Jim Ward is founder and president of ADAWatch.org and the National Coalition for Disability Rights, a grassroots alliance of hundreds of national, state, and local disability, civil rights, and social justice organizations united to protect and strengthen the civil rights of people with disabilities. Working with leaders, advocates, and organizations in Washington, DC and across the the nation, we work to advance the cause of disability rights and the ADA in particular, and seek to provide useful support to community members building bridges between people with disabilities, parents, providers, policymakers and the general public.  

Ward started his career in 1979 with the Arc of Sullivan County, NY, working to support former residents of often abusive institutions -- including the infamous Willowbrook -- as they moved into the community. 

Jim previously worked as the director of public policy for the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems (NAPAS), the nationwide network of federally-mandated disability law centers.

He was Assistant Vice President of Government Relations for the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and is a former elected official and executive director of the Vermont Democratic Party.

Jim lives in Maryland with his wife, Debbie Fletter and son, Zach.