Photo: RI members come from nearly 100 countries, including those pictured here from Kosovo and Kuwait.Join RI'S Global Membership

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  • Be part of an extensive network of experts. RI members enjoy access to and participation in a network of about 1,000 disability advocates, policymakers, researchers and service providers in some 100 countries. RI members include experts from all regions - Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, North America and Latin America - in the following fields, among others:
    - Technology and accessibility
    - Social inclusion and benefits
    - Work and employment
    - Counseling
    - Education
    - Independent living
    - Rehabilitation and Habilitation
    - Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
    - National disability policies and services
    - Sports and leisure
    - Health
    - Work/home adaptation

  • Exchange good practices and develop partnerships. RI members promote rights, but also implement rights through programs and initiatives at the regional, national and local levels. As a multi-disability organization, RI provides links to a broad range of practitioners in the disability field with whom to exchange information and strengthen your organization's work.

  • Be part of a democratic organization. All members of RI contribute to the decision-making process regarding RI’s policies and strategic priorities, e.g. by participating in the annual RI Governing Assembly or serving on the RI Executive Committee.

  • Benefit from RI’s consultative status with the United Nations. RI’s good working relationship with the UN and its agencies provides opportunities to influence UN programs and policies, and participate in the negotiations toward a UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its implementation around the world.

  • Contribute to and receive RI publications. RI produces a comprehensive magazine on issues important to persons in the disability field, as well as a specialized publication on children with disabilities. RI also publishes a quarterly newsletter to keep the RI network informed of important developments, meetings and achievements.

  • Enjoy membership services. RI, through its New York-based headquarters, works with its members to fulfill RI’s Vision and Mission through projects, actions and international meetings, among other services.

RI Membership Bylaws

Please print or type all answers in English and return to:

RI Secretariat
25 East 21 Street
New York, NY  10010, USA
Fax: (212) 505-0871
E-mail: RI@riglobal.org