FDR International Disability Award

Recognizing and encouraging the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in society at large.

The Roosevelt Institute and the World Committee on Disability established the FDR International Disability Award in 1995 in order to recognize and encourage progress by nations toward the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in society as laid out in the United Nations World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons. The World Programme prescribes how nations, communities, organizations, religions, and everyday people can and must expand the participation of people with disabilities for economic, humanitarian, and social reasons.

The Award is presented to a nation that has made noteworthy progress toward this goal and is accepted by the chief of state.  It includes a monetary prize that is awarded to an outstanding non-governmental disability program in the selected nation.  Selection of the nation to receive the Award is made by the Board of Directors of the Roosevelt Institute, with advice by the World Committee on Disability and individuals throughout the world who are knowledgeable about international disability.

The Award also commemorates the legacy of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who contracted polio in 1921 at age 39.  Although unable ever to walk or stand again without the assistance of a wheelchair, braces, or another person, he was four times elected President.  he led his nation through its two gravest crises of the twentieth century: the Great Depression and World War II.  He used a wheelchair every day during his twelve years in the White House.

Past Recipients

2007     New Zealand / Disabled Persons Assembly of New Zealand

2006     Republic of Poland / Association for the Welfare of the Deaf and the Blind

2005     Kingdom of Jordan / Jordan Sports Federation for the Disabled

2003     Italy / National Council on Disability (CND)

2002     Equador / FASINARM

2001     Kingdom of Thailand / Ratchasuda Foundation and College for the Disabled

2000     Republic of Hungary / Our Table Federation

1999     Ireland / Special Olympics Ireland

1998     Canada / National Educational Association of Disabled Students

1996     Republic of Korea / Korea Sports Association for People with Disabilities