About ICDR

Authorized by the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, as amended, the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) was established to promote coordination and collaboration among federal departments and agencies conducting disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research programs—including programs related to assistive technology research, and research that incorporates the principles of universal design.

The ICDR is charged to

• identify, assess, and seek to coordinate all federal programs, activities, and projects, and plans for such programs, activities, and projects with respect to the conduct of research (including assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design) related to independent living
• obtain input from policymakers, representatives from federal agencies, individuals with disabilities, organizations representing individuals with disabilities, researchers, and providers
• share information about research being carried out by members of the committee and other federal departments and organizations
• identify and make efforts to address areas of research that are not being adequately addressed
• identify and establish clear research priorities
• promote interagency collaboration and joint research activities and reduce unnecessary duplication of effort
• optimize the productivity of ICDR members through resource sharing and other cost-sharing activities
• develop a comprehensive government wide strategic plan for disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research

Mission:
To promote coordination and cooperation among federal departments and agencies conducting disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research programs including programs relating to assistive technology research and research that incorporates the principles of universal design.

Vision:
The ICDR will be widely recognized for facilitating and coordinating federal interagency efforts, and for promoting collaborative relationships that maximize the best use of federal resources for disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research.

To best align the ICDR’s mission and vision with the goals of the current administration, targeted work is planned across the following four focus areas: disability data and statistics, equity, COVID-19 related activities, and Government-Wide Inventory.

The ICDR invites the participation of individuals across all levels of the federal government, as well as stakeholders with diverse interests and perspectives including policymakers, representatives from federal agencies, individuals with disabilities, organizations representing individuals with disabilities, researchers, and providers. Participants may have the opportunity to:

• Identify research gaps and strategies;
• Exchange information and solicit input from federal participants and stakeholders;
• Explore emerging research topics and concerns;
• Establish mutually beneficial partnerships on issues or activities where there is shared federal agency interest;
• Leverage resources that result in cost-savings;
• Maximize research benefits and outcomes for people with disabilities; and
• Propose research topics, promote interagency agendas, and secure ICDR member support for the agency initiatives.

Federal Agency Representation

ICDR leadership encourages federal employees to become designated ICDR members and authorized representatives of their department, agency, or office. Members facilitate communications between the leadership and its partners, as well as garner support for the ICDR agenda and other collaborative activities related to disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research. If you would like to represent your department, agency, or office, please contact ICDRinfo@neweditions.net for more information.