News Release

NCD #04-474
December 9, 2004
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004
202-272-2074 TTY
mquigley@ncd.gov

National Council on Disability Notes Progress in Disability Policy

WASHINGTON—The National Council on Disability (NCD) today released its annual report, National Disability Policy: A Progress Report, noting progress has been made, but gaps remain.

The report covers the period from December 2002 through December 2003. It reviews federal policy activities by issue areas, notes input by other federal agencies on their progress where it has occurred, and makes further recommendations where necessary, primarily to the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government.

According to NCD board member Glenn B. Anderson, Ph.D., of Little Rock, Arkansas, “NCD has observed examples of progress in disability policy and the broader policy arena. Among these are the findings and recommendations of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health in its report on recovery from mental illnesses and a proposed transformation of the nation’s approach to mental health care; the Department of Health and Human Services’ funding of several model projects (Demonstration to Improve the Direct Service Community Workforce) designed to develop and implement programs that recruit and retain personal assistance workers for people with disabilities and people who are aging; and critical attention to the needs and inclusion of people with disabilities in preparation for emergency situations, such as the Department of Homeland Security’s work and coordination with other agencies.”

Dr. Anderson concluded “Examination of the status of disability policy discloses that incremental progress made in some areas is clouded by other major barriers and challenges that continue to block paths available to the general population. Gaps in necessary services and supports remain to the extent that, as stated in NCD’s 2002 report on progress, far too many Americans with disabilities are undereducated and unemployed.”

NCD encourages all government agencies and Congress to use NCD’s work as a reference point and source of data for recommendations and in future investigations of disability policy issues.

For more information, contact Mark Quigley or Gerrie Hawkins, Ph.D., at 202-272-2004 or 202-272-2074 TTY.