World Institute on Disability (WID)
17
4
"Up" is the number of experts who agree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in the
field. "Down" is the number of experts who disagree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in field.
Headquarters Location: Berkeley, CA
Founded: 1983
Mission: The World Institute on Disability works to advance the human and civil rights of people with disabilities through research, training, advocacy and public education. An internationally recognized public policy center organized by and for people with disabilities, WID emphasizes social and economic equity so that disabled children, youth and adults have increased opportunities to live independently as productive and contributing members of society. WID's work is focused in four areas: Employment Policy and Economic Development, Health Access and Long Term Services, Technology Access, and the Global Disability Movement.
Tags:
disabilities, employment, social integration, health, research, technology, wheelchairs, education, advocacy
Summary
Stories
Expert Reviews
Leadership
From the Nonprofit
Leadership
Anita Shafer Aaron.
Anita Shafer Aaron recently joined the World Institute on Disability (WID) as Executive Director. In joining WID, Aaron concluded nearly twenty years of service as Executive Director/CEO of the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, headquartered in San Francisco. The LightHouse mission includes advocacy, information, education, services and programs focused on adjustment to and living with vision loss. Under…
See full bio.
Financial Data
Charity Navigator Rating:
(profile)
(profile)
Overhead Ratio:
19.59%
Total Revenue:
$1,660,916
From the Nonprofit
The nonprofit has not added any comments yet. If you are a representative of this nonprofit and would like to leave a comment, please email us at
feedback@myphilanthropedia.org
with your request.
Contact Info
Address:
3075 Adeline Street, Suite 280
Berkeley, CA 94703, USA
Story:
The mission of the World Institute on Disability (WID) in communities and nations worldwide is to
eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security and health care
for persons with disabilities. WID creates innovative programs and tools; conducts research, public
education, training and advocacy campaigns; and provides technical assistance. An internationally
recognized public policy center founded in 1983 by leaders of the Independent Living Movement, WID’s
program work focuses on issues and problems that directly affect people’s ability to live full and
independent lives. A majority of the Board and staff are persons with disabilities.
Expert Reviews of World Institute on Disability (WID)
Evidence of Impact Summary:
The mission of the World Institute on Disability (WID) in communities and nations worldwide is to eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security and health care for persons with disabilities. WID creates innovative programs and tools; conducts research, public education, training and advocacy campaigns; and provides technical assistance.See expert comments.
Organization Strengths Summary:
The World Institute on Disability's leadership and staff are well regarded in the field. They are praised for their commitment and expertise. Bryon MacDonald of the World Institute on Disability is regarded as an expert on work and benefits. His work on public policy regarding work and benefits is starting to bear fruit as Social Security Work incentives program grows. Additionally, their international reach helps to bring disabiltiy civil rights to other countries.See expert comments.
Areas for Improvement Summary:
The World Institute on Disability needs to expand to have a greater impact. Additionally, they could boost their visibility by sharing information about their work, particularly in the international sector.See expert comments.
Expert Comments: Evidence of Impact
Select the boxes to display the results according to expert type.
Show:
Show:
X
Foundation Professionals (F)
X
Researchers and Faculty (R)
X
Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
X
Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Research |
|||
|
N
|
The World Institute on Disability puts out insightful reports, analysis, and research. | ||
Innovative Programs |
|||
|
N
|
The mission of the World Institute on Disability (WID) in communities and nations worldwide is to eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security and health care for persons with disabilities. WID creates innovative programs and tools; conducts research, public education, training and advocacy campaigns; and provides technical assistance. | ||
International Reach |
|||
|
N
|
This is an international organization started by Ed Roberts and others who started the most recent disability rights movement. They have developed information and programs about IL and civil rights for other countries, conducted and published a wide variety of research on issues important to people with disabilities and most recently have worked to transform Social Security from early retirement program to one that is beginning to see that people with disabilities can work if they can keep their cash benefits up to a point and their health care insurance (Medicaid) indefinitely. Their Employment Initiatives program is directed by one of the foremost experts on benefits and work for people with disabilities who works on shaping Social Security policies. In addition, they have created a wonderful website (customized to four or five states now) that is very helpful for people on benefits who want to know what impact paid work will have on their benefits before they seek work. | ||
|
O
|
The World Institute on Disability's influence has spread internationally. The WID is known for designing and supplying wheelchairs (and other assistive technology) for use by PWDs in third world countries. Also, they offer financial advice to people with disabilities who may not know of available resources, or who are uneducated regarding financial principles and resources. | ||
|
N
|
The international impact of the initiative of the WID has changed the lives of thousand people around the world. | ||
Promote Rights |
|||
|
N
|
This organization focuses on disability rights at home and abroad. Many of its activities are oriented towards removing barriers that prevent people with disabilities from working at competitive, integrated employment. Its work to promote ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities is particular notable for its growing presence within the disability community. | ||
Comprehensive Programs |
|||
|
N
|
This nonprofit has always had its pulse on pressing issues in the disability community since its founding by Ed Roberts. Based in CA, it does have wider influence, especially through its international programs and advocacy related tools and guidance, and Ed Roberts Campus. Tax policy, long term care, benefit management, income maintenance and protected savings are all complex issues they have tackled and created publications about for guidance. They are one of the few disability related nonprofits that place a priority on hiring people with disabilities. | ||
Expert Comments: Organization Strengths
Select the boxes to display the results according to expert type.
Show:
Show:
X
Foundation Professionals (F)
X
Researchers and Faculty (R)
X
Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
X
Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Strong Staff |
|||
|
N
|
The World Institute on Disability has committed staff. | ||
|
O
|
The World Institute on Disability's leadership and staff are very dedicated to supplying wheelchairs to people who otherwise could not afford them. | ||
Expertise |
|||
|
N
|
Bryon MacDonald is the expert on work and benefits. His work on public policy regarding work and benefits is starting to bear fruit as Social Security Work incentives program grows. Their international reach helps to bring disability civil rights to other countries. | ||
Expert Comments: Areas for Improvement
Select the boxes to display the results according to expert type.
Show:
Show:
X
Foundation Professionals (F)
X
Researchers and Faculty (R)
X
Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
X
Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Improve Marketing & Communications |
|||
|
N
|
This organization is not as well known as it should be! Their work in third world countries is amazing and more marketing should be considered. | ||
|
N
|
The World Institute on Disability could improve its communication. | ||
|
O
|
Need more staff to fill the need worldwide! Also, the World Institute on Disability is not widely known -- They could utilize a better PR effort! | ||
Vision |
|||
|
N
|
The organization has been around for a number of years and I think they need a rejuvenating vision that brings all of their portfolio of projects together. Sharing information about their work, particularly in the international sector would really boost their visibility. | ||
Improve Transparency |
|||
|
N
|
Their transparency can be improved by posting IRS 990, audit, and annual report with audited financial statements on the website. | ||
Leadership
Anita Shafer Aaron
Executive Director
Executive Director
From the Nonprofit
The nonprofit has not added any comments yet. If you are a representative of this nonprofit and would like to leave a comment, please email us at
feedback@myphilanthropedia.org
with your request.