The focus of this year’s advocacy is to work with elected officials to encourage the formal adoption of a 1% AbilityOne Program utilization goal for the Department of Defense (DOD) to grow employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities.
From 2018 to 2021, the Panel on Department of Defense and AbilityOne Contracting Oversight, Accountability, and Integrity recommended a DOD AbilityOne utilization goal in four consecutive reports. In 2022, the DOD voluntarily pledged to double its utilization of the AbilityOne Program, increasing from 0.55% to 1% by 2027.
While this voluntary pledge was a great first step, Congress can now move to make that promise a reality.
Why is a mandatory goal important?
National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and its nearly 100 associated nonprofit agencies nationwide appreciate this commitment from the DOD, the AbilityOne Program’s largest customer. We want to build momentum and formalize this pledge through Congressional adoption of a statutory goal of 1%.
Once the goal is cemented into law, Congress will regularly assess the DOD’s utilization to ensure progress toward its achievement.
How will this goal benefit people who are blind or have significant disabilities?
The DOD, its branches of service, and its related agencies hold contracts with AbilityOne nonprofit agencies nationwide that provide quality products and services. These employees take immense pride in their work to support the warfighter and help ensure our nation’s security.
By formalizing this goal and nearly doubling the DOD’s current utilization of the AbilityOne Program, tens of thousands more Americans who are blind, have low vision, or have significant disabilities could have the opportunity to build meaningful careers in both professional services and manufacturing that enhance their personal and economic independence.
Now is the time for Congress to take action.
NIB urges Congress to adopt a 1% AbilityOne statutory utilization goal for the DOD in 2024.
We need to expand career opportunities for employees with disabilities. These men and women are well poised to be able to choose the best career option to fulfill their personal version of the American Dream, with an employer that offers the accommodations and support they need to be successful.
It’s the right thing to do, and now is the right time to act.