Membership

RI maintains official relations with the United Nations (UN), and its agencies and institutions such as – the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO and UNICEF – as well as regional bodies, service providers and universities.

RI also works closely with other disability organizations, actively participating in the International Disability Alliance (IDA), a coalition of the worlds largest international organizations of people with disabilities which represents the more than 650 million people with disabilities worldwide.

RI and its members work to protect the rights of people with disabilities and improve crucial services for persons with disabilities and their families. RI also promotes international collaboration and advocates for strong policies and legislation to promote these rights.

RI is a democratic organization governed by an Assembly – representing its member organizations – which meets regularly to discuss the general policies of the organization. Members elect RI’s President, currently Ann Hawker, QSM of New Zealand, and Executive Committee every four years. The Executive Committee theN appoints the Secretary General, currently Venus Ilagan, who is a native of the Philippines. RI’s headquarters are based in New York, USA.