In 1986, NCD published "Toward Independence: An Assessment of Federal Laws and Programs Affecting Persons with Disabilities".

NCD drafted the first version of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which was introduced in the US House and US Senate in 1988.

The name of the agency was changed to the National Council on Disability through the Handicapped Programs Technical Amendment Act of 1988 (PL 100–630) on November 7, 1988.

Since enactment of the ADA, NCD has continued to shape the course of disability policy in the United States from within the federal government by advising the President, Congress and other federal agencies on current and emerging issues affecting the lives of people with disabilities.

as of August 1, 2024[update], current members include Claudia L. Gordon (Chair), Emily Voorde (Vice-Chair), Hoskie Benally Jr., Sascha Bittner, Theo W. Braddy, Shawn Kennemer, Risa Jaz Rifkind, and Neil Romano.