October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), honoring the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and advocating for inclusive employment practices. During this month, we want to highlight the impact of programs that create job opportunities for those who are blind or have significant disabilities. One such foundational program is AbilityOne®, which offers its products through a convenient storefront on Amazon Business. This initiative not only represents a powerful purchasing choice, but also fosters a more inclusive economy.
For over 80 years, the AbilityOne Program has been at the forefront of creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. As one of the largest employment resources in the United States for these populations, it employs approximately 37,000 people, including 2,500 veterans. By tapping into this underutilized community, AbilityOne delivers essential products and services to federal purchasers while promoting a diverse workforce. The program's success reflects its commitment to quality, with AbilityOne products, including those under the SKILCRAFT® brand, meeting industry standards such as ISO 9000.
Federal buyers can conveniently access a variety of AbilityOne and SKILCRAFT products through the AbilityOne® storefront on Amazon Business. This initiative combines Amazon's extensive selection, convenience, and value to assist government buyers in fulfilling their federal purchasing requirements under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.7 and the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act. The storefront offers everything from writing instruments to cleaning supplies, streamlining procurement for government customers.
The partnership between Amazon Business and National Industries for the Blind (NIB) allows federal customers to conveniently meet their purchasing requirements while supporting the employment of Americans with disabilities. Additionally, the Guided Buying tool, a paid feature of Business Prime, helps streamline the purchasing process by directing buyers to preferred brands like AbilityOne.
Purchasing AbilityOne products is not just about compliance; it's about making a difference. Every dollar spent on these products supports the employment of individuals with disabilities, empowering them to lead more independent lives. In FY 2023, the AbilityOne Program supplied more than $4.1 billion in products and services to the Federal Government and operated over 160 Base Supply Centers.
Furthermore, the impact of purchasing AbilityOne products extends beyond individual empowerment: It helps dismantle prevalent misconceptions about the capabilities of people who are blind or have significant disabilities. By choosing these products, buyers help showcase the skills and dedication of this workforce, contributing to a shift in societal attitudes toward disability employment.
This October, consider how your purchasing choices can foster a more inclusive workforce. By selecting AbilityOne products through Amazon Business, you're not just meeting federal requirements; you're investing in a future where individuals, regardless of their disability status, can thrive in the workplace.
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