National Organization on Disability
N.O.D.

Synopsis by MobiLife, Power Wheel Chairs

Through programs and information, the National Organization on Disability is able to raise awareness of America's 54 million people dealing with disabilities in all aspects of their life. Their main focus and dedication is to expand participation and contribution.

The history of the Organization started back in 1981 when the United Nations proclaimed that year International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). Their mission was to make sure people with disabilities had the same opportunity to participate in all aspects of life by pleading with other organizations, communities, religions, and governments, to adopt them. David Kearns, the CEO of Xerox, led the U.S. Counsel for IYDP and they built a group of 30 people which funded and lead the U.N. International Year observance making them the first private sector to do that. At the end of the year, the National Office on Disability was created by representatives in 48 states to help accomplish IYDP's mission. The name changed to the National Organization on Disability in 1983. Today, the Organization is built up of 10 different programs that each serve its own purpose and they provide a tremendous about of information and resources. The Community Partnership Program and the National Partnership Program are 2 core programs that were developed to follow IYDP's modal on partnerships; partners strengthen the effort. Leaders of NOD established a Board built of terrific people that are lead by Rich DeVos, the President of the Amway Corporation.

The National Organization on Disability is funded by their sponsors and Partnerships. Without them, their goal would not be achievable nor would their contribution with in the power wheel chair industry be as strong. Even though the Organization is not government funded, they do allow people in the U.S. Senate and House become Congressional Sponsors. Some of their popular corporate sponsors are The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Meadows Foundation, and The Henry H. Kessler Foundation, Inc. Individuals can also participate in the funding by donating online, on a form, or over the phone.