National Organization on Disability Announces New Program Sponsorship by Aetna U.S. Healthcare

    WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Organization on
 Disability (N.O.D.) announced today that Aetna U.S. Healthcare is the new
 sponsor of its National Organization Partnership Program (NOPP).  The company
 is making a three-year $450,000 grant to N.O.D.
     N.O.D. President Alan Reich stated,  "We are extremely pleased with the
 significant commitment of Aetna U.S. Healthcare to this program which, through
 participating organizations and associations, reaches deep into the
 communities of America.  After all, that is where our 54 million men, women
 and children with disabilities go about their lives.  It is there that change
 must take place."
     Through the annual grant from Aetna U.S. Healthcare, N.O.D. will provide
 funds to each NOPP member to recognize outstanding disability programs
 throughout their organizations.
     Aetna U.S. Healthcare President Michael J. Cardillo said, "We are pleased
 to support the National Organization on Disability and these dedicated
 organizations in advancing America's Disability Agenda. Bringing people with
 disabilities into the mainstream not only benefits them, but it benefits
 society as well."
     The NOPP consists of 35 national non-disability associations and
 organizations that work with N.O.D. to promote full and equal participation of
 people with disabilities through their national, state and local affiliates.
 N.O.D. helps and encourages these National Partners to expand their outreach
 to people with disabilities through their members, volunteers and employees.
 "We are grateful to these NOPP members for their grassroots initiatives that
 open opportunities for people with disabilities all across America", Reich
 commented.  (Please see attached list of participating organizations.)
     "Aetna U.S. Healthcare stands behind N.O.D.'s belief that it's people's
 ability, not disability, that counts.  Our company is committed to helping
 people return to full and productive lives," said Frolly Boyd, senior vice
 president and head of Group Insurance.
     The National Organization on Disability was founded in 1982 following the
 International Year of Disabled Persons.  Its mission is to promote the full
 participation and contribution of people with disabilities in all aspects of
 life.  N.O.D. is funded entirely by private donations and accepts no
 government funding.  For more information about N.O.D and its programs, visit
 www.nod.org.
     Aetna U.S. Healthcare, the health benefits unit of Aetna, Inc. is one of
 the nation's leading health and related benefits organization, providing
 health benefits to 29 million members. Aetna U.S. Healthcare provides a full
 spectrum of products ranging from health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to
 indemnity health insurance; group life, disability, and long term care
 products; and dental, vision and pharmacy benefits. For more information on
 Aetna U.S. Healthcare, visit www.aetnaushc.com.
 
                          National Partnership Program
                         1999 Membership Organizations
 
 
     *     American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
     *     American Association of Museums
     *     American Association of University Women
     *     American Bar Association
     *     American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
     *     American Lawyers Auxiliary
     *     American Legion Auxiliary
     *     American Library Association
     *     Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
     *     Boy Scouts of America
     *     Boys and Girls Clubs of America
     *     Camp Fire Boys and Girls
     *     Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
     *     General Federation of Women's Clubs
     *     League of Women Voters
     *     National Association of Home Builder's Multifamily Council
     *     National 4-H Council
     *     National Association of Counties
     *     National Association of Independent Schools
     *     National Association of Secondary School Principals
     *     National Association of Towns and Townships
     *     National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities
     *     National Council of La Raza
     *     National Foundation for Women Legislators
     *     National School Boards Association
     *     Older Women's League
     *     Pilot International Foundation
     *     Sister Cities International
     *     Telephone Pioneers of America
     *     The American Legion
     *     The Untied States Conference of Mayors
     *     Travelers Aid International
     *     Women in Community Service
     *     YMCA of the USA
     *     YWCA of the USA
 
 

SOURCE  National Organization on Disability