and must expand the participation of people with disabilities for economic, humanitarian and social reasons.

The Award is presented to a nation that has made noteworthy national progress toward this goal and is accepted by the chief of state. It consists of a bronze bust of President Franklin D. Roosevelt by the distinguished artist, Jo Davidson, and a monetary prize that is awarded to an outstanding non-governmental disability program in the selected nation. Funding for the 2000, 2001 and 2002 awards has been provided by Frederick and Peggy Furth, Furth Family Foundation.

The Award is named for Franklin D. Roosevelt, who contracted polio in 1921 at age 39. Although unable ever to walk or to stand again without the assistance of a wheelchair, braces or another person, he was four times elected President. He led his nation through its two gravest crises of the twentieth century: the Great Depression and World War II. He used a wheelchair every day during his twelve years in the White House.

Because President Roosevelt was a world statesman with a disability and believed so strongly that the United Nations could improve the human condition for the world’s minorities, it is appropriate that the International Disability Award be named for him. Selection of the nation to receive the Award is made by the Board of Directors of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute with the advice of the World Committee on Disability and individuals from throughout the world who are knowledgeable about international disability, the World Programme of Action and FDR’s commitment to social justice.

Past Recipients

2003 - Equador
2002 – Italy
2001 – The Kingdom of Thailand / Ratchasuda Foundation and Ratchasuda College for the Disabled
2000 – The Republic of Hungary / Our Table Foundation
1999 – Ireland / Special Olympics Ireland
1998 – Canada / National Educational Association of Disabled Students
1996 – The Republic of Korea / Korea Sports Association for People with Disabilities

Press Release for the 2001 Award to Thailand