About Office on Disability

The Secretary of Health and Human Services created the Office on Disability (OD) in October 2002. The Director of the Office reports to the Secretary and serves as an advisor on HHS activities relating to disabilities. The Office on Disability oversees the implementation and coordination of disability programs, policies and special initiatives for 54 million persons with disabilities.

The charge to the Office is:

Serve as the focal point within HHS for the implementation and coordination of policies, programs, and special initiatives related to disabilities with the Department and with other Federal agencies; view the expectations and accomplishments.
Oversee the implementation and coordination of disability programs, policies, and special initiatives;
Heighten the interaction of programs within HHS and with Federal, State, community and valuable private sector partners;
Support plans and initiatives designed to tear down barriers facing people with disabilities, which prevent them from fully participating and contributing in an inclusive community life;
Centralize the solutions outlined in the NFI report to President Bush; and
Increase focus and awareness to help Americans living with disabilities.

The HHS Office on Disability will oversee the coordination, development and implementation of programs and special initiatives within HHS that impact people with disabilities. Margaret J. Giannini, M.D., F.A.A.P, has been appointed the director to the new HHS Office on Disability and Eileen Elias, M.Ed., has been named Deputy Director.

Last revised: October 19, 2004

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