racial and ethnic groups.

The Designated Federal Official can provide to interested parties a list of activities, documents and products pertaining to CDAC’s work