Non-Governmental Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (NGPDs), recognized and registered with the National Institute for Rehabilitation, are associations that do not aim at the economic profit of members, cooperatives of social interest that were formed on the initiative of natural persons, in accordance with the general law, with the purpose of defending the rights and interests legally protected of persons with disabilities, as well as the social participation of those persons, provided that they are not administered by the State, and pursue the following objectives:

• the defence and promotion of the rights and interests of persons with disabilities and their families, with a view to the social and family inclusion of their members, their valorisation and personal and professional fulfilment;
• the elimination of all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities;
• Promoting equal treatment of persons with disabilities

NGOPDs may have a national, regional or local scope of action. Organisations at national level may apply for operating financial support granted on the basis of equality and equity criteria laid down in a cooperation protocol, as well as for financial support for projects, both of which are promoted annually. Local or regional organisations can apply for financial support for projects.