National Catholic Partnership on Disability

Our Mission

Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) works collaboratively to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the Church and society.

Our goal: Full inclusion of persons with disabilities -- in the Church and in Society.

The National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) was established in 1982 to foster implementation of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities. Passed unanimously on November 16, 1978, this prophetic document calls for welcome of the now over fourteen million Catholics who live with disabilities. It states that these persons must be able to participate in the celebrations and obligations of their faith, and advocates for their inclusion "within the total fabric of society." NCPD likewise promotes implementation of the Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities, approved by the U.S. bishops in June 1995 to provide pastoral guidance on sacramental access for people with disabilities. In addition, NCPD is guided by the policy statements and resolutions passed by the NCPD Board of Directors. (See NCPD Board Resolutions.) This mission of inclusion for disabled persons moves forward through a national network of diocesan level leaders called by their bishops to address access and inclusion within parishes (see Diocesan Directors map link on home page).