http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/GPRA_03-31-08.htm#StrategicPlanNational Council on DisabilityNCDThe United States of America will be a stronger country when its 54 million citizens with disabilities 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 to achieving the goals of independence, inclusion and empowerment for all persons with disabilities still remain. Conflicting, poorly designed or outdated government programs and policies combine with service gaps and continued negative attitudes toward people with disabilities to marginalize the 54 million Americans with disabilities. The effects of these barriers on both people with disabilities and society are enormous. Physical and spiritual isolation rob individuals of energy, creativity and productivity. Society loses by not enjoying the benefits of their talents and by incurring large costs to support them. Through collaboration with its stakeholders, the National Council on Disability (NCD) will pursue a focused agenda that will promote government programs and policies in support of full inclusion of all people with disabilities into the educational, economic and social fabric of the American community. NCD will use the expertise of its diverse membership and well-trained and well-managed staff to identify barriers to inclusion and independence and to develop solutions. NCD will listen to people with disabilities across the country to identify emerging issues that need a response. As the only agency in the Federal Government that addresses the issues of all people with disabilities, 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 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 entities.IPolicy RecommendationsMake evidence-based public policy recommendations that can enhance the lives of people with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. 1.1RecommendationsDevelop and refine policy recommendations at least annually.1.2RecordsGather and record information on policy matters affecting people with disabilities through the use of forums, hearings, teleconferences, the Internet, independent studies, and interagency information sharing.1.3Implementation of ADAMonitor the effectiveness of the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws.IIEducationEducate the public and elected officials on disability issues. 2.1Communications PlanStrengthen NCD’s communication plan, drawing upon new technologies and reaching targeted underrepresented populations.2.2Newsletters and ReportsDisseminate newsletters and reports on disability policy issues.2.3Federal Partner MeetingsHold federal partners meetings with Cabinet secretaries, appointees, and other key individuals to review and promote NCD’s disability policy recommendations.2.4Interagency Working GroupsParticipate in interagency working groups with federal partners on priority issues.2.5International Dissemination of InformationServe as the focal point for international activities around the dissemination of information on disability policy in the United States of America and throughout the world.IIIServices and ProgramsPromote effective delivery of federal services and programs to all people with disabilities, particularly unserved and underserved populations, such as people from diverse cultures, rural residents, and youth. 3.1Agency MonitoringMonitor federal agencies having civil rights responsibilities to evaluate their efforts to serve underserved populations, such as people from culturally diverse backgrounds, rural residents, and youth with disabilities, and develop recommendations to enhance services to these populations.3.2Education and EmpowermentPromote best practices programs of education and empowerment regarding disability rights for people from culturally diverse backgrounds, rural residents, and youth with disabilities.3.3Leadership DevelopmentProvide an opportunity for leadership development for youth with disabilities.3.4Organizational RelationshipsEstablish relationships with national organizations serving these underrepresented populations.IVHigh PerformanceMaintain NCD’s status as a high performance organization.4.1Tools and TrainingProvide the necessary tools and training to achieve a highly skilled and high-performing work force.4.2Physical EnvironmentProvide a physical environment that promotes the health and well-being of employees.4.3Budget TestimonyPrepare budget testimony.4.4Committee SupportProvide support to NCD committees.4.5AccountingMaintain accurate accounting of all NCD obligations and expenditures.4.6Quarterly MeetingsArrange for NCD quarterly meetings.4.7Personnel EvaluationsConduct personnel evaluations.