INTRODUCTION

This document presents the National Council on Disability’s (NCD) budget justification for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008.  NCD is requesting a total budget authority of $3,112,560.

The funding for FY 2008 will provide NCD with resources to conduct its research and contractual activities and operational activities (i.e., salary increases, admin support (GSA) etc.) pursuant to the mission of the agency.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

History

Established in 1978 as an advisory board within the Department of Education (Public Law 95-602), NCD was transformed into an independent federal agency by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1984 (Public Law 98-221).  NCD consists of 15 members appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Vision

The United States will be a stronger country when its 54 million citizens with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds are fully integrated into all aspects of American life.  The United States has made significant progress in recent years in furthering opportunities for education, employment, and independent living for people with disabilities through a broad range of programs that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities from discrimination in education, employment, housing, and transportation.  Yet significant barriers remain to achieving the goals of independence, inclusion, and empowerment for all people with disabilities.  Conflicting, poorly designed or outdated government programs and policies combined with service gaps and continued negative attitudes toward people with disabilities serve to marginalize the 54 million Americans with disabilities.  The effects of these barriers on both people with disabilities and society are enormous.  Physical and visual isolation rob individuals of energy, creativity, and productivity.  Society loses by not enjoying the benefits of their talents and by incurring large costs supporting them.

When NCD brought together a diverse group of disability community leaders from around the country in 1996, a consensus emerged that our public policies and programs needed to undergo a paradigm shift that truly mirrored the values of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  NCD captured the consensus recommendations of the participants in a report entitled Achieving Independence.  As the only agency in the Federal Government addressing the issues of all people with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of type or severity, NCD will be aggressive and resolute until the day arrives when people with disabilities in every corner of the land no longer are distinguished by a disability label, but are known as students, workers, parents, neighbors and friends. 

To that end, NCD develops public policy options that advance full equality and independence of people with disabilities through positive, collaborative programs, strategies and partnerships that gauge success based on measurable indicators of full inclusion, integration and equal access to opportunities for people with disabilities.

Mission Statement

The mission of NCD is to promote the full inclusion, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds by providing advice, analysis, and recommendations on disability policy to the President, Congress, and other federal agencies.

A description of the FY 2007 activities is included in the Narrative Justification, Other Services, starting on page 17.

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

 

PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

National Council on Disability

Salaries and Expenses

For expenses necessary for the National Council on Disability as authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,  $3,112,560.00 (Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; additional authorizing legislation required)

ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE PROVISIONS AND CHANGES

There are no proposed changes in the appropriations language.

AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION

The National Council on Disability (NCD) was initially established in 1978 as an advisory board within the Department of Education (Public Law 95-602).  The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1984 (Public Law 98-221) transformed NCD into an independent agency and required NCD to provide expert advice to Congress and the Administration.  Changes were made to NCD=s statutory mandate by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 and 1998 and the Education of the Deaf Act Technical Amendments of 1993.

 

BUDGET AUTHORITY AND STAFFING BY ACTIVITY

Salaries and Expenses

                                                                             
FY 2006                      FY 2007(reqst)            FY 2008(reqst)

 

Budget Authority                      3,112,560                    2,772,000                    3,112,560

FTE                                                     14                                14                               14

Positions (FTP)                                    13                                13                               14

AVAILABLE FOR OBLIGATION

FY 2007                      FY 2008                                  Net Change
                                    Request                        Request

Budget Authority          2,772,000                    3,112, 560                                  340,440

Outlays                         2,217,600                    2,868,820                                   651,220

FTE                             14                                14                                                          0

Positions (FTP)            13                                13                                                          0

APPROPRIATIONS HISTORY

Salaries and Expense Account
(Amounts in thousands of dollars)

Fiscal Year                   Budget Authority                      Fiscal Year                   Budget Authority

1980                                           25                             2005                                        3,344******
1981                                        205                             2006                                        3,113*’
1982                                        197                             2007                                        2,772*’’
1983                                        198
1984                                        500
1985                                        750
1986                                        732
1987                                        860
1988                                        871*
1989                                      1,160
1990                                      1,540
1991                                      1,439
1992                                      1,569
1993                                      1,541
1994                                      1,690
1995                                      1,793
1996                                      1,793
1997                                      1,791   
1998                                      1,793
1999                                      2,344
2000                                      2,391**
2001                                      2,615
2002                                      2,829***
2003                                      2,839****
2004                                      3,021*****

FY 1988 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 100-436. *
FY 2000 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 106-113. **
FY 2002 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 107-206. ***
FY 2003 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 108-7. ****
FY 2004 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 108-199*****
FY 2005 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 108-447******
FY 2006 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 109-148*’
REQUESTED for FY 2007*’’

 

CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTIVES

Please note that there were no Congressional directives included in the National Council on Disability=s (NCD) last appropriation. 

NARRATIVE JUSTIFICATION

The National Council on Disability’s (NCD) Budget Request for FY 2008 is in the amount of $3,112, 560.  A detailed breakdown and justification of this request are as follows:

OBJECT CLASS 11:  PERSONNEL

A.  FTEs

For FY 2008, NCD requests 14.0 FTEs.  This request includes thirteen full-time employees (permanent) and the executive director, as well as one FTE, to cover the salaries of NCD council members.

At the present time, the chairperson and members of NCD are involved in a number of interagency working groups and advisory committees that require their participation and attendance at frequent meetings in Washington, D.C.  These advisory groups and committees include:  the Office of Disability Employment Policy; the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research; the Center for Disease Control and Prevention; and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

In addition to standing committees and working groups, NCD members are requested to serve on many disability-related task forces established by other agencies and private entities as a result of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act and NCD’s Congressionally mandated monitoring role regarding the implementation of this important legislation.

In 1995, NCD was designated by the U.S. Department of State to be the U.S. governments official contact point for disability issues.  Specifically, NCD interacts with the special rapporteur of the United Nations Commission for Social Development on disability matters.
 
The position of executive director is responsible for the day-to-day administrative, policy, and communications activities of NCD.  The general counsel/director of public policy position prepares policy recommendations on disability-related issues and represents NCD with members of Congress, officials of federal agencies, constituencies, and other groups.

Seven policy positions come under the director of public policy.  Two positions, senior attorney advisors, are responsible for research and analysis of regulations, case law, precedent and other legal documentation relating to disability civil rights laws, monitoring and advising on the legal implications of proposed statutory and regulatory changes, drafting legislation, interpreting the Board statute, and advising on the legal implications of proposed policies and procedures.

Two other positions are a policy analyst and a director of research and technology who conduct ongoing inquiries into the most pressing problems facing people with disabilities, produce policy reports and draft recommendations, track important legislative and policy issues, maintain and expand interagency relations regarding the development and evaluation of well-coordinated disability policy, and provide programmatic information and referral services.  The fifth position is a congressional liaison to help guide and support NCD’s advisory work both with various Congressional committees, subcommittees, and caucuses, as well as Executive Branch departments and agencies.  The sixth position is a staff sign language interpreter who facilitates communication between Deaf or hard of hearing and hearing employees and individuals doing business with NCD.  The administrative portion of NCD consists of the Financial Officer, who is responsible for developing and maintaining an integrated budget, accounting and financial management system, providing NCD with comprehensive financial advice and information. Also, the FO has responsibility for the overall fiscal integrity of the agency.  The financial officer also has responsibility for the NCD Local Area Network and telecommunications functions.  The director of communications is responsible for monitoring all media coverage of issues impacting people with disabilities, developing and producing informational materials for the public, developing an agency communications plan, arranging interviews between the media and NCD members, and handling publicity regarding NCD events (such as quarterly meetings and hearings) to promote a high degree of public participation in NCD activities.  The operational staff members include an executive assistant, staff assistant, and an office automation clerk.  The responsibilities of the executive assistant, staff assistant and office automation clerk include typing and filing, answering the telephones and directing callers to the appropriate staff, as well as record-keeping and administrative support across all areas of NCD.

B.  FULL-TIME POSITIONS

For FY 2008, NCD requests a budget of $1,360,355 for salary expenses associated with full-time employees.  This amount represents the projected cost for a total of 14 full-time positions including annual civil service salary increase, step increases and promotions.

C.  OTHER THAN FULL-TIME POSITIONS

For FY 2008, $200,000 is budgeted for compensation of NCD council members.  NCD members are paid at an Executive Level IV rate as required by statute.  This budgeted amount reflects the intention of members to be more actively involved and familiar with the activities and affairs of NCD, and to enhance NCD’s community outreach efforts.  It also reflects previous utilization rates and projected actual activities.      

D.  SALARY OVERTIME/AWARDS

A total of $10,000 is budgeted for overtime and awards for staff.

E.  OTHER PERSONNEL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A total of $330,705 is budgeted for other personnel compensation and benefits during FY 2008. Personnel benefits are a direct function of the amount of budgeted salary/wages and inclusive of transit subsidy.

OBJECT CLASS 21:  TRAVEL

A.  NCD MEMBERS

The 15 NCD members receive, by law, reimbursement of travel expenses associated with the four meetings required annually and with other meetings that NCD may schedule.  NCD members are also reimbursed for travel to meetings, consumer forums, professional conferences, and other official functions where they represent NCD.  Because most NCD members are people with disabilities, it is important to note that additional travel costs may be required for personal assistants. One hundred thirty-one thousand dollars ($131,000) is budgeted for travel by NCD members in FY 2008.

B.  STAFF

Staff travel is budgeted at twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for FY 2008.  Staff members generally travel to NCD meetings, some of which are held outside of the District of Columbia. 
Additionally, staff members will also participate in various professional meetings and conferences, and make site visits to programs serving people with disabilities, which are supported with federal funds.  As was previously mentioned under NCD members= travel, staff members also include people with disabilities who may require additional travel costs for personal assistants.

C.  COUNCIL ADVISORS/ASSISTANTS

NCD is committed to involving leaders in disability policy and research from across the nation as advisors to participate with NCD in many roles.  NCD plans to involve a select number of advisors in its scheduled meetings and consumer forums and hearings during FY 2008.  NCD will reimburse participants at these meetings for travel and per diem.  No funds will be used to pay salaries for advisors in these meetings.  Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) is budgeted for travel of NCD advisors/assistants in FY 2008.

OBJECT CLASS 23:  RENTAL PAYMENTS TO GSA

NCD currently occupies office space at 1331 F Street, NW, in Washington, D.C.  Leasing arrangements are coordinated for NCD through the General Services Administration.  During FY 2008 NCD expects to be responsible for $258,000 in rental payments through its lease, inclusive of any unexpected increases due to tax adjustments.

 OBJECT CLASS 23:  COMMUNICATIONS, UTILITIES, AND MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES

A.  TELEPHONES

NCD=s budget includes an estimated $16,000 for telephone service and maintenance during FY 2008.  This estimate is based on historical data as well as costs associated with NCD’s need to maintain responsibility for its total telephone expenditures.  This amount also includes the cost of conference calls for Council committees, a much more cost-effective method for conducting interim business than bringing various committee members together for face-to-face meetings. 

NCD=s operations require the use of telephones and text telephones for both local and long distance calling to maintain communications with NCD members, advisors, other agencies, private organizations, and members of the public.  The staff and members provide outreach, information, and referral services. 

B.  POSTAGE AND DELIVERY

NCD maintains regular communications with people with disabilities, agencies, organizations, and with private provider organizations serving people with disabilities.  Frequent mailings are also made to NCD members, advisors, and people interested in disability issues nationwide.  NCD distributes its monthly newsletter to approximately 2,100+ individuals and organizations nationwide.  Postage is also needed for the dissemination of NCD’s reports.  In addition, NCD=s business requires the use of local delivery and messenger services to ensure prompt and safe delivery of documents to other agencies located in Washington, D.C.  Thirty-four thousand dollars ($34,000) - (31,000-Postage, 3,000-Courier) has been budgeted for these purposes in FY 2008.

OBJECT CLASS 24:  PRINTING AND REPRODUCTION

NCD has budgeted $30,000 in FY 2008 for printing costs.  These costs will include:  a) printing a monthly bulletin that is sent to 9,000 plus people with disabilities, professionals, and organizations interested in disability issues nationwide; b) printing a statutorily mandated special report on the status of disability policy to the President and Congress; and c) other public information materials and monographs as required.  Several of NCD’s research activities will generate reports that will require publishing.  In addition, it is NCD policy to produce, upon request, materials in braille, large print, compact disc, diskette and on cassette tape, to accommodate the public who are visually impaired and or hearing impaired.  Some NCD documents are printed in languages other than English in order to ensure the information is reaching the diverse populations of this country.  NCD will also be investigating using emerging technologies for dissemination of information (NCD reports) to the disabled citizenry.

OBJECT CLASS 25:  OTHER SERVICES

A.  RESEARCH AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

NCD has budgeted $690,000 of which $450,000 is to be used on Programmatic research projects identified in this category during FY 2008.  NCD’s priorities are based upon recommendations from NCD Board Members and stakeholders and are based upon the goals and objectives outlined in NCD’s strategic plan.  Research studies and projects are commissioned by NCD when it is necessary to enlist the support of outside individuals and groups who possess expertise not available within NCD itself.  Given the limited size of our agency, the judicious use of external research studies and projects substantially enhances our capability to meet our basic mandate ‘to provide expert advice’ to the Administration and Congress on disability policy issues. 

In fact, in proposing the New Freedom Initiative (NFI), President George W. Bush and his Administration gave their immediate and firm commitment to moving forward with initiatives aimed at achieving independence and full integration of Americans with disabilities.  FY 2008 NCD studies interrelate with centerpiece initiatives presented in President Bush’s NFI and the findings and recommendations of these research studies will critically guide Congress and the Bush Administration’s implementation of the NFI. 

NCD has a number of projects under review for FY 2008 that directly reflect the interests and concerns that thousands of people with disabilities have brought to the agency’s attention.  NCD’s FY 2008 initiatives relate to its Investing in Independence series of reports, capitalizing upon NCD’s ability to play a unique and valuable role in the federal policy process.  With the requested budget, NCD will carry out the following proposed projects:

1) Housing Evaluation Initiative

NCD will undertake a comprehensive study of the state of housing in America in the 21st century. This evaluation will focus on: (1) public laws, policies and program initiatives that affect housing opportunities for Americans with disabilities, and (2) housing, supports, and other benefits provided available through the public and non-profit and/or private sectors. The purpose is to determine whether, and to what extent, public and non-profit and private housing and related programs have provided adequate, affordable, and accessible housing for Americans with disabilities.

Examples of public sector programs may include, but are not limited to: Section 8 Housing Vouchers, Section 202/811, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, Single Family Mortgage Insurance, Public Housing, and Community Development Block Grants. Non-profit sector program examples may include community group homes, and assisted living arrangements. Examples of private sector programs may include home loan and refinancing initiatives, and co-operative housing.
The scope of evaluation for this project will, of necessity, be quite broad. Accordingly, some of the issues that may need to be considered for this effort are; (a) type and extent of housing needs among Americans with disabilities; (b) range of federal, state and local housing and related programs and supports; (c) housing and related program goals and strategies (e.g., income targeting);  (d) a profile of users for housing program supports; (e) geographic dispersion of housing and related programs and expenditures; (f) public housing conditions (i.e., affordability, adequacy and accessibility; and (g) quality of life of people relying on housing and related programs and supports.

Guidance for this project will involve an expert committee that is needed to provide advice on the planning for the foci, design, and evaluation of the key issues. Committee membership may include: individuals with disabilities, members of the public/non-profit/private sectors, academics, planners and architects, and other interested parties.

2) The National Infrastructure Initiative

NCD will undertake a new research initiative designed to address the question, “How, in an era of shrinking government funding, can America create a more efficient, effective, and equitable system of connecting people to the services, supports, and accommodations they need”.  The research effort can be referred to as the National Infrastructure Initiative, or NII.  NII is envisioned as an intergovernmental review of : (a) existing public and private funding and resources targeted to building and/or strengthening communities’ human service, technological, or physical infrastructures; (b) barriers and gaps in services, supports and accommodations needed by Americans with disabilities; and (c) demonstrated approaches to effectively address identified barriers and gaps.

NCD’s NII research project is a reflection of reported and longstanding shortcomings in many areas of life affecting people with disabilities, their families and friends.  It reflects chronic shortages of teachers certified for special education, direct care service workers for community-based services, personal assistants for independent living, and decreases in human service workers as baby boomers retire, to name a few examples in the human service arena.   It represents the disparity in the availability of affordable and accessible adaptive technology and telecommunications required for use by students in schools, by adults seeking gainful employment, and by older persons trying to age-in-place in their homes. It is exemplified by the persistent lack of affordable and accessible housing to people whose level of income and assets are lower than their non-disabled peers.  This research project will enable NCD to report on the current state of this nation’s infrastructure, America’s plans for addressing needed improvements, and successful examples of infrastructure development and implementation that create real outcomes in peoples’ lives. 

The NII research project is partly in response to the federal and state budget cuts that have resulted in service cutbacks across the country. For example, in some states, people have been dropped from Medicaid rolls; in others, waiting lists for community services or housing opportunities have been capped. The NII is also in response to changes in federal policies. NCLBA and IDEA mandates require state and local education agencies to: enhance student outcomes, increase the number of trained, licensed instructional personnel, and improve low-performing schools. TANF changes require parents to be on the job for longer hours to qualify for program support, which increases the need of TANF-participating parents for child care.

NCD believes that this research effort represents a real opportunity to inject systematic, coordinated and progressive infrastructure planning into federal (and state and local) systems, in a community-referenced manner.

3) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act

NCD proposes to investigate how the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children, Youth and Families, Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), administers federally mandated programs and services under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, as amended 2000. The mandated programs and services include: (1) Councils on Developmental Disability (Councils on DD) to be established at the state level by governors; (2) a National Network of Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (Centers of Excellence, formerly the University Affiliated Programs); (3) the Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD) programs and the Native American Protection and Advocacy Program authorized in 1994; (4) Projects of National Significance (first authorized in 1975), requiring federal data collection and analysis, technical assistance to Councils on DD, P and A Systems, and Centers of Excellence; and (5) federal administration of separate grants for Family Support and a Program of Direct Support for Workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities, as the 2000 reauthorization mandated.

NCD’s investigation should identify:
(a) The DD Act provisions and regulations set forth to establish minimum standards that states must follow for the delivery of services and programs in order to receive federal funds;  (b) Evidence-based findings about barriers and challenges to implementation, including collaboration across federal programs (include relevant findings from NCD’s Olmstead and Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) reports, as well as the New Freedom Preliminary Report); (c) Elements and/or principles that consumers, other stakeholders, including experts in the field of developmental disabilities, youth and people with developmental disabilities from diverse cultures attribute to the effectiveness of promising practices, including examples of programs and services (therein, how might elements/ principles from exemplary states Olmstead plans and implementation efforts/activities be incorporated?); (d) Results of internal and external evaluation of progress, and include appropriate findings from GAO, NCD, other appropriate federal and/or non-governmental entity reports on evaluation of federal implementation of the DD Act, including earlier recommendations; (e) How the Secretary has carried out the modified reporting requirements to enhance accountability by providing meaningful examples of how DD Councils, Protection and Advocacy groups, and Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disability Education, Training, and Research have; achieved the purposes of the Act, addressed protecting individuals with developmental disabilities from abuse and neglect, exploitation, violations of legal and human rights so that those individual are at no greater risk of harm than other persons in the general population, and reported a summary of any incidents of noncompliance; (f) Current non-generic recommendations that may serve as background for translation into NCD’s follow-up plan for advising the Administration and Congress on the federal role in increasing favorable community-based living, integration, self-determination and choice opportunities and outcomes for people with developmental disabilities; and (g) Ways to connect the findings and recommendations of NCD’s Olmstead and CRIPA reports to the concrete recommendations for this report.

4) ADA Seminar

NCD will host “A National Dialogue on the State of Disability,” a town hall meeting and seminar to observe the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

5) Emerging Issues

NCD will continue to conduct studies on emerging issues such as emergency preparedness and responses.  In addition, NCD will work on policy priorities related to international, youth, mental health and cultural diversity issues.

6)Homeland Security

NCD will dramatically increase its work focus and efforts in the area of homeland security, in keeping with HR 5441’s expectations that NCD actively participate in nine major tasks related to the Department of Homeland Security’s enhanced emergency preparedness responsibilities and activities as they relate to Americans with disabilities.

B.  GSA SERVICES CONTRACT
NCD is authorized by statute to contract with the General Services Administration (GSA) for technical and administrative assistance.  The contract provides required assistance in payroll, personnel matters, and accounting.
C.  READERS, INTERPRETERS, PERSONAL ASSISTANTS, AND MEETING SUPPORT

In addition to using expert contractors to develop specific data and background information, NCD, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act, provides interpreters for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, readers for people with visual impairments, and personal care assistants for members and staff with significant disabilities.  The temporary employment, by contract, of such providers is directly related to the nature of the work performed by NCD and to the explicitly stated policy of affirmative action and outreach to which NCD subscribes.
Accessible space and public address systems for meetings held outside of NCD are secured on a contractual basis

D.  TRAINING

In order for NCD staff to stay current with critical issues facing people with disabilities and to improve their technical skills, participation in training programs is necessary.  After training needs are identified in individual staff development plans, training is provided in appropriate content areas such as contract management, computer technology, financial management, supervision, management, and other areas. 

E.  OPERATIONAL/MISCELLANEOUS

Funding in order for NCD to procure maintenance and service agreements for the office local area network, copying equipment, health unit contract, internet service, audit services, etc.  NCD=s Web page (http: //www.ncd.gov) is maintained by the Government Printing Office (GPO), and it is fully accessible.  This was confirmed by the award and validation NCD received from the Center for Applied Science and Technology and the World Wide Web Consortium.  Higher costs in this category are due to increased hosting and on-line charges.
 NCD receives numerous requests for information from people across the country.  NCD=s award-winning Web page receives on average more than one million hits and thirty-five thousand plus downloads of reports and information per month. 
OBJECT CLASS 26:  SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND PUBLICATIONS
NCD’s budget includes $20,000 for purchase of supplies, materials and publications for FY 2008.  The amount includes supplies for mailing, copying, and ordinary office supplies such as paper, pens, and pencils.  Also budgeted are funds for the purchase of computer software, library materials, and for subscriptions to relevant scientific, technical, and policy-oriented publications.  NCD subscribes to various electronic information services in order to provide members and staff current technical information.  The cost for these services is included in this category.
OBJECT CLASS 31:  EQUIPMENT
As one of the most visible agencies in the Executive Branch with sole responsibility to provide expert advice on disability policy, it is essential that NCD serve as a model for ensuring that all of our work is accessible to people with disabilities.  In order to ensure full access for people with disabilities, we are requesting $2,500 under this category in FY 2008 to replace or purchase any equipment for accommodations needed by staff or members.

 

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
Second Bush Term Members
(as of August 4, 2006)

Name                                                   Confirmation     Expiration         Reconfirmed     Expiration
                                                                                               
1. John R. Vaughn, Chairperson             8-3-06               9-17-07

2. Patricia Pound, 1st Vice Chairperson  7-26-02             9-17-02             11-14-02           9-17-05

3. Glenn Anderson, Ph.D., 2nd Vice
   Chairperson                                       9-26-02             9-17-02             9-26-02             9-17-05

4. Milton Aponte, J.D.                           9-26-02             9-17-03             11-20-04           9-17-06

5. Robert R. Davila, Ph.D.                     7-29-02             9-17-03             11-20-04           9-17-06

6. Victoria Ray Carlson                         8-3-06               9-17-07

7. Chad Colley                                      8-3-06               9-17-07
                                               
8. Barbara Gillcrist                                9-26-02             9-17-02             9-26-02             9-17-05

9. Graham Hill                                       9-26-02             9-17-02             9-26-02             9-17-05

10. Young Woo Kang, Ph.D.                 7-26-02             9-17-03             11-20-04           9-17-06

11. Kathleen Martinez                           7-26-02             9-17-03             11-20-04           9-17-06

12. Lisa Mattheiss                                 8-3-06               9-17-07

13. Anne M. Rader                               6-19-03             9-17-04

14. Marco Rodriguez                             9-26-02             9-17-02             9-26-02             9-17-05

15. Linda Wetters                                  11-14-02           9-17-03             11-20-04           9-17-06

INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

Information dissemination continued to grow at record levels for NCD, as it responded to thousands of telephone calls, e-mail messages, and letters from concerned people and organizations about disability issues.  In addition, NCD published its monthly newsletter, NCD Bulletin, which reaches more than 2,100 people and organizations by mail and list serve.  Additionally it is posted on U.S. Newswire, which is read by millions.  All NCD publications are available in alternative formats, such as braille, large print, diskette, and audiocassette.  This information is also available at NCD’s award-winning Internet Web site (www.ncd.gov), which now receives more than nine million hits per year.

NCD QUARTERLY MEETINGS

As required by Section 400(3)(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, NCD met on four occasions during FY 2006.