JWOD becomes AbilityOne

As reported in GovExec.com, the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act programs are getting a face lift beginning with a name change. A federal procurement preference program dedicated to employing people with disabilities, JWOD has a long history of providing products and services to the federal government. Now, under this fresh start, AbilityOne hopes to expand its service to its constituents and the community.

Providing jobs to 48,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities, the JWOD Program is the single largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the United States. Two organizations oversee this program- National Industries for the Blind and NISH (a proponent for the severely handicapped).

Government facilities around the country benefit from the JWOD program. Military commissaries, snack bars, lawn maintenance services, military base supply stores and Skilcraft pens are just some of the products and services where you may have been touched by the program.

I have been a big supporter of the JWOD program for years . For the most part, shelter and workshop managers are doing great things, providing a future for thousands of handicapped American. I hope that this change will create a better "brand," increasing public awareness and acceptance. The long term effect will be the betterment of the country as a whole.