AbilityOne Information

AbilityOne is the new Name for the JWOD Program,

Stephens Office Supply was authorized as a JWOD distributor in September 1999, and has been recognized as a Outstanding Distributor for Fiscal Years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007

The AbilityOne Program creates jobs and training opportunities for people who are blind or who have other severe disabilities. Its primary means of doing so is by requiring Government agencies to purchase selected products and services from nonprofit agencies employing such individuals. As a result, AbilityOne employees are able to lead more productive, independent lives.

Named for its enabling legislation, the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act of 1971, 41 U.S.C. 46-48c, the AbilityOne Program is a mandatory source of supply for Federal employees. The AbilityOne Program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. Two national, independent organizations, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH, help State and private nonprofit agencies participate in the AbilityOne Program.

While promoting a desirable social end, the AbilityOne Program represents good business. Benefits of the AbilityOne Program to the Federal Government and to the taxpayer include:

High quality supplies and services
On-time delivery
Reasonable prices
Reduction of paperwork and pre/post award costs
Central points of contact to solve problems/facilitate action
Reduced disability payments and increased tax revenues

To many, the AbilityOne Program is an example of Government operating at its best. While the purpose of the Program is--first and foremost--to provide jobs and training for persons with severe disabilities, it does not represent a handout. Nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities must demonstrate that they can offer the Government quality supplies and services at reasonable prices.

AbilityOne work provides nonprofit agency employees with invaluable vocational opportunities not otherwise available, which result in additional income and increased independence. Two tremendous advantages realized are:

A stable work experience.
Attainment of marketable job skills.

Through expanding their scope of experience and enhancing their abilities, some employees are able to tackle new assignments at increasingly higher levels of difficulty. This experience prepares them for a wider variety of jobs either within or outside of the nonprofit agency.