Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is NCD?

NCD is an independent federal agency and is composed of nine members who are Presidential and Congressional appointees. It provides advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

Q: How can I become a Council Member of NCD?

Pursuant to NCD’s authorizing statute, Title IV of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the President of the United States selects Council Members of NCD after soliciting recommendations from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities, and from organizations interested in individuals with disabilities. NCD members are people with disabilities, parents or guardians of people with disabilities, or other people who have substantial knowledge or experience relating to disability policy or programs.

NCD members are appointed to represent people with disabilities, national organizations concerned with people with disabilities, providers and administrators of services to people with disabilities, people engaged in conducting medical or scientific research relating to people with disabilities, business concerns, and labor organizations. A majority of NCD members are people with disabilities. NCD members are broadly representative of minority and other individuals and groups.

The White House Presidential Appointments Application page is at:https://app2.whitehouse.gov/ppo/.

Q: What types of services or programs does NCD offer?

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency that provides advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies. NCD does not provide direct legal or advocacy services to people with disabilities. Visit NCD’s Resources page for more information that may be helpful to your individual inquiry.

Q: How do I file a disability-related complaint?

The U.S. Department of Justice offers a helpful guide titled A Guide to Disability Rights Law, which provides contact information for filing disability-related complaints. The guide describes civil rights laws and contains contact information for asking questions, getting additional help, and filing complaints.

Q: Does NCD help with Social Security complaints?

No. NCD does not provide direct legal or advocacy services to people with disabilities, including Social Security complaints or inquiries. Visit NCD’s Resources page for more information that may be helpful to your individual inquiry.

Q: Where can I find information on government benefits I may be eligible to receive? 

Please refer to www.USA.gov, which provides information regarding government  benefits, grants, and financial aid. Visit NCD’s Resources page for more information that may be helpful to your individual inquiry.

Q: Does NCD have grants or funding available for people with disabilities?

No. NCD is not a grant-making or funding agency. A link to information on federal grants is available at www.grants.gov, which is a central clearinghouse of information on over 1,000 grant programs and access to approximately $400 billion in annual awards.

Q: Where can I find a listing of state mental health agencies?

Please visit NCD’s Resources page for more information.