Celebrate!

Celebrating the AbilityOne Program during October's Observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month provides the perfect opportunity for community-based nonprofit agencies to recognize AbilityOne Program employees and federal customers at government agencies and military installations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

There are a host of activities AbilityOne-participating nonprofit agencies can pursue to demonstrate their support and educate the general public, local businesses, civic leaders, strategic partners, potential customers, potential employees and the media year-round about the purpose and capabilities of the AbilityOne Program.

Suggested activities include:
• Hold a National Disability Employment Awareness Month event that celebrates the AbilityOne Program. Invite local and state dignitaries, media, and business and community leaders to attend. AbilityOne resources, including videos, brochures/publications and speakers, are all available free of charge from NISH and NIB.
• Host a AbilityOne Vendor Fair to showcase your AbilityOne product and service capabilities. Invite your federal customers and other local AbilityOne-participating nonprofit agencies to attend and/or exhibit.
• Plan a “AbilityOne Appreciation Day.” Host an open house at your agency. Invite federal officials to meet your staff and learn more about your capabilities.
• Consider special events to celebrate significant milestones, such as business anniversaries, as well as business achievements and accolades, including new contract signings, awards, new strategic partners, civic initiatives and groundbreakings at your physical plant.
• Plan a “AbilityOne Customer Appreciation Day” at your federal customer’s location. Contact the agency or installation Public Affairs Office to provide coverage of the presentation for agency/base newspapers and magazines.
• Send a letter to the supervisors of the contracting officers and/or purchase card holders who are strong supporters of the AbilityOne Program, recognizing them for their efforts to create employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
• Link your Web site to the AbilityOne Web site at www.abilityone.gov and/or design a page of your own listing ways your agency can support the AbilityOne Program.
• Hang posters and decorate bulletin boards with AbilityOne Program information.

Please contact the Committee's NDEAM point of contact, Stephanie Lesko, if you require any assistance in planning a AbilityOne celebration during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.