National Council on Disability to Call for Changes in Federal Programs Affecting People with Disabilities

March 27, 2009

WASHINGTON—The National Council on Disability (NCD) will release its annual progress report outlining the state of people with disabilities in the United States and listing the challenges and possible solutions to the conditions they face at the Academy for Educational Development (AED), 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 8th Floor Conference Center, Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at 3:45 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. This event is open to the public, and free of charge.

This congressionally-mandated report, National Disability: A Progress Report, focuses on the current quality of life of people with disabilities in America and the emerging trends that should be factored into both the design and evaluation of the government’s disability policies and programs in the coming years. 

Speakers include:

Elizabeth Leef, Policy Analyst, National Council on Independent Living

John D. Kemp, Principal, Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville

Peter Thomas, Principal, Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville; Co-Chair, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Health Task Force

This event is part of NCD’s quarterly meeting, which is also being held at AED, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 30 and ending at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1.

For those who cannot attend the news conference, NCD has established a toll-free, listen-only, call-in number. The number is 888-790-6568, and the pass code is “NCD Meeting.”

In addition, specific times are also designated to receive public comment, supported by a toll-free call-in line, and input is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Individuals or organizations can also provide written comments by e-mail, fax, or mail. Public comment sessions will be held Monday, March 30 from 11:30 a.m. until noon EDT, and on Tuesday, March 31 from 1 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. EDT. The toll-free call-in number is 888-790-6568, and the pass code is “NCD Meeting.”

The purpose of NCD, an independent federal agency, is to promote programs, practices, policies and procedures that ensure full inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society. NCD accomplishes this mission by providing advice and making recommendations to the President, Congress, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.