Rep Nick Rahall Encourages Access to Employment For People With Disabilities

The more people know about the capabilities of people with disabilities to work and lead independent lives, the more we can shatter stereotypes and misperceptions. However, there is more that needs to be done to spread the awareness that hiring people with disabilities is good for businesses in West Virginia. For example, seven out of ten working age Americans who are blind are not employed.

I know employers can make a difference. Two years ago, one of my staff employees became disabled after a fall in his home injured his spinal cord. He's now back at work and continues on the road to recovery with the help of accommodations I'm pleased to say the House of Representatives made for him at my request. From help getting his transportation past security checkpoints to getting his wheelchair into the office, from designing his workstation to accommodating his workout routine, the House answered my requests affirmatively. This month he was recognized by his state vocational rehabilitation program for his accomplishment of returning to work.

All of us face battles -- many of us face more than our fair share. Today serves as a reminder of that truth. It is a truth we as a society must respect and must work to make right so that people who are willing to work hard are able to do so.

There is more than abundant evidence here that despite all odds against it, the human spirit is a difficult, if not impossible, flame to snuff out. The courage of disabled Americans is contagious and their successes empower all of us to be better individuals, better community members, and better Americans.

Please join me in supporting them through recognizing October as the National Disability Employment Awareness Month and encouraging our communities to give disabled Americans fair access to employment.

Read Rep. Rahall's full statement online at http://www.rahall.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=11&parentid=5§iontree=5,11&itemid=1318

Contact:
Kate Denman
Legislative Assistant
Office of Congressman Nick J. Rahall, II
2307 RHOB
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3452
(202) 225-9061 (fax)

Federal Workers Play Strong Role to Help Increase Job Opportunities

Survey Shows Wide Acceptance for Capabilities of People Blind, Severely Disabled, Despite 60 Percent Unemployed

ARLINGTON, VA (October 22, 2009) — As part of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the AbilityOne Program’s central nonprofit agencies are releasing survey results that demonstrate Americans have an overwhelming acceptance of the work capabilities of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. The survey findings also reveal that more than 9 out of every 10 Americans believe the government should support employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities through programs like the federal AbilityOne Program.

This strong support of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities is an important part of the efforts to reduce the unemployment rate of people with disabilities, which hovers above 60 percent.

The national survey, conducted by Greenfield Online®, polled 1,000 Americans, 18 to 55+ years of age, regarding their attitudes and views on the capabilities of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities to create quality products and services. Results show:

• Broad acceptances among Americans that people who are blind or have other significant disabilities are capable of producing quality products and services. A majority of people surveyed (78%) said they were comfortable with the ability of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities to make quality products and services for the government and armed forces. Additionally, 8 out of 10 people surveyed (80%) said they were comfortable with the government and armed forces purchasing products and/or services made by people who are blind or have other significant disabilities.

• Overwhelming belief that the government should support employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. Almost all of the survey respondents (92%) say it is important for the government and armed forces to support the AbilityOne Program.

“The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities” said Robert Chamberlin, President and CEO of NISH – Creating Employment Opportunities for People With Significant Disabilities.

Products for purchase from AbilityOne include: military uniforms, TSA gloves, airplane parts, office and computer supplies as well as environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies. Services include call center management, contract administration, fleet management, laundry services, as well as warehouse, shipping.

"Federal employees should feel incredibly empowered that they are helping to reduce unemployment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities by purchasing AbilityOne products and services. With every purchase of AbilityOne products and services, federal procurement officers literally create and sustain more jobs for this underutilized, but highly qualified workforce," Kevin Lynch, President and CEO, National Industries for the Blind said.

The AbilityOne Program is supported by the National Industries for the Blind and NISH, both organizations work with more than 600 nonprofit agencies to provide employment for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. These agencies sell products on through the federal procurement process to 40 government agencies, the U.S. military; and, to military personnel through 133 base supply centers. In Fiscal Year 2008 alone, $2.3 billion of products and services purchased by the Federal Government were made by people who were blind or have other significant disabilities by way of the AbilityOne Program.

In an effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment, Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

About the AbilityOne Program
Providing employment opportunities to more than 40,000 people, the AbilityOne Program is the largest single source of employment for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities in the United States. More than 600 participating nonprofit organizations employ these individuals and provide quality goods and services to the federal government at a fair market price. The AbilityOne Program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, an independent federal agency, with assistance from National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH-Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities. For more information, please visit www.abilityone.org.

About NIB
In the United States, seven out of 10 people who are blind are not employed. At National Industries for the Blind (NIB), it is our mission to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its associated agencies serve as the largest program responsible for the employment of people who are blind through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. For more information regarding how the NIB and NIB-associated agencies continue to provide opportunities to blind Americans, please visit: www.NIB.org.

About NISH
Established in 1974, NISH (http://www.nish.org) is one of two national, nonprofit agencies designated by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled to support nonprofit agencies (NPAs) participating in the AbilityOne Program. NISH provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities by procuring Federal contracts for goods and services. Headquartered in Vienna, Va., NISH supports a network of more than 2,100 NPAs as well as Federal customers by providing legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology

Senate Majority Leader Recognizes NDEAM in Congressional Record Statement

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH -- (Senate - October 01, 2009)
[Page: S10054] Read the statement in the Congressional Record.

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This annual observance is an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities, whose contributions to the workforce have strengthened our Nation. During the month of October, we pay tribute to these men and women while renewing our commitment to ensuring opportunity and inclusion for all Americans--regardless of their ability or disability.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month originated in 1945 when Congress designated a week in October as a time to educate the public about the employment issues facing people with disabilities. Eventually expanded to the entire month of October, the observance has become a valuable tool to enhance the American people's understanding of these issues. It is also an important opportunity to mark the progress we have made and the steps forward yet to be taken.

Today, more people with disabilities than ever are graduating from school, participating in their communities, and succeeding in the labor market. For the tens of millions living in the United States with a disability , realizing the American dream is a real possibility that often did not exist a generation ago. I am especially heartened by the growing recognition that tapping these individuals' talent, character, and hard work is as important to the Nation's future as it is to theirs.

At the same time, we must acknowledge the sobering reality that faces too many people with disabilities, including our brave service members and veterans returning from war with severe injuries and conditions. While people with disabilities have long experienced far higher unemployment rates, they are also particularly hard hit by the current economic downturn. Physical, financial, and social barriers to employment remain, as well as the discrimination and prejudice that keep some from competing in the American economy on equal footing as everyone else. Moreover, many individuals with disabilities struggle to afford good, continuous health coverage, a hardship given their intensive health care needs.

Clearly, we have much work ahead of us in order to fulfill the promise of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I am pleased that Congress is continuing to work toward this priority, most recently with the enactment of the ADA Amendments Act and the Higher Education Opportunity Act. On behalf of all Nevadans, I look forward to building on these successes in the 111th Congress.

Visually Impaired Workers Assemble Products Shipped Nationwide

By BRIAN PEARSON
Business Editor (story excerpt and photos used with permission)
Read the entire story at Tylerpaper.com There's a nice video with the story that you'll want to see!

When Lee Tillson and his wife decided to move from Dallas to Tyler to be closer to family, he thought his experience as a produce warehouse manager made him a prime choice for an open position here.

The prospective employers, however, immediately disqualified him when they learned he was legally blind.

"They didn't think I could do the job," Tillson said.

One day while Tillson was riding a bus, the driver decided to introduce him to Horizon Industries, mistakenly believing it served as a transportation option for the blind.

Tillson quickly landed a technician job at Horizon, the industrial end of East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind.

Today, he serves as plant manager for the non profit Horizon, where the staffers, most of them blind or visually impaired, create products as part of a $24 million-a-year business.

Inside the cavernous plant at 500 N. Bois D'Arc Ave., 72 blind and visually impaired employees package napkins for the U.S. Navy, put together three-ply tissue paper and box tens of thousands of miles of parachute cord headed for Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Blind workers represent more than 80 percent of the 89-member staff.

"We're the best-kept secret in town, but we're on our way to changing that," said David Huffman, who has been president and CEO for almost a year.

Read the entire story at Tylerpaper.com

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October by sharing your story with NIB-AbilityOne's blog. Learn more about NIB and AbilityOne.


OVERCOMING AN OBSTACLE: Albert Logan stacks boxes of paper towels on a pallet at Horizon Lighthouse for the Blind. Logan is one of more than 80 blind or visually impaired employees.

Curlie Bailey takes spools of parachute cord off a winding machine.

A special thank you to Brian Pearson, Business Editor, Tyler Morning Telegraph for permission to use these photos, captions and story excerpt.

Defense Supply Center Richmond: AbilityOne Awareness

Awareness fair highlights products available from AbilityOne
By Amy T. Clement, DSCR Public Affairs (used with permission)

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Defense Supply Center Richmond hosted a National Disability Employment Awareness Month Fair Oct. 1 in the Lotts Conference Center.

Representatives from about 25 non-profit agencies participating in the AbilityOne Program took part in the fair and offered displays, informational materials and sample products.

The fair allowed center employees to learn more about the program. AbilityOne is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the United States. The program employs nearly 48,000 blind or severely disabled Americans, enabling them to lead more productive and independent lives. All of the contractors who participate in AbilityOne are non-profit agencies.

“The information I’ve gotten from this fair has been great,” said Sonora Brown, a DSCR contract administrator in Aviation Supplier Operations. “There are so many products that I didn’t know were available.”

LaCretia Rogers, DSCR’s AbilityOne Program manager, said AbilityOne also affords opportunities for the disabled to work on a contract basis for the federal government through their respective non-profit agencies. At DSCR, Rogers said these contractors “provide vital support services, including grounds
maintenance, custodial services, and emergency services dispatch.”

“The attendance was very good this year and we received positive feedback from the non-profit agencies and our employees who attended the event,” Rogers said. “It is important to have this event to bring awareness to the work force and hopefully an opportunity to bring more products to the AbilityOne Program.”

Learn more about the AbilityOne Program at www.abilityone.org. Learn more about NIB and SKILCRAFT products at NIB's website, www.nib.org

Lions VBI Employee Shares Her Positive Approach to Life

Gwendolyn McAllister, Lions Volunteer Blind Industries, Morristown, TN, is featured in an October 15, 2009 WINK magazine article. McAllister describes her "positive" attitude on life and how "setting and meeting daily goals" keeps her constantly moving forward in life.

McAllister has been employed at Volunteer Blind Industries for 20 years.

“I just enjoy life. It’s too short to not enjoy it,” she said in the article.

Her basic outlook is simple and never wavers. “I’ve got a lot to be thankful for,” she said.

Read her story online.

Georgia Industries for the Blind Celebrates NDEAM and Job Opportunities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's theme, created by the Department of Labor, is Expectation Plus Opportunity Equals Full Participation.

Georgia Industries for the Blind (GIB), is one of 88 agencies across the country that provides employment and personal economic opportunities for people who are blind. This October, they are promoting the Department of Labor's National Disability Employment Awareness month theme: Expectation Plus Opportunity Equals Full Participation.
See the full story in the Bainbridge Georgia News (BainbridgeGA.com)


It's important to remind people that their expectations lead to success. Expectations with "opportunities" create even greater successes. People who are blind or have other severe disabilities are extremely capable workers and good employees. In today's market place, all they really need are opportunities, and equal access employment opportunities.

National Industries for the Blind is an AbilityOne Program agency. NIB and its 88 associated agencies are the single largest employers of people who are blind in the country. Find out more at NIB.org.

NIB TEAM COMPLETES ARMY 10 MILER

Good Afternoon – let me first state that I was personally humbled to be in the company of all who showed up and ran the 25th anniversary of the Army Ten Miler on Sunday, October 4 – it was an awesome day and one that hopefully none of us will ever forget. When looking back on the ATM each of us has to take pause and realize what went into that day – the training, the dedication and the determination to make it all happen.

It is not easy to go out and run 10 miles however it is even more difficult to train for all those months leading up to it – what this shows is a desire to win on each individuals part – running is not a team sport – it is inherently an individual effort that moves you to the starting line and carries you across the finish line - HOWEVER the group dynamic that was established with our team of runners and supporters ensured that we all crossed the finish line as a member of NIB.

As a runner I have entered many races and logged many miles and never was I more awe-inspired during a race event as I was watching and Kathy Gallagher (who is blind) and Judy Zabo cross the finish line. Dedication and determination are truly two words that capture the essence of what they accomplished! It was an honor to stand with them on the bridge before the start of the race when the cannon went off and an even bigger privilege to see them at the end! As many of you have come to realize and what others never will is that it takes commitment to get out of bed at 0400 or 0500 to make it to NIB each Friday for “team training” and why it is so important to quite simply….run! In the end you have heard me say that “this is what separates the Rock Stars from the Groupies” – and so now you know!

We all have our special memories of both the race and the training leading up to it. Suffice to say we all shared some great laughs, some pain and several “why the heck am I doing this” moments along the way! Running with Matt Klovas and Banton Brooks at the start of the race and seeing these individuals on Independence Ave making there way to the finish line as Team NIB brought the months of training into perspective for me. Fantastic run gentlemen! Now, all that said I need to recognize some very special folks who made this event possible. Special thanks go out to the following NIB persons: To the NIB Leadership: Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to participate in this great event. It was a fantastic day that will remembered by all who were there for years to come.

To Jennifer King: For coming up with the whole running team concept and for taking the initiative and then being a personal pain in my backside to make sure people stayed motivated, shirts were done, restaurant selected and personnel boarded the METRO on time….what would I do without you? Seriously though… Jennifer came up with the idea to form the two teams and put it all together. Add to that the countless hours of coordination both inside NIB as well as external and you quickly realize it was more for Jennifer then just lacing up the running shoes on Sunday morning! Again, thanks does not do what she did justice…however I will say it…Thank You!

Heather McKenzie: Even though I did not attend I heard it was a great dinner and even better company the night before the big race – thank you for putting that together and more importantly bringing everyone together for a great evening. To the Runners: We will always remember the Friday morning runs at 0600 and think back to when it first began (in June); quite a bit of humor as we went from running .5 miles up to completing the actual 10 miler. Know that what you did is a significant accomplishment and one that you should always take pride in – that said DON’T rest on your laurels. We have all made significant increases in our physical fitness levels so keep it up! I remember Michelle Grant last year in a lot of pain. I saw here 10 minutes after she finished running this year and she was in the best of spirits!.

To Robert Pope and Catherine Schultz: You took a sketch of a t-shirt (an idea we had) and turned it into a great looking piece of running gear in record time - when we ran we represented NIB and AbilityOne and I can’t tell you how many people along the route were yelling “go NIB” especially along Independence Ave in DC and in the “Hooah Area” – thank you both for taking this effort on and audaciously bringing it to fruition!

So now what? Well for starters I have to drop off “SOCKO the Motivation Mascot” for safe keeping till the next ATM. He will be rotated between the NIB Cheerleading Section (IT Shop: Reggie Winston/Steve Herriott) and also with DDC (Debutante of DC) Stephanie Hood as they will now start preparations for the 2010 ATM with such tasks as “alarm clock setting, actual running and training activities” I cant wait to see them on the course next year! For the rest of Team NIB…don’t stop running! So there you have it…the final Runner Alert for 2009! In closing I think the quote of the year goes to Kara Penny who after the race walked over and said…”I want to die peacefully…not like this!” Congratulations to all cheerleaders, runners and casual observers! Without you it would not have happened!

Regards Brian Hayes

Department of Defense to Honor Outstanding Contributions by Employees with Disabilities

The Secretary of Defense will recognize the superior contributions by Department of Defense (DoD) employees who are blind or have other disabilities. The Department will also honor DoD components with outstanding affirmative employment programs for people with disabilities. These recognitions are part of the DoD recognition of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"I urge each of you to renew your commitment to the employment and advancement of Americans with disabilities," Gail McGinn, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Plans), who is performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) said in a September 30, 2009 statement.

Winners will be recognized on December 8, 2009 as a pre-conference event for the Perspectives on Employment of People with Disabilities Conference which begins December 9, 2009.

The Department of Defense is the largest customer of products and services produced by NIB and NISH and sold through AbilityOne and under the SKILCRAFT brand name.

AbilityOne Program on YouTube - National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the United States.

More than 600 nonprofit organizations employ these individuals and provide quality goods and services to the federal government at a fair market price. The Program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, an independent federal agency, with assistance from National Industries for the Blind (NIB), and NISH-Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities.

Learn how people in the AbilityOne Program, who are blind or have other severe disabilities, feel about the work they do and their contribution to the U.S. economy.



Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Share your stories and experiences here. Listen to and view more AbilityOne Program videos on the AbilityOne Program Channel on YouTube.

Click here for more information about AbilityOne, SKILCRAFT products and services; and Base Supply Center stores; or to order products through the AbilityOne Program.

President Obama Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

President Barack Obama renewed his commitment to promoting positive change for people with disabilities in a proclamation issued September 30, 2009 in recognition of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

President Obama's Proclamation states:

“Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work. This month, we rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees.

My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.”

Read President Obama's entire NDEAM proclamation at the White House Briefing Room press site.

Throughout October, NIB, NISH and The Committee for Purchase, along with dozens of federal agencies and the Department of Defense, will be honoring the contributions made by people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

Every celebration in the 31 days of October brings recognition of the success of the AbilityOne Program and all NIB associated agencies along with the people who make SKILCRAFT® products. Thank you for helping to raise awareness and show support for our dedicated employees.

NIB would like to hear from you. Tell us your story. Blog about your event(s)and comment here!

Learn more about AbilityOne at www.abilityone.org. New ideas on how to promote NDEAM? Click here.

For more information, contact Ken Murphy at 703-310-0500 or kmurphy@nib.org.