What Is I-NABIR ?
I-NABIR is the Inter-National Association of Business, Industry, and Rehabilitation. It is a private, nonprofit organization. I-NABIR was formed in 1985 by a group of organizations which had Projects With Industry. These organizations felt it was important to have a forum to discuss issues of mutual concern and to promote the employment of persons with disabilities through cooperative arrangements between business, rehabilitation, and organized labor.
Who Is I-NABIR ?
I-NABIR is made up of about 100 organization members. These members include major international corporations, local rehabilitation service organizations, state and regional programs, labor organizations, state rehabilitation agencies, state and national trade associations, school transition programs, disability specific organizations, mental health centers, and organizations which provide services to people with disabilities who are seeking competitive employment. These agencies represent the wide variety of organizations providing employment related services to persons with disabilities. They all include, however, representatives of the business and labor communities as active programmatic participants in their employment services.
What is the Purpose of I-NABIR?
I-NABIR began with a sole focus on Project With Industry programs. It currently focuses on the broad range of programs which offer employment opportunities to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. As such I-NABIR provided major leadership in the conception and development of Ticket to Work legislation and implementation.The mission of I-NABIR is to promote national and international collaboration, facilitate networking and information exchange, and strengthen partnerships between employers, labor unions, service providers, people with disabilities, and others who have barriers to employment.I-NABIR works to achieve public policy, resulting in greater employment of people with disabilities and others with barriers to employment in a diverse workforce.
Who Governs I-NABIR ?
I-NABIR has a Board of Directors with 11 members. They are elected annually, on a rotating basis, by the membership. Bylaws require geographic distribution and representation of all segments of the membership. The Board meets twice a year with an Executive Committee meeting more frequently.
Officers of I-NABIR include representatives from business, community service providers, labor and education.
Who Runs I-NABIR ?
I-NABIR contracts with Charles Harles of Washington, DC to be its Executive Director. Mr. Harles is an attorney with a disability who has more than 25 years experience in disability and rehabilitation issues. Prior to his association with I-NABIR, Mr. Harles was Associate Executive Director of the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, General Counsel of Goodwill Industries of America, and an Attorney-Advisor at the National Labor Relations Board.
Mr. Harles represents I-NABIR to the Federal government, including Congress and various agencies, and to the business community.