According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability – and nearly one in three working-age adults with a disability does not have a health care provider. When disaster strikes, meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities can become increasingly complicated, but effectively planning in advance to take into account the unique health needs of individuals with disabilities can result in better health outcomes.

You may be able to make a national difference by providing advice and guidance to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other senior leaders.

The new National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters (NACIDD) is looking for experts to provide advice on meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities during any disaster or emergency – from the next natural disaster to the next pandemic.

Choosing to Serve on a Federal Advisory Committee

Professionals are motivated to serve on advisory committees for a variety of reasons. “One reason is to bring your expertise to make a difference in policy. It’s an opportunity to shape the way things are done on a national level,” explains Dr. H. Dele Davies who has served on a number of federal committees and boards and is currently a member of the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB). “It’s also a chance to learn from other incredible people and to bring new ideas back to your organization and the group you represent.”

According to Dr. Davies, serving on a federal committee “is an affirmation of your professional expertise and value.” He also appreciates how serving can grow your circle of influence by “working with other experts in your field.” For example, along with members from the private sector, up to 10 federal, non-voting members will participant in the NACIDD, including the following officials or their designees:

• The HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
• The HHS Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
• The HHS/ASPR Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
• The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The Commissioner of Food and Drugs
• The Director of the National Institutes of Health
• The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
• The Chair of the National Council on Disability
• The Chair of the United States Access Board
• The Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs

The NACIDD Advances the Cause of Americans with Disabilities

The NACIDD meets to evaluate issues and programs to support and enhance all-hazards public health and medical preparedness, response, and recovery activities related to meeting the unique needs of Americans with disabilities. Following evaluation, NACIDD provides findings, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

You might be right for NACIDD

The NACIDD is looking for at least seven non-federal voting members (including a chairperson). The committee is targeting a minimum of two non-federal health care professionals with expertise in enhancing disability accessibility before, during, and after disasters, medical and mass care disaster planning, preparedness, response, or recovery; a minimum of two representatives from state, local, tribal, or territorial agencies with expertise in disaster planning, preparedness, response, or recovery for individuals with disabilities; and a minimum of two individuals with a disability with expertise in disaster planning, preparedness, response, or recovery for individuals with disabilities.

Visit NACIDD to learn more about the committee’s membership and mission and how to submit your nomination.