NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

FY 2009 Budget Justification

• Introduction
• Executive Summary
• Authorizing Legislation
• Organizational Chart
• Proposed Appropriations Language
• Analysis of Language Provisions and Changes
• Budget Authority and Staffing by Activity
• Amounts Available for Obligation
• Appropriations History
• Financial Summary
• Congressional Directives
• Narrative Justification
• Members of the National Council on Disability
  

INTRODUCTION

Following is the National Council on Disability’s (NCD) budget justification for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009. NCD is requesting a total budget authority of $ 3,205,937. The funding requested for FY 2009 will provide NCD with resources to carry out our specifically mandated responsibilities including to:

1. Hold quarterly Council meetings;

2. Prepare, for the President and Congress, the annual report entitled National Disability Policy: A Progress Report;

3. Carry out nine responsibilities with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator as prescribed in 6 U.S.C. 321b; 

4. Provide compensation and travel reimbursement to Council members for each day they are engaged in the performance of their duties as members of the National Council on Disability;

5. Gather information about the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);

6. Make recommendations to the President, the Congress and other officials of federal agencies or other federal entities, regarding ways to better promote the policies set forth in section 400(a)(2) of the enabling legislation;

7. Provide to the Congress on a continuing basis advice, recommendations, legislative proposals, and any additional information that the National Council on Disability or the Congress deems appropriate;

8. Conduct research and studies in order to review and evaluate the policies and programs of various federal agencies providing services to people with disabilities; and

9. Support the contractual obligations of NCD that fund its operational activities (i.e., salaries, benefits, legal services, administrative and technical support leased office space, etc.) pursuant to the mission of the agency.

Despite the creation of several federal work incentive programs during the last decade, about 63 percent of working age Americans with significant disabilities remain unemployed according to the U.S. Census Bureau ( 2003). Our society needs to continue to seek out the best solutions for reducing reliance on benefit programs for those who should be employed, and also needs to enhance the ability to live independently so higher-cost “institutional” care can be avoided in every stage of life. NCD research into such issues will continue to identify and improve the programs that can make such improvements a reality. In addition, as related below, NCD has been given substantial responsibilities for disability-related issues in the nationwide effort to improve emergency preparedness and enhance homeland security.

The Administration’s NCD FY 2009 budget request of $3,205,937 is a $147,321 or 4.6% increase over the FY 2008 funding level of $3,058,616. The additional funds requested for FY 2009 will allow NCD to sustain its statutory mandates to collect and evaluate information on federal disability policy and programs and to develop advice and recommendations to the President and Congress in promoting the full integration, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities.

Under President Bush, NCD has been prolific in producing timely information critical to improving the delivery of programs to people with disabilities. Our series of research reports involving New Freedom Initiative (NFI) programs has resulted in or documented ongoing changes to many of the critical services needed to sustain the health and independence of our most vulnerable citizens.  (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/index.htm)

Like many federal agencies, NCD has been impacted by increased costs related to our mission. Unlike some larger agencies, NCD has limited opportunity to reduce such costs without hampering our ability to fulfill Congressional mandates as outlined in our authorizing legislation. An example of this situation can be found in the requirement that NCD meets a minimum of four times per year. During FY 2007, as part of a strategic refocusing by NCD to require more participation by appointed Council members in policy development and agency matters, NCD has incurred increased costs for member salaries, travel and meeting-related expenses. This level of investment in our mission has resulted in a dramatic increase in the levels of public participation and valuable feedback received at our public hearings and meetings held around the country. Consequently, NCD’s expectation that costs related to meetings would increase have proven true, but have been offset by the value of public participation in agency processes, although that value is impossible to quantify.

Over the last several years, NCD has provided extensive and wide-ranging outreach to people with disabilities and members of their communities, closely consulting with them as key informants to NCD’s policy work. Many NCD publications have resulted in repeated invitations to present their findings through conference presentations, Internet web casts, and policy briefings.

In 2009, NCD is scheduled to continue conducting research on several issues critical to people with disabilities. As a result of new duties for the Council that were assigned in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill (H.R. 5441) signed by President Bush on October 4, 2006, NCD continues to play a significant role in the many disability-related activities and issues related to homeland security. That role is described in more detail in the listing of Program Contracts to be accomplished in FY 2009.

In an environment where the needs of the community are changing, along with the fiscal pressures accompanying these changes, NCD must be well-situated to conduct research activities that will enable it to assist the nation in charting its course in addressing these needs. In 2009, NCD is committed to a set of comprehensive projects focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities and increasing the public’s awareness of the value of the programs that serve this “community.”  The policy issues to be examined (listed separately) will be studied from the vantage point of the vision of NCD’s 15 members appointed by President Bush, and reflect the President’s New Freedom Initiative targeted at people with disabilities.

Increased fixed costs have forced NCD to postpone or reduce in scope several critical research projects, including those involving poverty, asset accumulation and a project involving health care. NCD’s FY 2009 initiatives capitalize upon our agency’s ability to play a unique and valuable role in the federal policy process. With this requested increase, NCD will continue to strengthen the linkage between the Administration, Congress, and the growing but often overlooked constituency of people with disabilities.

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.

Authorization

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.

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.

Vision

Disability touches everyone. In 2004, 51.2 million Americans reported some level of disability. All Americans have some experience with disability through their own daily experience or contact with relatives, colleagues or friends. At some point, most Americans will experience some form of functional incapacity or limitation as a normal part of aging.

Americans with disabilities represent a diverse group which includes individuals with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities. Disabilities vary in terms of severity, longevity, cause and consequences. Some disabilities remain static throughout a person's life while others may have periods of remission or regression.

Through its outreach efforts, in various community venues, and at its quarterly meetings, NCD has continually learned about the impact of disability on individuals, families, and their communities. There are consistent messages being shared about NCD findings through comprehensive research reports, policy briefs, media outreach, our award-winning Internet website (http://www.ncd.gov/index.html), and a monthly newsletter that receives worldwide attention.

Despite their diverse profile, Americans with disabilities share many common concerns. They face personal, social and economic disadvantages and barriers that prevent access to the same opportunities as Americans without disabilities. People with disabilities continue, for example, to have lower education levels and to be socially isolated and discriminated against in the workplace. They often face economic hardship in their daily lives and far too many live below the poverty line. Women and people with disabilities from diverse cultures, in particular, experience greater disadvantages, reporting higher incidences of unemployment and poverty.

Americans with disabilities share many common aspirations for themselves and for their country. They want a nation which demonstrates leadership with respect to disability issues. Persons with disabilities desire a country which is sensitive to individual needs and ensures that Americans with disabilities have input into the policies, programs and decisions that affect them. They seek a country which makes it possible to achieve a decent standard of living and support an approach to disability issues that is common to all jurisdictions but sensitive to regional differences and needs. Persons with disabilities want a nation that uses legal and other measures to promote social and economic equity and equality of outcomes.

In light of these views, and in keeping with its Congressional mandate, NCD is currently working on a series of reports known as Investing in Independence, which interrelate with centerpiece initiatives presented in President Bush's New Freedom Initiative. These reports focus on access to quality health care services, improving postsecondary transitions and vocational rehabilitation, financial incentives related to employment and living independently, modernizing disability indicators and quality of life data, effective educational services and outcomes, and an annual disability progress report. In addition, NCD is working on a new Congressional mandate, articulated in 6 U.S.C. 321b, involving the coordination of key homeland security tasks with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Throughout all of its work, and in conjunction with its federal partners, NCD aims to foster and support the production, dissemination and application of unique information and sound advice leading to policies that enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

Highlights of NCD FY 2009 Budget Submission

The budget proposed for NCD in FY 2009 supports critical activities of importance to people with disabilities, while reflecting the commitment of NCD leadership to control costs and increase efficiency of agency operations wherever possible. As a small independent agency, it is necessary for NCD to contract with larger support agencies or contractors for functions accomplished by staff in larger agencies. Those support entities have saved NCD approximately $145,000 annually in personnel and related expenses. The result has been the reallocation of financial resources to several important research projects during the past three years.

Maintaining a stable level of fixed costs has positively affected the agency’s ability to carry out its programs in support of the President and Congress’ objectives that strive to enhance the independence and economic self-sufficiency for more than 51 million Americans with disabilities and their families. We believe there are several reasons why our mission should be supported at the requested level.

It is important to note that this NCD budget request includes a reduction in the number of staff, and rent that is $60,000 or 19% less than the FY 2007 lease amount due to a reduction in the square footage of our office space. Additional savings are anticipated for printing, mailing and office equipment, and we continue to analyze internal processes to identify other potential improvements or savings.

There are increases in two line items that reflect the active involvement of NCD members in all aspects of agency operations, and their commitment to increased public outreach and input at quarterly meetings. These costs are reflected in increased member salaries and travel, and it is important that this level of involvement continues to be supported. The NCD investment in Program Contracts has been increased slightly in this budget, with about $47,000 added to support priority research.

One of the items listed in Program Contracts is an enhancement that represents a top priority for the Council. $150,000 is requested to support a national conference on disability, which will expand on a similar event that NCD supported in 1996. Detailed information about the requested enhancement is available in the Program Contracts section of this budget.

NCD staff and council members have continued to be responsible stewards of taxpayer funds dedicated to improving policies and programs that support and protect people with disabilities. NCD has consistently completed each fiscal year at or near projected budget levels. FY 2008 expenditures will continue that trend.

ORGANIZATION CHART

PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

National Council on Disability

Salaries and Expenses

For expenses necessary for the National Council on Disability as authorized by Title IV of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, $3,205,937(Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2008; Public Law 110-161)

ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE PROVISIONS AND CHANGES

There are no proposed changes in the appropriations language.

BUDGET AUTHORITY AND STAFFING BY ACTIVITY

AVAILABLE FOR OBLIGATION

APPROPRIATIONS HISTORY

FY 1988 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 100-436.(a)
FY 2000 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 106-113.(b)
FY 2002 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 107-206.(c)
FY 2003 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 108-7.(d)
FY 2004 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 108-199.(e)
FY 2005 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 108-447.(f)
FY 2006 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 109-148.(g)
FY 2007 amount reflects reductions pursuant to Public Law 110-5.(h)
FY 2008 amount reflects reduction pursuant to Public Law 110-161.(i)

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTIVES

H.R.2206, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007, provided NCD with an additional amount for `Salaries and Expenses' ($300,000), to remain available until expended for necessary expenses related to the requirements of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 as enacted by the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 (Public Law 109-295).This legislation required NCD to accomplish specific activities related to homeland security as currently reflected in 6 U.S.C. 321b.

NARRATIVE JUSTIFICATION

The National Council on Disability’s (NCD) Budget Request for FY 2009 is in the amount of $ 3,205,937. A detailed breakdown and justification of this request follows:

OBJECT CLASS 11: PERSONNEL

A. FTEs

For FY 2009, NCD requests 12.0 FTEs. This request includes eleven full-time employees (permanent) and the executive director. Please note that NCD has voluntarily reduced one FTE since FY 2007 and will be refilling two vacant positions at lower salary grades in an effort to conserve resources.

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 frequent attendance at meetings in Washington, D.C. Some of 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.

Seven policy positions comprise the majority of NCD staffing. 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’s statute, and advising on the legal implications of proposed policies and procedures. Two other positions are a policy analyst and a director of research 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 director of external affairs 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, research report releases and hearings) to promote a high degree of public participation in NCD activities. The seventh position is the executive director, who coordinates the activities of all staff, participates in key meetings with federal partners and disability stakeholders at the national level, and approves work products of the Council.

The operational or support staff members include a special assistant who coordinates all administrative processes, an executive assistant, staff assistant, and an office automation clerk. Their responsibilities  include processing member and staff travel expense claims, making travel and hotel reservations for meetings, recording and forwarding financial documents after management approval, typing and filing, editing reports, answering telephones and directing callers to the appropriate staff, as well as record-keeping and administrative support across all areas of NCD.

During FY 2007, NCD began contracting with the General Services Administration (GSA) for the fiscal services previously under the direction of an NCD financial officer. While this contractual arrangement has increased administrative contract costs, it provides an excellent opportunity to obtain continuous control agency input on the financial transactions of NCD.

B. FULL-TIME POSITIONS

For FY 2009, NCD requests a budget of $1,260,170 for salary expenses associated with full-time employees. This amount represents the projected cost for a total of 12 full-time positions including annual civil service salary increases, step increases and promotions.

C. OTHER THAN FULL-TIME POSITIONS

For FY 2009, $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 prior level of expenditures during FY 2007 and is an indicator of members being actively involved and familiar with the activities and affairs of NCD.

D. SALARY OVERTIME/AWARDS

A total of $25,203 is budgeted for overtime and awards for staff.

E. OTHER PERSONNEL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A total of $378,051 is budgeted for other personnel compensation and benefits during FY 2009. 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. The amount of $170,000 is budgeted for travel by NCD members in FY 2009.

B. STAFF

Staff travel is budgeted at $25,000 for FY 2009. Some staff members travel to NCD meetings, the majority of which are scheduled to be 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 incur 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 2009. NCD will reimburse participants at these meetings for travel and per diem only. No funds will be used to pay salaries for advisors in these meetings, but $25,000 is budgeted for travel of NCD advisors/assistants in FY 2009.

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 2009 NCD expects to be responsible for $277,203 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 $20,000 for telephone service and maintenance during FY 2009. 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 business practices require the use of local delivery and messenger services to ensure prompt and safe delivery of documents to other agencies located in Washington, D.C. NCD is requesting $30,000 for this purpose in FY 2009.

OBJECT CLASS 24: PRINTING AND REPRODUCTION

NCD has budgeted $30,000 in FY 2009 for printing costs. These costs will include: a) printing a monthly bulletin that is sent to more than 9,000 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 members of the public who are visually impaired 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 the cost-effectiveness of increasing the use of emerging technologies for dissemination of information (especially NCD reports) to people with disabilities throughout the world.

OBJECT CLASS 25: OTHER SERVICES

A. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICE CONTRACTS

As a small independent agency, NCD must contract with multiple agencies or private vendors for many of the services performed in-house by staff at larger agencies.  These contracts cover items such as payroll, accounting, budgeting, human resources,  interpreting services, real-time captioning, printing, personal assistance services, information technology, web hosting, news services, mailing house and auditing. These services will cost NCD  $300,000 in FY 2009.

B. RESEARCH AND CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

NCD has budgeted $442,810 for program contracts. All proposed contracts in this category are described below.

NCD’s priorities are based upon recommendations developed by NCD Board members and stakeholders and are based upon the goals and objectives outlined in NCD’s strategic planning process. 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 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 2009 NCD studies interrelate with centerpiece initiatives presented in President Bush’s NFI and the findings and recommendations of these research studies will help guide Congress and the Bush Administration’s implementation of the NFI.

NCD has a number of projects proposed for completion in FY 2009 that reflect the interests and concerns that thousands of people with disabilities have brought to the agency’s attention. NCD’s FY 2009 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:

Program Contracts  

Proposed Project(s) for FY 2009 NCD Budget

1) National Conference on Disability

The purpose of a national conference is to take stock nationally of “disability” related achievements in the areas of legislation, best practices, poverty alleviation, civic participation, and asset building, to name a few; examining the effect democracy has had on people with disability, with particular focus on progress since the National Council on Disability’s (NCD) 1996 leadership summit. The national conference is designed to highlight legislative, educational, employment, housing, technological, economic, political, and social policies and programs designed to enhance the quality of life of all Americans with disabilities. A facilitation methodology will be used in all large and small group activities, whenever appropriate, in which to engage conference attendees in identifying best practices and achievements and in determining the way forward.

In addition, and throughout the conference, people with and without disabilities will be invited to: (a) seek out and inquire into that which is best practice; (b) present, provide information and share stories about that which is best practice; (c) to explore hopes and a common vision for the future; and (d) explore strategies for transforming America’s current approach to building and maintaining livable communities for Americans with disabilities. NCD expects that this conference framework will release a positive energy and innovative insight that is greatly superior to the kind of energy and insight achieved through the negation, criticism, and “blame placing” often associated with problem- and deficit-based approaches to change which often typify national conferences or summits.

As an independent agency, NCD is uniquely positioned to bring the various disability-related government agencies, non-profit stakeholders and professional entities together to address this important topic, and it is our Council’s unanimous recommendation that NCD needs to convene a national summit during the 20th year since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This conference is the Council’s top priority. The investment by NCD will be leveraged to solicit support and partnerships from many federal agencies and the national organizations involved in disability-related services or policy.

2) Annual Progress Report to Congress

In compliance with its authorizing statute, NCD will prepare and submit to the President and the appropriate committees of the Congress a report entitled National Disability Policy: A Progress Report. The report will assess the status of the Nation, with particular focus on new and emerging issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. The report will also present, as appropriate, available data on health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, recreation, training, prevention, early intervention, and education. Finally, the report will include recommendations for policy change. In determining the issues to focus on and the findings, conclusions, and recommendations to include in the report, the National Council will seek input from the public, particularly people with disabilities and their families, representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities, and organizations and agencies interested in disability issues.

3) Homeland Security

NCD’s FY 2009 Homeland Security Work 

As a result of NCD’s expertise and concern about the lack of disability involvement in planning or response systems related to emergency preparedness and homeland security, in FY 2007 Congress appropriated $300,000 to NCD for accomplishing specific activities that will enhance the ability of the emergency preparedness and response network to meet the needs of people with disabilities in future disasters. Congress initially assigned NCD to carry out nine specific responsibilities to be accomplished with the cooperation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During FY 2009 NCD will continue its implementation of congressionally mandated responsibilities under Public Law 109-295. These responsibilities involve the Administrator of FEMA working with NCD and others (e.g., a national advisory council) on at least nine (9) major tasks, including:

1.      Appointing a Disability Coordinator;

2.      Interacting regarding the needs of individuals with disabilities in emergency planning requirements and relief efforts in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster;

3.      Completing, revising, and updating, as necessary, guidelines to define risk-based target capabilities for federal, state, local, and tribal government preparedness that will enable the nation to prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and others;

4.      Carrying out a national training program to implement the national preparedness goal, National Incident Management System, National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies;

5.      Carrying out a national exercise program to test and evaluate the national preparedness goal, National Incident Management System, National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies;

6.      Establishing a comprehensive system to assess, on an ongoing basis, the Nation's prevention capabilities and overall preparedness, including operational readiness;

7.      Establishing a remedial action management program to: (1) analyze training, exercises, and real-world events to identify and disseminate lessons learned and best practices; (2) generate and disseminate, as appropriate, after action reports to participants in exercises and real-world events; and (3) conduct remedial action tracking and long-term trend analysis;

8.      Developing, coordinating, and maintaining a National Disaster Housing Strategy; and

9.      Developing guidelines to accommodate individuals with disabilities, which shall include guidelines for: (1) the accessibility of communications and programs in, shelters, recovery centers, and other facilities; and (2) the accessibility of devices used in connection with disaster operations, including first aid stations, mass feeding areas, portable payphone stations, portable toilets, and temporary housing.

Beginning in January, 2007 we have been fulfilling our HR 5441 duties and have learned some key lessons. First, these tasks require the full-time attention of a professional staff member who is familiar with the complexities of FEMA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations across the various levels of government. Second, NCD needs to continue to be proactive in pursuit of its Congressional responsibilities.

As part of our proactive stance to fulfilling our HR 5441 duties, we will undertake a number of activities.

• NCD will gather and share information and best practices about emergency preparation, disaster management, recovery and relief, particularly, but not exclusively, in incidents that are deemed national emergencies. NCD will routinely contact local disability organizations and emergency personnel to ask how specific disaster and emergency responses impacted people with disabilities and what were the lessons. NCD will also identify via media or other methods, people with disabilities in disasters and contact them for input. As part of this effort, NCD will request and work with the network of federally funded ADA & Information Technology Centers in an effort to gather and supply information about state policies regarding ADA compliance and promising practices in serving people with disabilities during and after disasters;
• NCD will hold field hearings at the NCD 2008 Board Meeting in New Orleans on key issues, framed generally by NCD's work and Post-Katrina Act responsibilities, and will invite representatives from nearby states;
• NCD will devote time at its quarterly meetings in Boston, New Orleans (discussed above), Arlington, VA and Seattle to gain targeted information from local and regional disability and emergency communities regarding serving people with disabilities in disasters;
• NCD will incorporate homeland security issues (i.e., Post-Katrina Act task defined issues) as a "strand" within all applicable NCD research and reports including the NCD Annual Progress Report. Examples include reports scheduled to be completed in 2008 regarding infrastructure and housing;
• NCD will work with the American Red Cross and other National Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disasters (NVOAD) members to establish/confirm ADA and Section 504 policies and practices. Similar responses will be solicited from the other 29 NVOAD organizations. NCD will then compile results and disseminate to the entire coalition of response organizations, soliciting improvement as they prepare for future disasters; and 
• NCD will continue its interaction with national disability organizations (e.g., Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Homeland Security Task Force) encouraging these organizations to gather information from constituents and sharing progress.

To ensure that NCD is able to complete the required HR 5441 responsibilities and the above-listed ‘proactive’ activities, NCD will need to hire/contract for a full-time professional with the necessary technical expertise.

4) Healthcare - Access to Finances for Health Care

People with disabilities face serious challenges because of their often substantial health care needs, their reliance on a wide range of services and supports, and their often low and fixed incomes. Despite these challenges and the need to navigate a complex system of public and private sources of health care coverage and assistance, little is known about the services and supports people with disabilities need to live independently in the community, the extent to which their needs are being met by the health care system, and how this varies by source of insurance and other personal characteristics.

This study will examine the role of health insurance for people with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on Medicare and Medicaid. Together, these two programs provide coverage to more than 10 million non-elderly people (under age 65) living with disabilities. Given the size of the population affected, the substantial commitment in public dollars, and the challenges inherent in living with a disability, it is important to understand how well these programs are meeting people’s needs and the extent to which gaps in coverage create barriers to needed care.

This project will highlight key issues, including the diversity of the population, the major health care challenges they face, how their experiences vary by insurance type, and the extent to which specific sources of coverage are associated with access- and cost-related problems. The project report will include a range of policy options that could be considered in an effort to address the challenges identified.

5) Transition  From School to Adulthood

This research report will expand upon the FY 2007 NCD study of transition within the vocational rehabilitation system to explore the other factors which influence the successful transition of youth with disabilities from school to work or higher education.

The conditions and realities of youth with disabilities are changing. Adolescents are entering adulthood via more complex pathways as a result of socio-economic and demographic pressures. Traditional progressions from school, to work, or to independent living and family formation rarely apply. It is now common for youth to pursue work and school at the same time, go back and forth between training and work, change training paths, or leave and return to the parental home and independent life.

The transition to adulthood can be a particularly risky and unpredictable period, especially for those who face competitive disadvantages at school or in the workplace, who do not have access to resources to support prolonged transitions, or who face a series of environmental problems in the family, school and community. As a result, new perspectives and tools are needed for framing transition issues for public policy, including an emphasis on effective best-practice approaches to better reflect the interrelated aspects of the lives of young people with disabilities.

The project will examine the changing realities, issues and challenges of today’s youth with disabilities, including implications for public policy. It will help develop a knowledge-base and policy/program framework for supporting effective funding, analysis, measurement, and responses to transition issues in the United States.

6) Comprehensive Review of Mental Health Systems

The World Health Organization predicts that, by 2020, depression will be the world’s leading cause of disability. In the United States today, estimates are that one in five people has some type of mental health problem. In addition to the personal hardship caused by poor mental health, the economic costs to the individual and our nation’s formal care systems can be high.

Because of both the increasing importance of mental health services and supports, as well as the growing number of people who rely on those services and supports, the NCD has decided to conduct a comprehensive review of mental health services in the nation. We will review the quality of mental health services and supports being provided: in local communities; in VA hospitals and community outreach centers; and, in specialist hospitals and clinics. People with poor mental health often face discrimination and social isolation. They also experience physical ill health because of their condition, which may partly be due to poor diet, smoking, inadequate housing, self-neglect and the side effects of the medicines they may be taking.

While not always acknowledged as such, mental health services are a very important part of modern healthcare. The mental health care that is provided in the community is supposed to be different from traditional care because it treats people outside the hospital setting, around their own schedule, and with their personal needs in mind.

The effectiveness of the various community-based programs will be evaluated in this report. We will ask people who use these services and supports what they think is important to ensure that they receive the highest quality of service and care. We will also look at whether the services and/or supports that are being provided are actually helping people to recover and to become part of their local community again. Finally, we will look at the impact of various configurations of mental health services and supports on the neighborhoods and communities within which they are located.

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. The estimated cost for meeting space rental, readers, interpreters, (CART), personal assistants, and other meeting support costs such as taping services and assistive communication services is $150,000 for FY 2009.

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. The sum of $15,000 has been budgeted for that purpose in FY 2009.

OBJECT CLASS 26: SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND PUBLICATIONS

NCD’s budget includes $20,000 for the purchase of supplies, materials and publications for FY 2009. 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 the only independent agency in the federal government with sole responsibility to provide expert advice on disability policy, it is essential that NCD serve as a model for others by ensuring that all of our work is accessible to people with any type of disability. In order to ensure full access for Council members and staff with disabilities, we are requesting $2,500 under this category in FY 2009 to replace or purchase any equipment used for accommodations needed by staff or members.

Public Participation at NCD Quarterly Meetings

Public participation at NCD quarterly meetings has risen dramatically during FY 2007 and the beginning of FY 2008. Three participants attended NCD’s first quarterly meeting in October 2006 (Washington, DC) with one person delivering public comments. At a recent quarterly meeting in July (Chicago), there were 130 participants and 32 public comments. Another 100 of our stakeholders in the disability community participated in an NCD-sponsored reception for leaders in the local disability community.

This reaching out to local disability communities was accomplished by the redirection of our budget to conduct meetings around the country so we can carry out our mandate to get public comment and input to identify emerging trends in the disability arena so appropriate public policy can be developed. Our three-day quarterly meetings held in different regions included local panel presentations to the council, to enable us to carry out our primary mandate to identify and promote the best practices, policies and programs that benefit people with disabilities.

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 2007:
Washington, DC
San Diego, CA
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Plus two teleconference meetings of the full Council.

Meetings are scheduled for FY 2008 in:
Boston, MA
New Orleans, LA
Arlington, VA
Seattle, WA
Two additional teleconferences will also be held, but are not scheduled yet

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY MEMBERS