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~D HA~:IOHAL ORGAHJ:ZA~:IOH OM D:ISAB:IL:Ift COIllCUH:Ift P ~:IP PROGRAII The National Organization on Disability promotes acceptance and participa- tion of America's 37 million men, women, and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. PURPOSE: The purpose of the N.O.D. Community Partnership Program is to encourage and support voluntary activities of people with and without dis- abilities in the public and private sectors working in partnership with N.O.D. and each other in towns, cities and counties. Communities which are N.O.D. partners identify unmet local needs of people with disabili- ties, set appropriate goals and carry out programs to: improve attitudes toward persons with disabilities; expand educational and employment opportunities; develop improved access to registration and polling places, housing, buildings and transportation; and expand participation in recrea- tional, social, religious and cultural activities. PROCESS: The Community Partnership Program helps to mobilize individuals and groups at the community level to respond effectively to the needs of citizens with disabilities. Because local officials have been elected to fulfill the responsibility of ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, the Com- munity Partnership Program includes their involvement. In order for .a town, city or county to become a partner of N.O.D., the chief elected official need only designate a liaison to N.O.D. The official completes and signs the liaison form on the reverse side of this page and returns it to N.O.D. Experience of the existing 2,000 N.O.D. Community Partners shows that the most effective way of accomplishing N.O.D. and community goals is through a local committee responsive to all issues affecting people with disabil- ities. The community liaison to N.O.D. is a member of the committee. The names of the community's committee and its particular responsibilities are a matter for local decision. Note: In some communities, committees already exist which are addressing the needs of all citizens with disabilities. If there is such a commit- tee, one of its members could be appointed as liaison to N.O.D. COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH N.O.D.: 1. Eligibility for the annual $20,000 Community Awards competition; 2. N.O.D. quarterly newsletter, REPORT, with "Update" features -focusing on successful community projects and programs; 3. CAPITOL NEWS, a quarterly report on federal legislation dealing with disability, as well as other publications such as "Disabled Citizens at the Polls: A Guide for Elections Officials.' and "Organizing Community Partnership Programs;" 4. Access to an information clearinghouse on disability; 5. Educational materials and technical assistance on subjects such as: community organizing, media coverag.e, fund raising and effective use of government agencies; 6. Invitations to N.O.D. regional workshops on disability issues; 7. Press releases for use in your local media; 8. National advertising campaign that promotes positive public attitudes toward persons with disabilities. (over)