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The mission of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is to expand the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life.

By any measure, lack of participation in the workforce is among the most critical issues facing working-aged persons with disabilities. NOD focuses on economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. Our most significant such project at present is the Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Career demonstration project, which to delivers career assistance to the growing number of severely injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families. Our Start on Success (SOS) student internship program helps young people with disabilities transition into the workforce and prepares special education students for competitive employment. Over its 15 year history, SOS has provided paid work experience and mentorship for over 2,500 high school special education students—some 85 percent of whom have gone on to jobs or further education.

Despite a primary focus on education and employment, NOD remains vigorously involved in the wider range of concerns affecting people with disabilities, including those that arise at the moments of greatest vulnerability. NOD/Harris Surveys reveal that 56% of people with disabilities do not know whom to contact in the event of a disaster. NOD’s Emergency Preparedness Initiative (EPI) promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness planning and response by participating in emergency planning exercises, hosting conferences and by providing information and other resources to emergency planners, first responders, disability advocates, and people with disabilities. NOD is the only disability organization with credentialed personnel experienced in emergency management and disability issues.