Haitian Relief Information

The members of USICD want our website to provide information on relief efforts following the devastating January 12 earthquake in Haiti, particularly related to charities and news addressing the disability community.  Please continue to check this homepage for updates.

NGOs Accepting Donations and Specializing in Disabilities in Haiti

USICD staff have compiled this list from reliable sources, but cannot attest to these organizations' current activities.  We welcome additional information or inqueries to be sent to David Morrissey.

Disability Expertise Needed In Haiti

Church of World Service seeks a disability consultant to work in Haiti who will focus on the recovery needs of the disability community.  Learn more about this opportunity here.

Christian Blind Mission seeks Physical and Occuptational Therapists for 6-month contractual work in Haiti assisting local practitioners and training families and others in basic rehabilitation techniques.  Learn more about this opportunity here.

Latest News on Haitian Relief

Assistive Technology for Haitians Effort Launched
February 4, 2010
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs and the Pass It on Center have launched a Haiti Disability Response effort for priority items: which are crutches, walkers, canes, ramps and medical supplies, which should include splints. All sizes are needed, especially for children.

Senate Subcommittee Hearing on Haiti Recovery Called
February 2, 2010
The International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection Subcommittee, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will hold a hearing titled “Haiti Reconstruction: Smart Planning Moving Forward.” 2/4/10, 3 pm, 419 Dirksen, Washington, DC.

NGO Conference Call Announcement
February 1, 2010
The USAID team working to coordinate NGO activities in Haiti will be holding a 30-minute conference call Monday, February 1, 2010, at 4 pm EST.

Working Group Formed on Haitian Reconstruction and Disabilities
February 1, 2010
The Global Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD) is forming a Working Group focused on the Reconstruction of Port-au-Prince

MIUSA Offers Resource Information on Disaster Recovery and Disabilities
January 28, 2010
Mobility International USA is engaged with the NGO community in the Haiti recovery effort, and has compiled a collection of resources on the inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency response and reconstruction efforts.

RI Statement on Haiti Situation for People with Disabilities
January 27, 2010
Post-Earthquake Situation in Haiti: Devastation and Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities

USAID Response to Disability Issues in Haiti Response and Recovery
January 25, 2010
USAID has released a statement regarding AID's efforts to address issues of inclusion for people with disabilities during the Haitian relief and recovery efforts.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

2009 Global Theme: “Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world”

The annual December 3rd observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues, the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities.  The Day provides an opportunity to mobilize action to achieve the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities.

Please read the USICD Statement Recognizing the 2009 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

President Barack Obama has proclaimed December 3, 2009, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the United States.  Please read the proclamation here. 

At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, December 3 will include a series of addresses by UN Officials and other activities.  For the 2009 list of events and statements taking place at the United Nations, please visit the United Nations' Enable website.

At the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC, December 3 will also include programs highlighting the gobal disability community and its advancement, many of which will be linked to the UN in New York and available via streaming interne video.  Please visit the World Bank disability page for more information.

United States signs the CRPD

President Obama signs the order for the US to sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

July 24, 2009, President Barack Obama signs the order for the United States to become a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the East Room of the White House.  Read USICD's media release about this event here.  Photo Courtesy Rehabilitation International. 

Explore the USICD Website

Welcome to USICD's new website.  We hope to build a site that offers our members and visitors more information, resources, and links to the international disability community than ever before.  Our longterm vision for the site includes member features, greater interactivity, and multimedia content.

Please visit our Member Profiles page to learn about the exciting work of USICD members.  Browse our CRPD Information page under Resources for factual materials about this world-changing treaty.  Or explore our Initiatives section to learn about the different project areas where USICD is working.  We welcome suggestions for creating a valuable web home that serves users' needs and offers the technology and content you are seeking.  Please visit again for further updates!