FDR International Disability Award
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.
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