To catalyze and help focus the energy, expertise and resources of the US disability community and the US government to optimize their impact on improving the lives of and circumstances of people with disabilities worldwide.

USICD is viewed by the US disability community and the US government as a key coordinating body and an indispensable resource in achieving their goals in support of people with disabilities internationally.

1. To champion the international disability agenda within the United States disability community by raising grassroots awareness of global disability issues, promoting understanding of their relevance to our national disability rights movement, and facilitating opportunities to participate in efforts to improve the lives and circumstances of people with disabilities worldwide.

2. To have a measurable impact on US government policy, plans and programs by communicating effectively with government agencies and decision-makers involved in international work, promoting disability awareness and establishing USICD as a critical collaborating partner in their ongoing operations:

a. identifying strategic priorities and assisting in the planning and development of international policy, legislation and programs.

b. facilitating collaboration between government agencies and USICD members who  can provide crucial technical assistance, especially at the program implementation level.

3.   To strengthen USICD’s presence as a key member of the global disability rights community and contribute to the planning and success of international advocacy campaigns by engaging actively in the international disability movement, in particular, in the work of RI and DPI, and the IDA/CRPD forum.

4.   To be a reliable information resource for the US disability community on current plans, activities and initiatives with respect to international disability issues within the US government, international institutions (United Nations, World Bank, etc.) and the global disability movement.