000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
National institute on disability and rehabilitation research (NIDRR)
NIDRR is a governmental organization which works closely with WBGH on issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. For three years, NIDRR has provided funds for a resource center on psychiatric disabilities organized and coordinated by the Washington Business Group on Health.44
National business and disability council (NBDC)
NBDC, formerly the Industry-Labor Council, is the leading national corporate resource on all issues related to the successful employment and integration of individuals with disabilities into the U.S. workforce. It is the corporate resources unit of the National Center for Disability Services, an international organization based in New York, which promotes the interests of people with disabilities through educational, medical, and vocational rehabilitation. NBDC works with a wide range of Fortune 1000 corporations to assist with their disability-related employment issues.45
NBDC's Executive Leadership Team plays a key role in the program. Members of this team are senior executives from major corporations who are promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities in the business world. Participating corporations include: Merrill Lynch & Co., Microsoft Corporation, Sears, Roebuck & Co., United Parcel Service, and Mutual of America Life Insurance Company.
Historically, the National Business and Disability Council has focused primarily on physical disabilities. However, since employers of all sizes have begun to recognize the costly impact of depression-related disability claims as well as the legal ramifications of the Americans with Disabilities Act, NBDC also provides technical services regarding mental health issues in the workplace. According to NBDC's information officer, its primary focus is to respond to the needs of companies in terms of all aspects of the employment process regarding employees or potential employees with disabilities. Issues may include questions on the recruitment process, job analysis, reasonable accommodations, and employment law.46
The role of non-governmental organizations
According to the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment "perhaps thousands" of consumer and professional groups for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and their families have been organized and formed across the nation. These non-governmental organizations are neither singular nor unified but rather coalitions of people who have joined together on the basis of need, advocacy, types of disorders, treatment, and experience.47
At the national level, several groups have had a vital role in raising the awareness of mental health issues, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and advocating for appropriate legislation as well as the availability of jobs or meaningful activity. A defining characteristic of these organizations is that they work closely with governmental agencies, business groups, and corporate sponsors. The organizations that have figured prominently include:
NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (NMHA)
NMHA, established in 1909, is a nationwide network of mental health advocates seeking broad-based healthcare reform for all people with mental and emotional disorders. NMHA was founded by Clifford Beers. In 1908
