75 Years / Reasons - AbilityOne Works
From every one of us involved in the AbilityOne® Program, we couldn't be more proud to share our 75th anniversary with you. From the passage of the Wagner-O'Day Act in 1938 to the broadening of the Act in 1971, when it became the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, we have been committed to a world where every person who is blind or who has significant disabilities is able to achieve his/her maximum employment potential.
We are excited about all that has happened over the past 75 years, but are even more excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We appreciate all of the advocates, believers and supporters who have helped us get here and who will take us forward.Star
REASON #1
Wagner O'Day Act
The Original Act, Signed by FDR
1938 ExpandIn 1938, Congress enacted the Wagner-O'Day Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Wagner O'Day act permitted agencies serving people who are blind to sell products like brooms and mops to the government. This legislation used the purchasing power of the government as a catalyst for sustaining and expanding employment opportunities. The law requires that at least 75 percent of a participating organization's direct labor employees are people who are blind and led to the creation of the National Industries for the Blind (NIB).
REASON #2
MC Migel
Building Organizations
1938 ExpandCourtesy of the American Foundation for the Blind, www.afb.org.
MC Migel's efforts helped lead to the establishment of the American Foundation for the Blind in 1921, where he served as its first President. In the mid-1930s, Migel recognized the need for stable employment for people who were visually impaired, leading to important legislation included in the Wagner-O'Day Act and the subsequent forming of the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) in 1938. Migel served as the first chairman of the NIB board during its formative years, 1938-1943.
Courtesy of the American Foundation for the Blind, www.afb.org.
REASON #3
Chester C. Kleber
Starting with Strong Leadership
1938 ExpandWhen the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) was formed in 1938, it needed a strong leader. Chester Kleber was chosen as he had successfully been running a WPA project manufacturing Talking Books. Kleber was well regarded and especially known for being able to work well with others. He served as NIB's General Manager until 1960 - over 20 years of dedication! Kleber also went on to receive the AFB's Migel Medal for his accomplishments.
REASON #4
Committee on Purchases of Blind Made Products
Starting Out Strong
1938 ExpandWhen President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Wagner-O'Day Act into law on June 25, 1938, he also appointed the founding members of the Committee on Purchases of Blind Made Products. The program and subsequent purchasing of blind made products took off quickly. In just eight months, government agencies purchased more than 348,000 wet mops; 52,000 corn brooms; nearly 600 deck swabs; more than 100 sanitary swabs and 3,000 cocoa-mats -- employing 150 people who were blind.
REASON #5
National Industries for the Blind
Early Beginnings
1938 ExpandLong before the Wagner-O'Day Act of 1938, work was well underway to support and be an advocate for people who are blind. Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for Blind (AFB) fought to lift the voices and advance those with vision loss. The AFB proposed that people who were blind did not lack in capability but rather in opportunity. Eventually these efforts and advocacy led to the Wagner-O'Day Act, allowing agencies which employed people who are blind to sell products to the federal government.
REASON #6
Senator Jacob Javits
Includes People with Severe Disabilities
1971 ExpandIn 1971, at the behest of Senator Jacob K. Javits, Congress amended the Wagner-O'Day Act to include people with severe disabilities, and called for the provision of services to the Federal Government. His amendment provided for a full-time civil service support staff, and led to the creation of a second central nonprofit agency, the first being National Industries for the Blind, that would collaborate in the program's administration: NISH-Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Significant Disabilities.
REASON #7
Envision
Supporting the War Effort
1941 ExpandEnvision was founded in 1933, amidst the Great Depression as the Wichita Workshop and Training School for the Adult Blind. Their purpose was to give individuals who were blind the skill set necessary to make and sell their own products. When the Wagner-O'Day Act passed in 1938, the Wichita Workshop and Training School began supplying the federal government (and the United States Army stationed during WWII) with pillowcases and brooms.
REASON #8
Melwood
Blossoming Like a Flower
1996 ExpandMelwood got its start in 1963 when a group of parents began teaching plant care to young adults with significant disabilities. Soon, Melwood began to provide landscape maintenance services and in 1975 secured its first horticultural service contract under the AbilityOne® Program for the Department of the Treasury. In 1982, Melwood added custodial services to its list of capabilities while working with the Smithsonian Institution. Melwood now employs 1,000 people who are blind or have significant disabilities at over 70 sites in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Melwood's largest contract is a custodial contract for the entire U.S. Naval Academy, totaling more than 150 workers.
REASON #9
Black Hills Workshop & Training Center
Outstanding Service
1981 ExpandBlack Hills Workshop and Training Center secures Federal contracts through the AbilityOne® Program. Employing people with significant disabilities, they provide outstanding custodial services, business services and grounds maintenance at key federal locations. In providing custodial services for more than 31 years at Ellsworth AFB, they have never gotten an unsatisfactory report. And, in working with the Ellsworth AFB commissary, they helped the commissary earn the distinction of “Best large commissary store in Defense Commissary Agency in the US”. The group has earned other distinctions as well!
REASON #10
Alabama Industries for the Blind
Taking Advantage of Opportunity
2011 ExpandAlabama Industries for the Blind, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider, saw an opportunity for growth, by breaking into the toner market. Toners are a large part of a company's office supply budget; constituting 20 to 30 percent of office supply spend. Their toners provide a higher yield, saving customers money. Most importantly, stellar sales have given AIB the potential to employ at least 37 employees who are blind.
REASON #11
New Leaf
Early Bird Gets the Worm
1971 ExpandNew Leaf began work on the first Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program services contract, performing grounds maintenance, as a pilot project at the Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. The contract is now over 40 years old and employs over 150 people with disabilities who provide grounds maintenance, shelf stocking and custodial services.
REASON #12
SEKRI
More Hires Than Any Other Employer
2003 ExpandSoutheastern Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries (SEKRI) leveraged available financial assistance programs to begin manufacturing chemical protective suits for the Department of Defense. Because of this, SEKRI employs 190 people with disabilities to make 15,000 suits each month. In 2003, SEKRI hired more people in Kentucky than any other employer!
REASON #13
Chicago Lighthouse
Vision Quest, the Soul of the Agency
1970 ExpandThe Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider, has had a house band for 30 years. Its name: Vision Quest. The band enables nine employee-band members to express themselves. Vision Quest started in the 1970's as a rhythm and blues band, but has since branched out into other forms of music. In addition to their regular agency work, the band rehearses 5 days a week and plays over 20 gigs each year.
REASON #14
Job Options
Clean Laundry Makes Work
2004 ExpandJob Options, Inc. of San Diego was able to expand its laundry facilities through an interest-free loan from NISH, an AbilityOne® Authorized Enterprise. The new plant was necessary because their laundry business for the hospitality and medical industries had grown so much. The new plant created more than 15 full time jobs for people with significant disabilities.
REASON #15
PCSI
Get Up and Go Pays Off!
2002 ExpandProfessional Contract Services Inc. (PCSI) in San Antonio, Texas started with just three employees, but in a few short years went on to employ more than 600 people with significant disabilities on 50 federal and state contracts. PCSI's greatest strengths are its ability to troubleshoot opportunities and match employees with work assignments. PCSI is able to operate solely on revenues generated from the services it provides. It does not rely on grants of funding to fund its operations.
REASON #16
Lighthouse Central Florida
Lifesaving Kits
2003 ExpandLighthouse Central Florida in Orlando won a contract to package medical and cleansing products for the Defense Logistic Agency�s combat lifesaver kit. Lighthouse Central Florida employees collect, label, and package nearly 25% of the products included in the kit, such as alcohol pads and other medical items. The contract is expected to create jobs for 12 people who are blind.
REASON #17
Center Industries
25% Growth
1997 ExpandCenter Industries of Wichita, Kansas was awarded a long-term contract from the US Army Armament and Chemical Acquisition and Logistics Activity. The contract is to manufacture 30-round ammunition magazine assemblies for the M-16 rifle and the M-4 carbine. Due to this award, Center Industries will be able to hire 20-25 new employees, which is in addition to the 100 people with significant disabilities currently employed. That means 20-25% growth!
REASON #18
Nina Bektic-Marrero
Grateful for the Opportunity
2008 ExpandNina Bektic-Marrero supervises switchboard operations on an AbilityOne® Program contract at the Bronx Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in New York. Early in life Bektic-Marrero developed brain tumors that damaged her optic nerves. After medical treatment, Nina came to the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment Inc., in Binghamton, N.Y., and worked as a switchboard operator at the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare Center. From there, she moved quickly to her role as supervisor.
REASON #19
Defense Logistics Agency
Helping Thousands Each Day
1996 ExpandThe Defense Logistics Agency, formerly Defense Personnel Support Center (DPSC) is the AbilityOne®Progam's largest product customer and leading generator of manufacturing jobs for people with significant disabilities. This has been a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship! Supplies and services provided through AbilityOne agencies include uniforms, insignia, lighting supplies, warehousing and distribution services. This helps to generate jobs for nearly 50,000 people who are blind or have other significant disabilities.
REASON #20
Supporting the Efforts of World War II
Multiple Products Support the Needs of the War
1941 ExpandThroughout World War II, more than 1,000 employees who were blind earned more than $1,000,000 in wages. From 1941 to 1945, production figures were equally impressive, with approximately 14 million brooms, 21 million mops, 41 million pillowcases, 7 million deck swabs and 17 million mailing bags sold. The ability of people who were blind to produce quality products was firmly established with the government and military.
REASON #21
Department of Defense Agencies
Filling a Need
2010 ExpandThroughout the Federal Government, thousands of contracting jobs are unfilled, and the lack of experienced contracting professionals is only expected to grow. The AbilityOne® Program's Contract Management Support Services (CMS) provide the adaptive tech-nology, training and qualified individuals to prepare contracts for closure, enabling the Federal Government to reclaim unused funding thanks to the efforts of employees who are blind or have significant disabilities. These Contract Closeout professionals are trained and provided by AbilityOne Authorized Providers like San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, ServiceSource in Delaware, and the Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired. It is worth noting that since the CMS program began, these men and women have established a contract closeout accuracy rate of higher than 99 percent!
REASON #22
SKILCRAFT
From Mops & Brooms to SKILCRAFT
1952 ExpandIn 1938, after the Wagner O'Day Act was passed under President Roosevelt, people who were blind began to make mops and brooms for the federal government. This grew into a larger line of products and services, which in 1952 enabled the National Industries for the Blind to launch SKILCRAFT®. SKILCRAFT now includes more than 3,500 products and services created by people who are blind and supplied to the federal market.
REASON #23
GSA, White House Center
Cleanliness in One of Our Most Important Buildings
2008 ExpandLocated next to the West Wing of the White House, the imposing Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) was built between 1871 and 1888. The responsibility for cleaning this architectural and historical gem was awarded to Didlake, Inc. Since Didlake assumed responsibility for custodial services in 2008, GSA has expanded the contract by 30 percent to encompass 800,000 sq. ft. of building space. Jobs for people with significant disabilities have simultaneously more than doubled, from 24 to 52 positions.
REASON #24
Bureau of Land Management
Increases and Growth
1999 ExpandThe Acquisition and Property Management Group of the Bureau of Land Management is noted for outstanding support of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, now called the AbilityOne® Program. BLM has increased the dollar amount of contracts to authorized nonprofit agencies by 74%, with contracts increasing from 20 to 29, in FY1998. Much of the growth has been for janitorial services, which results in the additional employment of 30 people with significant disabilities.
REASON #25
Jonathon Hudson
Changing Course
2000 ExpandWhile pursuing a law degree, an auto accident left Jonathan Hudson with a traumatic brain injury. During his years of recovery, Jonathan opted to change direction in his education to computer-assisted drafting. To deal with the short-term memory loss he experiences as a result of the accident, he relies on notes to help him with his daily tasks. Jonathan now works for Tresco Inc. on a Facilities Support Contract, as a draftsman. He helps to design new office spaces and renovate existing locations.
REASON #26
Tim Cockerham
Nothing Stands in His Way
1996 ExpandTim Cockerham faced numerous challenges as a child born with Down Syndrome, including physical and cognitive developmental delays such as walking and talking. However, nothing slowed Tim as he overcame these issues and went on to finish high school. Tim then found work at the White Sands Missile Range with Tresco. Tim is a mess attendant at the dining facility. He had an attendance record of over 95% and productivity levels between 75-100%!
REASON #27
Defense Acquisition University
Preparing for Employment Opportunities
2000 ExpandEven with high school and college diplomas, many people who are blind or have visual disabilities cannot find opportunities commensurate with their education. This contributes directly to 70% of those people who are blind in not being able to find jobs. Within the AbilityOne® Program, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) recruits motivated individuals who are blind to join its Contract Management Support (CMS) training program. The AbilityOne Program partners with the Department of Defense's Defense Acquisition University (DAU) to provide core training required to establish a foundation in contract management.
REASON #28
Ellis Mantrea
20-20 Vision in His Hands
1970 ExpandDespite nine operations, Ellis Mantrea developed blindness over a six-year period and was completely blind by 1967. Ellis went on to learn to use a sewing machine; run a drill press machine; operate a sponge cutter; perform assembly work; and also conducted combing, sealing and bagging operations in the Lighthouse mop shop. In 1970, Mantrea was awarded the Peter J. Salmon Award, underscoring how people who are blind are clearly able to earn a livelihood and become independent tax paying citizens.
REASON #29
Marcelino Parra
Shattered to Director
2012 ExpandWhen a construction accident shattered Marcelino Parra's legs in 1998, he was told he would never walk again. However, through the AbilityOne® Program and thanks to his own fierce determination, he was hired to do hospital housekeeping for PCSI, an AbilityOne Authorized Provider. He rose through the ranks and eventually was promoted to the Director of Hospital Housekeeping, garnering multiple environmental distinctions for the hospital along the way.
REASON #30
Michael Herring
One Success Echoes Across the Navy
2000 ExpandMichael Herring credits the AbilityOne® Program with saving his life. Herring went from being a homeless veteran with significant disabilities in 2000, to the dining facility manager of the USS John F. Kennedy Barracks at Naval Station Great Lakes. In this role, Herring is responsible for food procurement, supervises 85 employees and oversees the preparation of up to 3,500 meals per day. Herring says that he acquired new skills thanks to classes and training he received through AbilityOne.
REASON #31
Vito Basile
Learning to Adjust
1992 ExpandAfter heart surgery and a stroke at age 53, Vito Basile became blind and deaf, and became severely depressed. Not only had Vito been the director of the U.S. Customs Department for the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, but he was also a golfer, racquetball player and bowler. Through psychotheraphy and employment counseling, Vito was able to move into full-time employment with the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Florida. He eventually went on to receive the 1992 Peter J. Salmon National Blind Worker of the Year Award from NIB, an AbilityOne® Authorized Enterprise.
REASON #32
Jenny Mayer
Tried and True Formula for Success
2004 ExpandJenny Mayer was totally dependent on government financial aid before being hired by Goodwill Industries as a food service worker. In addition to having developmental disabilities, Jenny also has other physical and cognitive disabilities. Through coaching and training, Jenny works 20 hours a week, is a taxpayer, has given up her Social Security Income, reduced her Social Security disability Insurance, and has medical and dental benefits. Jenny learned job skills one at a time and how to work independently.
REASON #33
Dan Weber
Home Ownership from Hard Work and Dedication
2004 ExpandDan Weber finally realized his dream of home ownership, thanks to his employment with Pioneer Adult Rehabilitation Center (PARC) in Clearfield, Utah, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider serving people with significant disabilities. Dan first became associated with PARC through a training program. He went on to hold a janitorial position and later began working on a AbilityOne contract sorting parts. He saved enough to buy a condo and live on his own!
REASON #34
Neil Colomac
Rebuilding Life
2011 ExpandNeil is a 10-year Army veteran, who was severely wounded during the war in Afghanistan. The effects of the war on Neil were both physical and cognitive, and he continues to be under care. Yet when Neil found work through Skookum, an AbilityOne® Program nonprofit, things began to change. Neil has held positions of increasing responsibility at Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA, Ft. Meade, MD and was eventually promoted into management. Neil is an advocate of AbilityOne and everything it stands for.
REASON #35
Christopher Flynt
Community Improvement
2010 ExpandChristopher Flynt, who is blind, received one of three Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards for North Carolinians who improve their communities. Flynt, with the Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (WSIFB), is the director of A Brighter Path — a program he created to provide training, education and social interaction for people who are blind and visually disabled, both inside the workplace and to the community at large.
REASON #36
David Ogletree
High Standards
2010 ExpandDavid Ogletree is a Final Inspection Processor in the Power Sewing Division of Vocational Guidance Services (VGS), an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider in Cleveland, Ohio that employs people with significant disabilities. VGS produces the dress slacks for the Army, Navy and most of the Marine Corps. David's role is vital in meeting the high quality standards. David has autism, but he is successful and productive in his busy department, in a high-pressured role.
REASON #37
Lanell Willis
From Group Home to Employee of the Month
2003 ExpandLanell Willis is a member of a three person custodial crew on an AbilityOne® Program contract at the Army Reserve Center in Abilene, Texas. Before coming to Goodwill, Lanell lived in a group home and had few job prospects. Once Lanell came to Goodwill, things began to brighten. She is now married, owns a home and has been named employee of the month several times.
REASON #38
The Korean War
Growing Strong During the Korean War
1950 ExpandThe 1950s brought dramatic changes to National Industries for the Blind, with the establishment of a branch office in Washington, DC. This office was opened to serve as a liaison with government departments. The opening of the D.C. office was at an opportune time, as the war in Korea significantly increased demand for products and goods. As a result, government sales quadrupled to nearly $15 million! During this time, NIB also launched SKILCRAFT® and the first Military Resale products reached the shelves in commissary stores.
REASON #39
Evelyne Villines
Working at Every Level
1986 ExpandEvelyne Villines' work for people with significant disabilities was unceasing. She worked at the local, state and national levels, serving on multiple boards, as an advisor and fundraiser. Evelyne was a founding member of the NISH Board of Directors and served on the committee for Purchase from People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled. In 1986, Ms. Villines was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities.
REASON #40
Col. Scott Svabek
Important Growth
2012 ExpandWhile under the leadership of Col Scot Svabek at the US Army Medical Command (USAMEDCOMM), Ft Sam Houston, Texas, AbilityOne® Program jobs for people with significant disabilities grew 300%. USAMEDCOMM, along with PSCI, an AbilityOne authorized provider, employs 185 people with significant disabilities, including 52 service-disabled veterans. Colonel Svabek champions the quality of work performed by AbilityOne employees and believes in the difference employment makes in the lives of veterans and others with significant disabilities.
REASON #41
Continued Expansion During the 1960s
Expanding and Evolving to Meet the Needs of the Times
1960 ExpandGrowth came in multiple ways during the early 1960s. For example, a number of agencies produced more than 1 million sanitation kits for the federal fall-out shelter program. NIB inaugurated a program for central purchasing, launching a supermarket rack-jobbing program, entering the writing instrument field and purchasing a housewares-manufacturing plant. SKILCRAFT® also experience positive growth as it opened a new headquarters for marketing, merchandising and sales.
REASON #42
David Henninger
Long-Term Leadership Impacts Thousands
1973 ExpandAs executive director of Bayaud Enterprises, David Henninger has developed a workforce of 200 and employed people with significant disabilities for over 40 years. Henninger started Bayaud to serve Denver residents with significant disabilities. He has overseen rehabilitative services, vocational training and job placement activities for more than 7,000 people with significant disabilities.
REASON #43
Admiral CJ Peoples
First Chairman of the Committee
1930 ExpandAdmiral Christian Joy Peoples was a trusted leader in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Administration. In 1933, when FDR re-organized the Treasury Department, he created a Procurement Department and appointed Admiral Peoples as its first director. After signing the Wagner-O'Day Act into law in 1938, President Roosevelt appointed the founding members of the Committee on Purchases of Blind-made Products, again selecting Admiral Peoples to be first Chairman of the Committee.
REASON #44
Donna Hutchens
Longtime Supporter of the AbilityOne Program
2001 ExpandAs a Procurement Team Leader for the Northwest/Artic Region for GSA, Donna has been a strong supporter of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, now known as the AbilityOne® Program. She has made it possible for nearly 275 people with significant disabilities to find employment. These jobs are the result of 41 contracts in custodial, grounds maintenance and administrative support services.
REASON #45
Sarah Corley
Helping to Increase Presence
2001 ExpandThroughout the 1990's, people with significant disabilities had little representation on Ft. Hood, our country's largest military base. However, under Corley's leadership, Ft. Hood went on to employ more than 300 people with signifiant disabilities from three AbilityOne® Authorized Providers for food services, custodial services, ammunition inventory and administrative services.
REASON #46
Dennis Dudek
1,000 People Want to Say Thanks
2006 ExpandDennis Dudek, director of Supplier Operations Clothing & Textiles at the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), is a widely acknowledged ambassador of the AbilityOne® Program within the Defense Logistics Agency. Mr. Dudek is committed to AbilityOne, and is the driving force behind the Virtual Prime Vendor (VPV) Program. The VPV initiative supports military clothing and provides 1,000 jobs for people with significant disabilities.
REASON #47
ReadyOne Industries
The More it Grows, the More People it Helps
2000 ExpandReadyOne Industries evolved from its initial AbilityOne® Program contract and skills into broader government and commercial opportunities. The skills learned through the initial Program contract of manufacturing corrugated materials ultimately led ReadyOne Industries to produce boxes for commercial clients like Ford Motor Company. Their sewing division expanded too and even bought the rights to the Sarah Sportswear Company. This acquisition increased the number of jobs for people with significant disabilities to almost 400.
REASON #48
Beverly Milkman
Outstanding Commitment Led to Outstanding Growth
1997 ExpandBeverly Milkman, Executive Director of the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled from 1988-2000, won the Presidential Rank Award in 1997. This award is given by the President in recognition of exceptional achievements over an extended period. Since Milkman joined the Committee, the annual hours worked by people with disabilities doubled from 13,000 to 23,000. In addition, wages increased from $59 million to $141 million and the number of people working increased from 16,700 to 28,000.
REASON #49
Arthur Ford
Spectacular Achievement
1986 ExpandArthur Ford grew up with a supportive foster care family, ultimately realizing his dream of working and earning money by bringing home a weekly paycheck. At the age of 29, Arthur found work at a newly opened work activities center at Central Association for the Blind, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider in Utica, New York. Arthur packed neckerchiefs for sailors in the US Navy, a job he took seriously, traveling 30 miles each way to get to work.
REASON #50
Americans with Disabilities Act
Since 1990, it's Helped Protect People in Need
1990 ExpandCongress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which established comprehensive protection for people with a variety of disabilities in many aspects of public life. Even though it became an Act in 1990, its roots came from local groups in communities throughout the country who advocated for people with disabilities. Many were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and the protection of civil rights for minorities, which then led to advocating for people with disabilities to have protection as well.
REASON #51
Leslie Carroll
Go For It
2010 Expand“Go for it” is Leslie Carroll's attitude when it comes to contracting with the AbilityOne® Program. Carroll, the director of contracting at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is responsible for awarding contracts that include custodial services, administrative support services and laundry services. More than 60 people with significant disabilities are employed through AbilityOne authorized nonprofits on these contracts.
REASON #52
Robert Wright
Patriotism Drives Advocacy
2004 ExpandRobert Wright, a Building Management Specialist with the GSA, sees providing employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities as a matter of patriotism and says, “when you help them, you help all of us!" Mr. Wright believes in the capabilities of AbilityOne® Employees, and has worked to secure contracts for services through AbilityOne as much as possible. Sometimes he has experienced resistance, but he continues to advocate for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Through the contracts, Mr. Wright has helped secure 84 full time equivalent custodial jobs for people with significant disabilities.
REASON #53
Sharon Giovinazzo
One Goal
1990 ExpandSharon Giovinazzo has one goal: to expand training, employment and promotional opportunities for people who are blind. Sharon, who lost her sight to multiple sclerosis, advanced from sewing linens to taking on public policy and consumer relations roles at AbilityOne® Authorized Providers Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Utica, N.Y., and RLCB, Inc. (formerly Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind). In her work as VP of Development and Community Relations with RLCB, she counseled companies on accommodations and adaptive technology, championing a health and wellness program and supervising communications initiatives.
REASON #54
Robert Knapp
From Trucks to Lawn Mowers
1985 ExpandRobert Knapp was an over-the-road truck driver until he became blind due to glaucoma. Bob then shifted directions, taking a full-time job at the Central Association for the Blind, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider in Utica, New York, where he ran a lawn mower and small engine repair shop. In 1985, Knapp won National Industries for the Blind's Peter J. Salmon Blind Worker of the Year Award epitomizing the spirit, dedication and determination of those who work in NIB associated agencies.
REASON #55
Joseph Roeder
Adapting Technology
1980 ExpandAfter a career in mechanical and nuclear engineering, Joe Roeder retired in 1978 due to a visual disability caused by retinitis pigmentosa. Joe went on to use his skills to pursue a career specializing in adaptive technology for people who are blind. His initiatives enabled more than 100 people who are blind to join or stay in the workforce.
REASON #56
NISH Incorporation
Incorporating for the Future
1974 ExpandWhen the Wagner O'Day Act was broadened in 1971 to the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, coverage and opportunities for people with significant disabilities was expanded. In 1974, NISH was incorporated as a national nonprofit organization to provide technical assistance to the Community Rehabilitation Programs that were participating in the Program. NISH opened its operations in Bethesda, Maryland, and later broke ground on a new location in Virginia.
REASON #57
James Omvig
A Career of Firsts
2003 ExpandAs a teen, James Omvig became blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, and attended the Iowa School for the Blind. Overcoming the usual limited education for those who were blind, he later became the first blind student ever to attend the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, and later became the first blind attorney to work for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Years later, Jim changed careers and focused on administering residential orientation-and-adjustment centers for the blind. In 2003, President Bush appointed him to serve on the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, where he advocated on behalf of men and women who are blind.
REASON #58
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act
A Good Idea Expanded
1971 ExpandIn the 1960s, six national nonprofit agencies serving people with disabilities who were advocating for expansion of the Wagner O'Day Act found an ally in Senator Jacob Javits. Enacted in 1971, the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act permitted people with severe disabilities to take part in the program, and to include provision of services to the Federal Government.
REASON #59
Kathy Gallagher
A True Human Resource
1999 ExpandKathy Gallagher is a long time human resource professional, having served people who are visually impaired, most notably in employment services. Her support has ranged from identifying job opportunities to placing candidates and partnering with employers. Over the years she has provided work skills training to more than 1,000 employees from NIB's associated agencies. Ms. Gallagher was also responsible for launching NIB's Business Leaders Program, an ongoing program that transforms high potential employees into successful business leaders.
REASON #60
Gidget Hopf
Transformational Leader
1980 ExpandDr. Gidget Hopf spent 25 years with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI), an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider, helping lead it through an evolution to become a highly effective organization. In 1994, she spearheaded the affiliation of ABVI with Goodwill Industries International, which went on to become one of the premier providers of vision rehabilitation services in the country and one of the most entrepreneurial and successful nonprofit organizations in New York State.
REASON #61
The Lighthouse for the Blind
Providing Boeing with Critical Pieces
1951 ExpandThe Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider, has machined aircraft parts for The Boeing Company for more than 50 years, which has led to more than 50 jobs for people who are blind or deaf-blind. The Lighthouse boasts a 99.8 percent approval rating with Boeing, which has earned the Lighthouse more than $8 million in business. This long-standing relationship is all about connections - Boeing connecting people through flight and Lighthouse connecting people with opportunities.
REASON #62
Commodore Funderburk
Loyalty. Determination. Perseverance. Independence.
1963 ExpandCommodore Funderburk was not able to hear, speak or see. He attended the State School for the Deaf and Blind in North Carolina, where he learned communication skills. Funderburk attended vocational training and later began to work on the mattress line at the Winston Salem Industries for the Blind, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider. He held this position for 41 years and never missed a day! Funderburk is memorialized by a statue with four words - Loyalty. Determination. Perseverance. Independence.
REASON #63
Jeff Mittman
Coming Back from War to a New Life
2005 ExpandMSG Jeff Mittman, who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, was blinded and suffered other severe injuries from an improvised explosive device (IED) in Iraq. However, despite his injuries and roadblocks to rehabilitation, Mittman went on to speak on behalf of the Warrior in Transition Program at National Industries for the Blind, an AbilityOne® Authorized Enterprise, and after joining NIB as an account manager, and pursuing a master's degree in executive development, he later moved on to a Federal government position.
REASON #64
Carol Lowman, Ph.D.
Pilot Program to New Line of Business
2009 ExpandUnder Dr. Carol Lowman's leadership, an AbilityOne® Program pilot was established in 2009 to provide Contract Management Support (CMS) services for the U.S. Army. By May 2010, blind employees used assistive technology to idenfity nearly $4 million for the Federal Government to recoup, at greater than 99 percent accuracy. In June 2010, CMS was proposed for Procurement List addition, and by July 2012, more than 75 AbilityOne employees who are blind or have significant disabilities identified more than $127 million in contract de-obligations.
REASON #65
Joshua Scarborough
Workplace Quality and Safety
2011 ExpandJosh Scarborough was serving in Iraq when an IED exploded, leaving Josh with cognitive and visual disabilities. In the summer of 2011, Josh was hired by Outlook Nebraska, Inc., an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider, which manufactures paper products and is the state's largest employer of people who are blind. Josh quickly advanced through the organization. Among other responsibilities, he chairs the company's Safety Board and helps to implement Quality Work Environment processes for workplace improvement.
REASON #66
ARC Richmond, VA
Good Work Equals More Business
2004 ExpandThe ARC of Richmond, Virginia serves more than 1,000 people with significant disabilities. In May 2002, ARC of Richmond won its first major janitorial contract cleaning the Defense Supply Center, Richmond. Due to their outstanding performance in training employees, facilitating communications and delivering high standards of quality, the contract expanded 8%!
REASON #67
Pennsylvania Association of the Blind
Moving from Humble Beginnings
1982 ExpandFrom its early days in a room above a garage teaching the skill of chair caning, the Washington-Greene County Branch of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind has come a long way to becoming an important supplier to the Veterans Administration (VA). Although the agency had achieved slow and steady growth, that growth exploded in 1982 when the agency was began providing tracheotomy kits to the VA. The nonprofit went on to provide 350,000 tracheotomy kits, ultimately creating employment opportunities for 12 workers who are blind.
REASON #68
Frances Rose
Her Future Looks Bright
1981 ExpandFrances Rose came to work at the Oklahoma League for the Blind on a part-time basis, but went on to full time work there on a contract with Western Electric. Ultimately, she supervised the production of ladders where she was team leader.
REASON #69
GWS/Goodwill of Lake County
Great Food Keeps Them Coming
1977 ExpandIn Lake County, Illinois, the GWS/Goodwill of Lake County has partnered with the Great Lakes Naval Training Base. During the 1970's, Goodwill secured its first laundry services contract through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, now called the AbilityOne® Program to employ people with significant disabilities. The laundry program grew and additional projects were added, including administrative services and food service. In one dining area alone, use of the galley has increased 5-10% since GWS/Lake County took over the food services, despite the fact that there is a fast food restaurant just a block away!
REASON #70
Jeri Rougagnac
Building a Diversified Program
1973 ExpandGeraldine R. Rougagnac served as the Executive Director of the Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston, and in 1973 was awarded with National Industries for the Blind's R.B. Irwin Award honoring her outstanding leadership on behalf of the blind by building a diversified program serving the city's legally blind citizens. She established a rack sales program and added new products to the PL list. Rougagnac worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life and create opportunities for all citizens who are blind.
REASON #71
IRS National Mail Center
National Contract Means National Employment
2005 ExpandUnder the AbilityOne® Program, the IRS contracted for a National Mail Center operation. Uniquely, this project is managed all through one prime contractor - ServiceSource, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider, which then subcontracts with other nonprofit agencies across the country. The contract provides employment for 91 people who are blind or have significant disabilities, with a growth potential of employing 115-125 employees.
REASON #72
Homeland Security
Variety and Flexibility Makes for a Strong Partnership!
2004 ExpandAbilityOne® Program employees provide maintenance at many US Customs, Immigration and Border Control facilities in California and Texas. Nearly 100 people with significant disabilities handle the custodial and grounds maintenance at dozens of locations. In some locations the work goes on seven days a week, around the clock. In other locations, people with significant disabilities are responsible for cleaning a total of five million square feet of office space. In still other facilities, bilingual people with significant disabilities provide custodial and grounds maintenance.
REASON #73
Shaw Air Force Base
Celebrating AbilityOne
2001 ExpandThere are more than 120 AbilityOne® Program Employees at Shaw Air Force Base working with four nonprofits. These employees handle a variety of needs throughout the base, including postal, custodial, grounds maintenance, commissary support and others. These employees with significant disabilities are seen as contributing to the same cause that everyone on the base is fighting for and are celebrated annually with an AbilityOne Program picnic.
REASON #74
EPA
Recruiting and Hiring
2002 ExpandThe EPA has been a strong advocate in promoting proactive practices to recruit and hire qualified workers with disabilities. Seven of the 10 EPA regional offices have secured AbilityOne® Program mail service contracts. In 2002 alone, the agency employed more than 50 AbilityOne employees with significant disabilities at facilities throughout the DC metro area.
REASON #75
USDA
A Partnership to be Proud of
1998 ExpandThe US Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened a new campus in 1998 in Beltsville, MD on 45 acres in 4 buildings. USDA wanted a single contractor to handle facility maintenance, which led to Melwood, an AbilityOne® Authorized Provider being awarded the first Total Facilities Maintenance contract in AbilityOne Program history. With Melwood acting as the prime contractor, managing subcontractors, 65 people with disabilities provide facilities maintenance to over 350,000 square feet of office space.