About the Commission on Disability Rights
Members, Liaisons, History, and Contact Information
ABA Diversity and Inclusion Center
The Commission on Disability Rights is a proud member of the Diversity and Inclusion Center. The Center promotes collaboration, coordination, and communication to advance ABA Goal III – to eliminate bias and enhance diversity and inclusion throughout the Association, legal profession, and justice system.
Contact Us
Click here to see additional contact information for the Commission, and to read about our staff.
History of the Commission
The ABA’s Commission on the Mentally Disabled was established in 1973 to respond to the advocacy needs of persons with mental disabilities. After the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ABA broadened the Commission’s mission to serve all persons with disabilities and changed its name to the Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law. In 2011, the members changed the name to the Commission on Disability Rights to better reflect its mission. Today, the Commission carries out an array of projects and activities addressing disability-related public policy, disability law, and the professional needs of lawyers and law students with disabilities.
Diversity Plan
The Commission--recognizing the importance of diversity in its operations and mission, as well as ABA's Goal III--established a diversity plan. The plan outlines the Commission's plan to track and promote diversity and eliminate bias.