Introduction: what are organizations of persons with disabilities?

Organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) are representative organizations of persons with disabilities, majority-governed and led by persons with disabilities forpersons with disabilities. When local OPDs are not present in a location, regional, national and global OPDs can be locatedthrough global alliances.

OPDs generally undertake advocacy, guidance, training and technical assistance, and promote rights through a social and human rights model of inclusion and empowerment. OPDs have successfully worked to reform national legislation and raise awareness, and many have trained humanitarian actors,communities, governments and national disaster offices in the rights of persons with disabilities.

OPDs are distinct from organizations that directly provide services to persons with disabilities.

Organizations of persons with disabilities may: