About Goal IX and the Commission
The American Bar Association recognizes that it has a duty to properly represent the legal profession and the interests of justice.To fulfil these responsibilities, the ABA set forth eleven goals, which range from sustaining the integrity of the legal profession to providing information and support services.
Goal IX, expanded in 1999 to include those with disabilities, states that the ABA has a goal:
This Goal is of great importance to the Commission and its own mission "to promote the ABA's commitment to justice and the rule of law for persons with mental, physical, and sensory disabilities and to promote their full and equal participation in the legal profession."To promote full and equal participation in the legal profession by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities.
To help fulfil this Goal, the Commission issues its Goal IX Report annually in order to assess the participation of persons with disabilities in ABA Division, Forum, and Section leadership positions during the previous bar year. The Report contains findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on a survey sent to these ABA entities. The Report honors those ABA entities who have demonstrated the ABA's commitment to individuals with disabilities. The Report is prepared and published by the Commission's Subcommittee on the Goal IX Report. Randi B. Whitehead is the current Subcommittee Chair.
For questions about Goal IX and the Goal IX Report, please contact William Phelan at 202-662-1576 or phelanw@staff.abanet.org.
