About WID

About WID

The World Institute on Disability is an internationally recognized public policy center organized by and for people with disabilities. It works to strengthen the disability movement through research, training, advocacy and public education to help people with disabilities throughout the world enjoy increased opportunities to live independently.

Download general information about WID and WID's programs (PDF format)

 

Founders of World Institute on Disability

Founded in 1983 by leaders of the Independent Living Movement, WID's work focuses on issues and problems that directly affect people’s ability to live full and independent lives. WID’s programs address employment, economic development and financial stability issues; conduct research and policy analysis on personal assistance services accessible health care, technology and other topics; and provide assistance to non governmental organizations (NGOs) and disabled leaders in developing countries.

Highlights from speeches by Ed Roberts

I contracted polio when I was fourteen. I had a serious fever, and within 24 hours, I was paralyzed and in an iron lung. Within earshot, my mother asked the doctor whether I would live or die. "You should hope he dies, because if he lives, he'll be no more than a vegetable for the rest of his life. How would you like to live in an iron lung 24 hours a day?" So I decided to be an artichoke...a little prickly on the outside but with a big heart. You know, the vegetables of the world are uniting, and we're not going away!

WID Board of Directors

WID Board of Directors

WID Staff

WID Staff

Open Positions

 

Information for WID Subcontractors

WID is a nonprofit research, training and public policy center promoting the civil rights and the full societal inclusion of people with disabilities. We operate from offices in downtown Oakland readily accessible to public transportation. WID proactively subcontracts with diverse entities to conduct business. Please be aware that WID seeks qualified subcontractors from the following entities as our way of doing business.