Workplace July 2011

July 2011

2011 Grassroots Advocacy Conference: Telling ‘Our Stories’ for Results

Studies Warn Medicaid Changes Will Affect People with Disabilities

Thinking ‘Outside the Box’ During Tough Times

The Federal Insight

The Nonprofit Agency Link

Volume 37, No. 7July 2011Workplace is published monthly by NISH, 8401 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22182. NISH is a nonprofit organization that supports the AbilityOne® Program and is designated by Congress to assist nonprofit agencies employing people with significant disabilities in obtaining federal contracts. If you would like additional informa-tion on any subject in Workplace, contact Lynne Harris at [email protected]. Address corrections or additions should be mailed to the managing editor at the above address; please include the old mailing label. Reproduction of material in Workplace with permission is encouraged.

Gregory Bender Chair, NISH Board of Directors

E. Robert ChamberlinPresident and CEO, NISH

NISH Board of DirectorsWilliam Coleman, Jr., Chair ElectJim Barone, Immediate Past ChairBrenda Yarnell, SecretaryPaul Atkinson, TreasurerFrederick BeamanStephen BennettJerry Bettenhausen Peter BernsDean EmersonFrederick FreseJim Gibbons David GonzalesSteven KingMike KivitzFrank Lopez Amy LuttrellWayne McMillanThomas MillerRhea Nelson Barbara NurenbergSteve PerdueBelinda Porras Frederick Williams

Editorial CommitteePaul AtkinsonMegan BranchNancyellen GentileGisele McAuliffeJay Thomas Lisa WardTony Young

Executive Editor Lynne Harris [email protected]

Managing Editor Vatrice Jones [email protected]

Contributing Feature Writers Rachel Crowell Sarah Gray Heather Loveridge Gisele McAuliffe Jamilah Simmons

NISH

Workplace

The Workforce Inclusive

July 2011 | 3

2011 Grassroots Advocacy Conference: Telling ‘Our Stories’ for Results

At the 2011 NISH Grassroots Advocacy Conference, held in late June in Washington, D.C., AbilityOne® employees were equipped with a small tool to aid in completing a big job—rallying for support from legislation. With nearly 70 percent of people who are blind or have significant disabilities unemployed, self-advocates must be empowered to communicate the importance of reducing this staggering statistic.

View from Washington

NISH East Region Recognizes Searle and Edgar for Contributions to AbilityOne® Program

Public Policy Corner

Challenge Enterprises Ventures into Most Rewarding Opportunity to Date

Fedcap and Wildcat Agree to Merge Operations


NPAs Provide Financial Literacy Education to AbilityOne® Employees

Transforming a Life Through the ‘First Set of Keys’

4 President’s Message 5 AbilityOne Procurement Champion 14 PL Additions24 AbilityOne® Program Success Story26 Hats Off

On the cover: Sgt. David Kendrick (U.S. Army Ret.) shared his moving story with the attendees at the 2011 NISH Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.

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President’s Message

E. Robert Chamberlin NISH President and CEO

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“Grassroots, more than

any other conference

NISH hosts, is about the

AbilityOne employee. It’s

about new experiences

for these individuals,

about learning to tell

their story and about

learning to advocate for

both themselves and

their peers.”

"Believe in Yourself… and Go for It!"Emphasizing the “ability” in “disabil-ity” is fundamental to our strategy of employing people with significant disabilities. However, no matter how many times I say it or how many times I observe it, I am constantly overwhelmed by how very true it is that the AbilityOne workforce has incredible abilities to do almost anything. This fact, along with their determination to excel and satisfy the customer, makes them ideal employees.

These superior “abilities” are demon-strated continuously in many different workplace settings, but it’s not limited to the workplace. Most recently, I saw this “ability” at our grassroots conference. NISH’s annual grassroots advocacy conference is one of my favorite events because, Grassroots, more than any other conference that NISH hosts, is focused entirely on the AbilityOne employee. It’s about new experiences for these individu-als, about learning to tell their story and about learning to advocate for both themselves and their peers. Each attendee is provided several hours of training, and this year, one person was also invited to tell his story at the opening dinner event.

Over the years I have heard hundreds of speakers, many of whom have logged hundreds of hours in front

of audiences and make their living based on their ability to motivate or inspire. This year’s grass-roots speaker had no hours of public speaking experi-ence. In fact, as our guest speaker, David Kendrick was delivering his first-ever public speech as the keynote speaker at our June 2011 Grassroots Advocacy Conference. For most of us in attendance David inspired us in a way that

would have been tough for anyone to match; and he set the stage for the entire grassroots experience.

David told the group about his experi-ences growing up in an area with drugs and crime, where expectations were low for him and for others in the neighborhood as well. He pointed out that these are the same low expecta-tions that many individuals with disabilities struggle with every day. He joined the Army to overcome many of the challenges he faced at home. But soon, he was severely injured on duty and found himself back in the environment he worked so hard to escape. But David would not be held back for long, despite his service related injuries and rejection after rejection, he persevered and eventually found a CRP (Commu-(Commu-nity Rehabilitation Program), CDS Unistel, where he now works each day on an AbilityOne contract. His theme, which he succinctly summed up in just seven words during a response to a question, was "believe in yourself and go for it." It was a theme that not only hit the mark, but that set the stage for a week of advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Most of us have not been injured while serving our country or have had to face the challenges from such a significant injury and resulting disability. But all of us have a little David in us. We all have the capac-ity to make a difference in ourselves, our communities and in our country. Whether your goal is to secure a new AbilityOne contract in your agency, secure housing or more acces-sible transportation options or find supported or customized employment options for individuals, we should all remember to stay focused on accomplishing the task. Regardless of our individual goals, David’s simple theme will serve us well: "Believe in yourself...and go for it!" H

July 2011 | 5

Procurement Champion

Contracting Veterans Cobb and Lamb Rely on Open Communication to Deliver ResultsBy Rachel Crowell, specialist, Marketing, NISH National

These are AbilityOne Procurement Champions!Peggy Cobb and Dara Lamb

“Peggy and Dara are two of the finest contracting professionals that we’ve had the pleasure of working with,” commented Barry Howard, senior project manager at NISH in regards to AbilityOne® Procure-ment Champions Peggy Cobb and Dara Lamb. “Their commitment and support is without question. I consider them great program repre-sentatives and real ambassadors within the disability community.”

With nearly 25 years of experience between them, Cobb and Lamb are no strangers to the contracting field. As team leaders with GSA Region 6 and long time supporters of the AbilityOne Program, they have each become instrumental in their efforts to help create job opportunities for people with disabilities. By promot-ing close working relationships with nonprofit agencies (NPAs) and understanding about the program to fellow coworkers, they have become the driving force behind more than 203 full-time job equivalents (FTEs) across three NISH regions.

“I believe that GSA is very dedicated to employing people with disabili-ties,” said Cobb, who is responsible for awarding and administering various types of service contracts, along with the oversight of a team of four contract specialists. “I am proud and honored to be able to award and work with NPAs and the AbilityOne Program.” Lamb, the senior techni-cal representative for the custodial, childcare, concession and wellness programs adds that, “For me person-ally, I am delighted to work with a program that gives people with disabilities a job to be proud of.”

For Cobb and Lamb, their promotion of the program is not solely due to the mission, but also due to the quality of their partnership with the regions. They rely on the open communication and shared trust to continue develop-ing contract opportunities. This is only the beginning in terms of what they have managed to accomplish.

“The value Peggy and Dara bring to the AbilityOne Program extends beyond creating jobs on GSA contracts,” said NISH Senior Deputy Director John Cantwell. “Due to their role in setting high standards, they have contributed to the success of our nonprofit agencies by encourag-ing them every step of the way. Their demand for quality performance has helped our NPAs become quality service providers.”

Shawna Clay, chief operations officer at IBS Industries, Inc. affirmed that, “I have been working with these ladies for six years and not only are they professional and knowledge-able about what they do, but working with them has become everything that a partnership should be. They

have allowed me an open door policy which has encouraged an optimum working relationship.”

Although Cobb and Lamb have had great success in their efforts to help people with disabilities, they do not deny that they have had to face their share of obstacles as well. One obstacle in particular they had to address was the lack of understand-ing many people have about the AbilityOne Program. Any concerns that were felt, however, were tackled head on.

“I have had the opportunity to present joint training with our AbilityOne regions, which I found very helpful,” said Lamb. “We called it the ‘Power of Partnership’ training. Understanding the main focus and methods of the program has helped improve partner-ships at the building level.”

When it comes to their achieve-ments, Cobb and Lamb can not be measured solely by the number of jobs that they have helped obtain for people with disabilities.

Dara LambPeggy Cobb

Procurement Champion Continued on Page 12

Procurement Champion

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This is an AbilityOne Procurement Champion!Howard Price Director, Administrative Services Division USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service Riverdale, Maryland

For many years, Howard Price has been a staunch supporter of the AbilityOne Program. He first heard of the program when he began working for the Department of Commerce’s Office of the Secretary’s Acquisition Services in 1991. Over the years, he’s served as a senior contracting officer, branch chief and division director—helping further the AbilityOne Program in each of his roles. Today, as director of the Administrative Services Division for the U.S. Department of Agricul-ture’s Animal Plant Inspection Service (APHIS), Price continues to champion the program.

“USDA is a large civilian agency in the U.S. Government and APHIS provides support to all sub agencies within USDA,” said Christine Harri-son, senior program manager, NISH National Business Development. “Price has received awards within USDA for his support of AbilityOne, including his annual AbilityOne Awareness/Celebrations—held annually for the last six years.

“In addition to working on building awareness and creating contracts, Price plays a key role in continuation and expansion of current contracts and expanded use of government credit cards for AbilityOne acquisition.”

Price started his contracting career after graduating from Delaware State College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Adminis-tration. He was hired as a temporary clerk typist with the Maritime Admin-

istration performing small purchases. From there, he went to the Federal Highway Administration where he worked as a purchasing agent. In 1987 he began working with the Farmers Home Administration (now USDA’s Rural Development Agency) as a contract specialist. At that time he was responsible for the largest networking contract in the Federal government. Two years later, the USDA’s Office of Operations Procure-ment Operations Division hired him as a contract specialist. Eventually, he landed his job with the Department of Commerce and, in 2002, he was hired as the USDA’s chief of the policy support branch. The very next year he was promoted to his current position.

As a supporter of the AbilityOne Program, Price has worked hard to increase awareness of the program and to provide jobs within his organization for those with significant disabilities.

“I have worked with different AbilityOne locations and the people who work there. The one thing that I have learned about the program is that the people involved are passion-ate about their work,” Price said. “This is more than just meeting percent-ages or goals. In using the AbilityOne

Program, we increase the ability to integrate people with [significant] disabilities into the workplace. It enables people who are blind or have significant disabilities to have the opportunities to pursue their hopes, dreams and desires.”

APHIS has a long history of employ-ing those with significant disabilities. In 1973, APHIS awarded the first AbilityOne Mail Center Contract (ARC of DC Project # 030042) and it’s still in operation today. Price is proud to help continue the tradition of using the AbilityOne Program and making a difference in peoples’ lives.

APHIS is working with NISH to plan special meetings and trainings in-house to raise awareness and work with program and procure-ment staff regarding identification of possible AbilityOne opportuni-ties. Price’s AbilityOne liaison Estela Diaz, an AbilityOne Champion herself, is also working with NISH in support of the effort.

“We will continue to hold yearly programs that support hiring employees with disabilities and contract with community rehabili-tation programs,” Price said. “Only through our continued dialogue and efforts will the AbilityOne vision come true. We at APHIS are proud to partner with NISH/AbilityOne to support this program.”

NISH extends sincere thanks to Howard Price for his dedication and support of the AbilityOne Program. H

Price Commits to Promoting AbilityOne® ProgramBy Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

Grassroots Advocacy

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Grassroots Advocacy Conference:

Telling ‘Our Stories’ for Results By Fitzroy Francis and Vatrice C. Jones,

NISH Corporate Communications

2011

One can often underestimate the intrinsic value of a small tool used to complete a large-scale project. This tool measures roughly three-and-one-half inches wide by two inches tall, but the impact on an AbilityOne® employee receiving a personal set of business cards is immeasurable.

At the 2011 NISH Grassroots Advocacy Conference, held in late June in Washington, D.C., employees were equipped with a small tool to aid in completing a big job—rallying for support from Members of Congress. The goal of each meeting is to educate Members of Congress about and generate AbilityOne Program support that will improve employment oppor-tunities for people with significant disabilities. With nearly 70 percent of people who are blind or have significant disabilities unemployed, self-advocates must be empowered to communicate the importance of reducing this staggering statistic.

The Importance of the ConferenceThis annual event affords nonprofit agency (NPA) employees a chance to meet with Members of Congress from their local districts. The goal of each meeting is to rally support for the AbilityOne Program create employ-ment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities through procurement initiatives.

The experience is an empowering one that affords AbilityOne employees with disabilities opportunities many of their peers might not have. Employees receive travel to Washington, D.C., a full day of training and a chance to communicating with Members of Congress. For many, this is their first time flying in an airplane and being asked to speak before a group of legis-lative officials.

Self-advocates receive training on best practices when telling their own stories to Congressional Members related to the positive impact

Grassroots Advocacy

Grassroots Advocacy Continued on Page 10

July 2011 | 9

Grassroots Advocacy Conference:

Telling ‘Our Stories’ for Results

NISH President and CEO Bob Chamberlin displays one of the self-advocate’s business cards during the opening session of the 2011 NISH Grassroots Advocacy Conference held late June in Washington, D.C. DeWayne Quick (right), of Goodwill of Greater Washington, assists with the presentation.

obtaining employment through the AbilityOne Program has had on their lives.

Sgt. Kendrick’s StorySgt. David Kendrick (U.S. Army Ret.) shared his moving story with the attendees at the 2011 NISH Grassroots Advocacy Conference, in Washing-ton, D.C. As a featured speaker for the conference held from June 20-24, Sgt. Kendrick touched the hearts of audience members as he connected with them by sharing his experiences, obstacles and triumphs. Kendrick is employed with CDS Unistel as a production supervisor in the spice factory.

“I’m just one person, but I repre-sent a population of more than

45,000 people with disabilities who are employed by the AbilityOne Program right now,” says Kendrick.

His story began in a rough east side neighborhood of Rochester, N.Y. where he lived with his parents until he joined the U.S. Army in 2005 at the tender age of 18. This major life step was an exciting one for Kendrick since he had only traveled once outside the state of New York.

Kendrick attended cavalry scout training at Fort Knox, K.Y. and was assigned to the 361st Cavalry Regiment. In October 2006, his unit was deployed to Iraq. Nothing in the recruitment videos has prepared Kendrick for a time as this. It was clear from the locals that his reconnaissance unit was not welcome. The locals would even spit on them and throw rocks.

After only eight months of duty, his life would be forever changed when he was shot in the leg on June 17, 2007. The damage was so severe, he could hardly recognize his leg. After receiving treat-ment in Baghdad, it was discovered he sustained femoral artery and nerve damage in his left leg. The femur is the largest bone in the body that enables running and jumping. The injury left Kendrick with questions about his future. Was it dismal and hopeless?

Kendrick shares his moving, life-changing story with conference attendees.

Grassroots Advocacy

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Aleta Haywood Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin

Amanda Napper Work Services Corporation

Byron ColeServiceSource

Charquilla McGaffeny Calidad Industries, Inc.

Cindy Toth ServiceSource

Darius Henderson Challenge Unlimited, Inc.

David Ogletree Vocational Guidance Services

Devaughn Pratt Eggleston Services, Inc.

Donte McKinley Solano Diversified Services

Erin Anderson Work Services Corporation

Eugene Shelly Tommy Nobis Enterprises

Jack Freeman Bobby Dodd Institute

Jack Busby ServiceSource

Jason Dale The Arc of Caddo-Bossier

Jerry Sethongkang Pioneer Adult Rehabilitation Center

Johnathan Smith IBS Industries

Dewayne Quick Goodwill of Greater Washington

Kevin Ogletree ServiceSource

Linda Saffore Bobby Dodd Institute

Lori ThiebergerServiceSource

2011Grassroots Self-Advocates

Upon returning to Rochester, N.Y. in the spring 2010 as a 23-year old man with gunshot wounds, nerve damage and post traumatic stress disorder, many did not know how to interact with him.

Kendrick was not the same 18-year old boy who left home just five years earlier.

While experiencing homelessness and unemployment, Kendrick’s desperation caused him to start thinking of people he might be able to turn to for help. That’s when he remembered General Mixon, his commander at Ft. Carson during his hospital stay.

When Kendrick contacted Gen. Mixon, he was working with CDS Unistel, an AbilityOne NPA. He helped Kendrick enroll in the Warrior Salute Program. This program provides service members, who sustained injuries in the line of duty, urgent assistance to transi-tion back into civilian life.

Shortly after entering the Warrior Salute Program, homelessness

Grassroots Advocacy Continued from Page 9

Hometown Radio host Christopher Michael interviews AbilityOne employee Charquilla McGafferny during the 2011 NISH Grassroots Advocacy Conference.

July 2011 | 11

and unemployment was a part of Kendrick’s past. He now had keys to his own two-bedroom apartment and moved into the role of a production supervisor in the spice factory at CDS Unistel managing 30 employees.

“I love my job and the people I work with. My favorite part about it is that I have the chance to work again. I love the independence and the feeling of importance I get from working for the AbilityOne Program,” explains Kendrick.

Hometown Radio Helps ‘Stories’ Hit the Airwaves

While the conference focused on bringing AbilityOne stories to the Hill, informing U.S. senators and representa-tives about the AbilityOne Program and its influence is only one step in promot-ing the AbilityOne Program. The other equally important step is ensuring the AbilityOne story is told locally.

The AbilityOne advocates shared their AbilityOne story through Hometown Radio interviews held during the first day of the conference. It was an impor-tant feature of the conference as it provided the advocates an opportunity to practice sharing and structuring their personal story. More importantly, Hometown Radio provided an oppor-tunity for multiple AbilityOne stories to air across the U.S. in local markets, reaching the ears of influential people who would be apt to support the program but were not in Washington, D.C. during the June conference.

Preparation for the ‘Stories’Before the AbilityOne advocates stepped

foot on Capitol Hill, they spent time in informational training sessions through-out day one of the conference to learn about the issues to be discussed with respective Members of Congress. This year, the Grassroots Conference centered on providing representatives with an idea of the importance of the AbilityOne Program through the story of the AbilityOne advocates.

The “Telling Your AbilityOne Story” sessions, led by NISH Board member and AbilityOne employee Tom Miller and former NISH Board member Paul Stabile were dedicated to teach the AbilityOne advocates how to share their personal stories on the Hill. Abandoning a lecture-like atmosphere, Miller and Stabile opened the session with group activities allowing for transitions into group discussions and learning.

The session began with an icebreaker activity. Unlike many icebreak-ers frequently used in office or party settings, the advocates were asked to take off their shoes and find someone else in the room that did not have the same type shoe. Their “sole mates” would

become their partner for the session. Once the advocates found their partners, they were placed into small, two-person teams.

Much of the training focused on discus-sion related to what the self-advocates

identified as most valued in their lives. Typical answers included: ‘my job, my family, and my health.’ The advocates openly discussed the impact of their AbilityOne jobs on their lives as well as the importance of the program’s success. The advocates agreed that their AbilityOne jobs played important roles in fulfilling what was most important to them.

The activities conducted during the training session were opportunities

Grassroots Advocacy

Louie RiveraBobby Dodd Institute

Michelle HensleyUnited Cerebral Palsy

Milton Canty Didlake, Inc.

Neil Colomac Skookum

Patricia Cruz Job Options, Inc.

Patrick Haight Tommy Nobis Enterprises

Ramon Thibodeaux Toolworks

Rebecca Hardin New Leaf, Inc.

Rodney Yamada The Arc of Hilo

Ron Devine Knox County ARC

Rosemary Perez Tresco, Inc.

Sandra Shade Human Technologies Corporation

Scott Noell BH Services, Inc.

Steven Blunt Eggleston Services

Tabatha Neller Peckham, Inc.

Tom Ingoldsby ServiceSource

Victor Prassel Goodwill Industries of San Antonio

William Gould Pathways, Inc.

William Totten OE Enterprises, Inc.

Grassroots Advocacy Continued on Page 12

NISH Board member Tom Miller and Paul Stabile abandoned the lecture-like atmosphere to help self-advocates acquire skills to tell their stories on the Hill.

During a training session, self-advocates were asked to take off their shoes and find someone else in the room that did not have the same type shoe.

for the advocates to shape and practice personal AbilityOne stories for deliv-ery to Congressional Members on the Hill. Additionally, the session provided AbilityOne advocates with the tools to express to Members of Congress how important the AbilityOne was to sustaining what is important—their jobs, families and health.

Explore the IssuesSelf-advocates trained to become familiar with the current legislative issues on Capitol Hill to rally support from Members of Congress in their local districts. The two main talking points during these visits were related to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program.

The first issue, related to the Workforce Invest Act (WIA) reauthorization proposal, is important to the disabil-ity community and NISH because it improves, aligns and coordinates employment, education, training and vocational rehabilitation services for employees with significant disabilities. Senators Murray (D-ME), Harkin (D-IA), Enzi (R-WY) and Isakson (R-GA) have been working over the past two years, in a bi-partisan effort, to renew and improve the WIA.

AbilityOne Program employees told their stories during meetings with Members of Congress to: � stress the importance of

encouraging the Senate HELP Committee to reschedule a late June

markup until after the August recess so the disability community can review and recommend changes to this critical act.

� ask members to reinforce with the Senate HELP Committee the changes identified by NISH to ensure individuals with significant disabilities continue to be afforded meaningful employment opportunities.

The second issue was associated with the issuance of a notice of proposed rule making by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would prohibit home- and community-based settings (HCBS) from being located on the campus of a facility that provides institutional treatment or custodial care. The proposal would also prohibit housing complexes designed for persons with disabilities to qualify as “home- and community-based settings.

The goal of the Medicaid HCBS Waiver Program is to integrate people in the social mainstream with equal opportunities allowing them to make

individual choices and NISH supports this effort. As an active representa-tive of the disability community, NISH’s concern is the proposed changes to HCBS settings and person-centered planning are ambigu-ous and broad and may have unintended consequences for the nonprofit agencies

that currently provide employ-ment support services to Medicaid beneficiaries. In addition, states may misinterpret the guidance to withhold HCBS waiver funding from NPAs supporting individuals with signifi-cant disabilities.

Members of Congress were asked to encourage the CMS to ensure that final Medicaid HBS Waiver Program regula-tions do not limit choices available through the person-centered planning process or otherwise result in loss of necessary services or supports for individuals with disabilities based on individual needs. H

Grassroots Advocacy

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Grassroots Advocacy Continued from Page 11

Although they have played an active role in adding opportunities to the Procurement List (PL), their influ-ence has stretched beyond expanding the program to promoting an even more harmonious work environment. “They are definitely catalysts ‘behind the scene,’” said Cantwell in regards to their added efforts. “Throughout their tenure with GSA, they have promoted the value of AbilityOne.”

For this and more, NISH and AbilityOne want to thank Peggy Cobb and Dara Lamb for all of their dedica-tion and support. H

Comments regarding AbilityOne Procurement Champion articles and nominations can be addressed to Rachel Crowell, marketing specialist, at [email protected].

Procurement Champion Continued from Page 11

AbilityOne self-advocates (right and

below) met with Members of Congress

within their local districts to discuss

issues pertinent to the disability community.

CRS Study Questions Costs, Sustainability of CLASS Program; RWJF Report Suggests Sustainability ImprovementsA Congressional Research Service (CRS) study released on May 13 has called into question whether the new federally-sponsored long-term care/disability income program, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, is sustainable based on the program’s design and potential costs. The CRS concluded that as currently designed, the program could encounter significant adverse selection issues.

CLASS was enacted in March of 2010 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The statute gave implementing author-ity to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which delegated it to its Administration on Aging (AOA). By statutory design, the program allows employers to automatically enroll workers (who may opt out) in a private long-term care/disability income program that would pay a daily cash benefit should the program participant become unable to perform an activity of daily living (ADL) after at least five years of working and paying premium into the program.

HHS and AOA are responsible for program design features, including those that will determine the amount of monthly premium program partici-pants will have to pay, and the level of daily cash benefit the program will deliver. By statutory requirement, premiums will have to be actuarially sound—i.e., high enough to pay all program benefits without funding

from any other source. Eligibility rules will also be determined by HHS/AOA regulations.

Among the program’s elements that are raising cost and sustainability concerns are the guaranteed issue rules combined with the fact that participation in the program is volun-tary. These rules prevent the program from denying participation based on preexisting conditions, but allow healthy and low-risk workers to opt out of participation. The combination of these two elements could lead to significant adverse selection, the CRS report concluded. Adverse selec-tion means the pool of participants funding the program are more likely to draw benefits from it, thus driving up the program’s costs because of a paucity of younger, healthier participants who are unlikely to claim program benefits. Participation by people unlikely to claim benefits tends to lower program costs.

The CRS report said, “It is anticipated that adverse selection would likely lead to higher than average premi-ums and further reduce demand for the CLASS program among young and healthy individuals. At the same time, other design features such as a low minimum earnings requirement, subsidized premiums for the poor, and potential gaming of the system may likely exacerbate the adverse selection problem.”

The CRS report noted that the long-term care needs the CLASS program is designed to meet will increase over the next three decades. These needs can “far exceed the financial resources of people needing the service,” the report stated. The report also noted the limited scope of Medicaid and

Medicare in meeting the population’s long-term care needs. Further, the report said, only 10 percent of people age 50 and older carry private long-term care insurance.

“Because the CLASS program is expected to be funded entirely by premium contributions, its solvency will depend primarily on the extent of participation by workers, especially those who are young and in good health,” the CRS report concluded. The CRS estimated 3.5 percent of the adult population would participate in CLASS.

CLASS was designed to provide some of the same benefits as exist-ing long term care insurance. It is intended to be much more widely utilized than existing insurance because the CLASS premiums would be lower. These are estimated at about $125 a month, compared to an average of about $184 a month for private policies. Also, unlike existing long term care insur-ance, CLASS premiums could not be adjusted for preexisting health conditions, and persons below the poverty level would be charged a premium of $5 a month.

The expected daily benefits under CLASS of $50-$75 a day would be less than those of private policies which may pay $150 a day. The CLASS benefits would probably not be sufficient to cover all the costs of long term care facilities, but might be sufficient to cover medical and non-medical expenses costs of home health care. CLASS benefits would be available to persons unable to perform two or more Activities of Daily Living.

July 2011 | 13

By Tony Young, senior public policy strategist, and Danea M. Kehoe, Esq.

View from

The Federal Insight

View from Washington Continued on Page 20

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The Federal Insight

14 | NISH WORKPLACE

Base Operations Support ServiceDirectorate of Public Works (DPW)Directorate of Logistics (DOL)330 Engineer AvenueCarlisle BarracksCarlisle, PADepartment of the ArmyXR W6BA ACA NRCCFort Eustis, VAContracting Specialist: Dascine DrumgoldFort Eustis, VA • (757) 878-3166Nonprofit Agency: The Chimes, Inc.Baltimore, MD

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)888 First Street, NE, Washington, DCDepartment of EnergyRegulatory CommissionWashington, DCContracting Officer: Shirley Ruiz-LundgrenWashington, DC •(202) 502-8060

Nonprofit Agencies: ServiceSource, Inc.Alexandria, VA (Prime Contractor) Sheltered Occupational Center of Northern Virginia, Inc.Arlington, VA Able Forces, Inc.Front Royal, VA (Subcontractor)

Mark Center CampusWashington Headquarters Services4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VADepartment of Defense - Acquisition DirectorateWashington Headquarters ServicesWashington, DCContracting Officer: Alvina WoodsonWashington, DC • (703) 693-3950Nonprofit Agencies: ServiceSource, Inc.Alexandria, VA (Prime)CW Resources, Inc.New Britain, CT (Subcontractor)Able Forces, Inc.Front Royal, VA (Subcontractor)

Department of LogisticsFort George G. Meade, MDDepartment of the ArmyW6QM FT Eustis Contract Center , Fort Eustis, VAContracting Specialist: Linda OttFort Eustis, VANonprofit Agency: Skookum Educational ProgramsBremerton, WA

Department of Public WorksFort George G. Meade, MDDepartment of the ArmyW6QM Ft. Eustis Contract Center, Fort Eustis, VAContracting Officer: Donna HullFort Eustis, VA • (757) 878-3166Nonprofit Agency: Melwood Horticultural Training CenterUpper Marlboro, MD

Procurement List Continued on Page 19

NISH East Region Recognizes Searle and Edgar for Contributions to AbilityOne® ProgramThe NISH East Region recognized Lt. Col. David Searle and Suzanne Edgar of Joint Base McGuire, Dix and Lakehurst (JB-MDL) in late April for their contri-butions to the creation of employment opportunities for people with disabilities with the presentation of AbilityOne® Procurement Champion awards.

The presentation was held at McGuire Air Force Base and was attended by Lt. Col Peter Nigro Jr, Deputy Commander 87th Mission Support Group; previous AbilityOne Procurement Champion award recipient Lidija

Erazo and members of the staff of Pride Industries. Lt. Col. Searle

expressed how much the awards meant to him and Ms. Edgar and how proud they are to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of others by working with the AbilityOne® Program.

John Huff, deputy direc-tor of the East Region, thanked Lt. Col. Searle and Ms. Edgar for their efforts in awarding a contract that serves

as a model for how far the AbilityOne Program has come in providing technically

complex services to our federal customers. H

Pictured from left to right: Becky Wright-Brizee, NISH East Region Business Development director; John Huff, NISH East Region deputy director; Suzanne Edgar, chief, Acquisition and Infrastructure 87th CONS; Lt. Col David Searle, 87th Contracting Squadron commander; Lt. Col Peter Nigro Jr, deputy commander 87th Mission Support Group and Lidija Erazo director, Business Operations.

Procurement List Additions Services

July 2011 | 15

PUBLIC POLICYCORNER

The Federal Insight

In May and June 2011, several reports were released that warn about changes to the Medicaid program that will reduce access to health care for people with significant disabilities. The adverse effects derive from a number of different changes and developments, but taken together they warn of a serious challenges imminently facing those who rely on the joint federal-state program for their health and long term care needs.

States’ officials report: On June 2, the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) and the National Governors Association (NGA) released a report that shows almost all states are planning to reduce Medicaid spend-ing in fiscal year (FY) 2012. States are beginning to recover economically, the report says, but continue to face the need to trim spending. Most are considering cuts to Medicaid provider payments. Cuts in provider payments typically result in barriers to access as doctors, nurses, hospitals, community-based health care centers, clinics and other providers begin to decline to provide care to Medicaid beneficiaries.

One factor that is exacerbating this problem, the NASBO/NGA report finds, is the end of extra Medicaid funding provided by the 2009 Ameri-can Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Those funds end as of the beginning of FY 2012—for most states, that means July 1, 2011.

The report outlines what the states are considering for FY 2012: almost two thirds (33) are considering proposals to

reduce provider payment rates. Another 16 have proposed freezing provider reimbursements. Half the states will limit benefits provided through the Medicaid proposal. Limits on spending for prescription drugs (27 states) and increased copayment requirements (21) are also on state agendas.

These cut-backs in Medicaid would be on top of cuts already put in place in FY 2011. For example, the report says, there were provider cuts in 24 states and in 15 states rates were frozen—and this was during a year when ARRA funds were in place. Plus, 12 states planned a provider tax and/or fee increase.

On top of these cuts, the report went on, states are planning for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) “maintenance of effort” (MOE) requirements. Under the MOE rules, states have to keep the same (or better) Medicaid eligibility rules that were in place when PPACA was enacted in March, 2010. (H.R.1683, a bill approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on May 12, is now awaiting a vote on the House floor. However, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate.)

Families USA report: On May 12, Families USA released a report that listed the currently-pending challenges to Medicaid that could hurt the 44.6 percent of all people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid for their health and long-term care needs. Titled “Harming Seniors and People with Disabilities Who Need Long Term

Care,” the report noted that Medic-aid is the primary payer for about 64 percent of all nursing home residents. It also reported that 2.8 million seniors and people with disabilities receive Medicaid services that permit them to remain in their homes rather than having to move into an institution.

The Families USA report includes among the proposals that could adversely affect these people:

� Efforts to eliminate PPACA’s MOE rules

� Conversion of Medicaid into a block grant system

� Spending caps that would force drastic cuts in Medicaid spending

“Cutting Medicaid would devastate seniors and people with disabilities,” Families USA director Ron Pollack said in explaining the report. “It would also cause havoc in families’ lives as more and more people are forced to give up jobs to take care of their loved ones.”

Consulting firm report: On May 31, consulting firm Avalere Health released an analysis that shows the House GOP budget would have a disproportionally adverse impact on people with significant disabilities who live in conservative states. The Avalere analysis said the House GOP budget’s proposed Medicaid changes could mean drops in Medicaid funding in states with tighter eligibility rules (and thus facing less challenging MOE requirements) of 20 to 30 percent over the next 10 years.

Studies Warn Medicaid Changes Will Affect People with DisabilitiesBy Tony Young, senior public policy strategist

July 2011 | 15

Public Policy Continued on Page 18


16 | NISH WORKPLACE

Challenge Enterprises Ventures into Most Rewarding Opportunity to Date

Since starting its first AbilityOne® project at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. in 1988, Challenge Enterprises of North Florida Inc. has developed a variety of reward-ing business lines. Last October, the NISH-affiliated nonprofit agency, ventured into what may very well be its most challenging yet rewarding opportunity to date—loading provi-sions aboard U. S. Navy warships at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.

As part of an AbilityOne national shipboard provisioning and logistics contract serving the fleet at six U. S. Navy homeports around the country, the Challenge Enterprises team unloads frozen, chilled and dry goods from pier side trucks and stores them onboard ships to be consumed by the ships’ crew.

For the 26 ships home ported at Mayport, provision services are normally scheduled 72 hours in advance. But occasionally, changing fleet priorities and mission assign-ments require more immediate services that challenge the manage-ment team to meet the demand.

“When schedules change, our workers respond accordingly because they know how important the work is.” says Charles Slocumb, project manager for the Challenge Enter-prises shipboard provisions team.

Understanding the importance of his work certainly holds true for program

participant Anthony Cook. Prior to gaining employment on the shipboard logistics project, Cook worked as a dishwasher and, at one point, even waved signs on the street corner for a local tax preparation service. “I really feel good about myself and what I am accomplishing. When I see a Navy ship on the local news channel going out to sea, it brings chills through my body knowing that I was part of preparing that ship to go to sea.”

Since last October, the Challenge Enterprises staff has loaded more than 335,000 cases aboard a cumulative total of 378 ships requiring more than 17,000 hours to accomplish the work.

“The most challenging aspect of the job is when we provide full load-out services to deploying ships,” says Slocumb, whose workers recently spent a full weekend loading more than 4,000 cases aboard two ships within a few days of departing for an extended deployment overseas.

But the Challenge Enterprises’ provisions team doesn’t work alone on this impor-tant project. Shipboard provisioning services require a five-pronged coordi-nation and support effort between the Fleet Industrial Supply Center (FISC), Intra-Service Supply Support Operations Team (ISSOT), Naval Supply Center and the ultimate customer—the ships.

“Planning ahead is one of the challenges we all have and the ships sometimes have no control over when they come and go. We all work together to help them meet their mission,” says William Randolph, prime vendor operator, FISC Jacksonville.

From a command and control perspective, no one knows better about the challenges support-ing the fleet than Lt. Sherrin

Whiteman, Logistics support officer, Naval Station Mayport: “Every day is dynamic, with different obstacles, conflicting schedules and frequent disruption. Challenge Enterprises is assisting the Navy in achieving its overarching mission. The professional manner in which it is achieved is a credit to the organization.”

From a retired fleet sailors’ perspec-tive: “This project allows our employees to service the fleet from a proximity few projects offer,” says Jerry Proctor, vice president of Business Development. By day’s end, they know they’ve played an impor-tant role in the fleet’s mission. It doesn’t get any closer than this.”

For those employed on the project, the toughest part of the job is when all the ships are at sea and there’s no work to do. For the management team, it’s a time for catching up on administrative work and training. H

The Challenge Enterprises loading team assembles on the shipyard. Kendall Singletary, supervisor is pictured far left and Charles Slocumb is pictured far right.

Striking cases below decks (Navy terminology).

Challenge Enterprises employees unload a truck for ship provisioning services.

July 2011 | 17

18 | NISH WORKPLACE


Fedcap and Wildcat Agree to Merge Operations Fedcap, a NISH/AbilityOne®-producing nonprofit agency and Wildcat Service Corp. have announced their agreement to merge operations.

“As tough as the job market gets, it is always tougher for people with barriers. Unemployment is now 9.1 percent for the general population, but 12.1 percent for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and 15.6 percent among people with disabilities,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, who will lead the combined organization. “Today’s economy and job market require nimble and sophisticated organi-zations that can make the most of scarce resources to help people who have difficulty getting jobs even in the best of times.”

Fedcap, a 75-year-old nonprofit, and Wildcat, founded in 1972, provide job opportunities and resources for people with barriers to become economically independent. Both agencies are based in New York City.

Fedcap develops employment opportunities for vulnerable, under-employed populations such as children aging out of foster care, people with disabilities, and veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Fedcap programs encompass career tracks in facilities management, manufacturing, office skills, data entry/digital imaging, mailroom and messenger services, hospitality, and culinary arts.

Wildcat is renowned for pioneering work with ex-offenders, disconnected youth, public assistance recipients and unemployed individuals throughout New York City and for such innova-tions as the Wall Street Private/Public Partnership and the Neighborhood Improvement Program. Wildcat was among the first U.S. organizations

to adopt transitional employment as a fundamental workforce develop-ment strategy.

“Together we will offer a wider range of programs, career tracks and job opportunities to the people we serve and will be able to reach many more,” said Peter G. Samuels, Wildcat Chair. “This combination demonstrates strategic vision and good business sense, and sets an example in the non-profit world with the benefits that will be gained, lessons that will be learned and innovations that will be achieved.”

The combined entity will have operations in excess of $90 million and serve more than 9,000 people annually in more than 80 locations across New York City, throughout New Jersey and in Washington, D.C. Current Fedcap and Wildcat opera-tions will continue under the respec-tive company names and brands for the immediate future. The two agencies expect to combine opera-tions this month and complete a full merger by Oct. 1.

“Fedcap and Wildcat are an excel-lent fit in mission and in action, with complementary strengths in workforce development and common histories of forging cross-sector partnerships to build job opportuni-ties and drive economic develop-ment,” said Mark O’Donoghue, Fedcap’s Board of Directors Chair.

Fedcap, among the country’s largest preferred-source bidders for AbilityOne, NYSID and ACCSES NJ set-aside contracts, owns and actively expands competitive businesses expressly to employ people with barriers, and works with many public- and private-sector partners to foster additional job opportunities and economic development.

“Wildcat’s combination with Fedcap means more opportunities and brighter futures for the struc-turally unemployed,” said Mary Ellen Boyd, Wildcat President, who announced her retirement in January but will continue to provide support throughout the transition. “Our customers will see even better outcomes as we join Fedcap’s exten-sive book of business and training expertise together with Wildcat’s proven, business-driven job place-ment operations and innovative workforce development strategies.” H

Public Policy Continued on Page 15The adverse impact on the more conservative states’ Medicaid benefi-ciaries is a result of the proposal’s tying Medicaid spending to a formula that pays states on a per capita basis. “States already covering more people beyond the required Medicaid population would get more money from the federal government,” the analysis said. “States that have previously expanded their Medicaid population get to lock in (federal funding for) these people.”

The Avalere analysis of the budget proposal estimated that states would lose, on average, about 25 percent of their federal Medicaid funding. Currently, each state’s Medicaid program is approximately equally funded by the federal government and the state, although each state’s federal share varies, based on how much it pays for total Medicaid care.

These reports suggest that both the federal government and each of the 50 states will continue to grapple with both eligibility and funding issues surrounding Medicaid this year and in years to come. H


July 2011 | 19

Base Supply CenterRock Island Arsenal3154 Rodman AvenueRock Island, ILDepartment of the ArmySR W0K8 USA Rock Island Arsenal Rock Island, ILContracting Officer: Nancy SchnoorRock Island, IL • (309) 782-8073Nonprofit Agency: Association for Retarded Citizens of Rock Island County, Rock Island, IL

CustodialDonald J. Pease Federal Building143 West Liberty Street, Medina, OHGSA, Public Building ServiceProperty Management DivisionIndependence, OHContracting Specialist: Gina RockwoodNewington, NH • (603) 227-1445Nonprofit Agency: VGS, Inc.Cleveland, OH

U.S. Coast Guard Yard -- Curtis BayBaltimore, MDDepartment of Homeland SecurityU.S. Coast Guard, ELC, Baltimore, MD

Contracting Officer: Sue WiedmannBaltimore, MD • (410) 762-6502Nonprofit Agency: Melwood Horticultural Training CenterUpper Marlboro, MD

Food Service

U.S. Military Academy Preparatory SchoolWest Point, NYDepartment of the ArmyXR W6BA ACA West Point, West Point, NYContracting Officer: Denise ConklinWest Point, NY(845) 938-5102Nonprofit Agency: New Dynamics CorporationMiddletown, NY

Grounds MaintenanceHannah Houses & Adjacent Property157-159 Conception StreetMobile, ALGeneral Services Administration/Public Buildings ServiceProperty Management Contracts, Atlanta, GAContracting Officer: Betty DavisAtlanta, GA • (404) 331-3711Nonprofit Agency: GWI Services, Inc.Mobile, AL

HousekeepingIreland Army Community Hospital and Associated Clinics851 Ireland LoopFort Knox, KYDepartment of the ArmyXR W40M National Region Contract OfficeWashington, DCContracting Officer: David JohnsonWashington, DC • (202) 782-1250Nonprofit Agency: Professional Contract Services, Inc.Austin, TX

Mailroom Operations/Support ServicesInternal Revenue Service (IRS)290 North D StreetSan Bernardino, CADepartment of Treasury/Internal Revenue ServiceContracts & Acquisition Division National OfficeWashington, DC Contracting Officer: Edith BentonOxon Hill, MD • (202) 283-1105Nonprofit Agencies: ServiceSource, Inc.Alexandria, VA (Prime)Pacific Coast Community ServicesRichmond, CA (Subcontractor)

Procurement List Continued from Page 14

A contract with Impacto Protective Products Inc. specifies an order for 2,000 pairs of anti-vibration gloves for the U.S. Air Force. The gloves feature a special bladder of air placed at the palm, fingertips and the thumb that help absorb the shock from active power tools. It is a challenging but critical contract for the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center (JRC), which normally makes three-ring bingers and blue exam booklets commonly seen in schools.

In a world of major budget cuts and layoffs, the JRC is trying to get more creative. “You know the old saying, no risk, no reward. We took the risk, a very well thought out risk. It’s really paying off for us,” said David Moran,

JRC vocational services director.

Because the anti-vibration glove is more complex than binders and booklets, the center hired additional staff in an effort to pursue a new creative strategy. The JRC welcomed five new professional sewers with prospects of landing similar contracts in the future; a win-win for the center and those who took the job.

“There aren’t many sewers now, especially industrial sewers. There’s hardly any now” said Delvina Hines. In an age where machines produce almost every household and workplace item, the JFC expects their newly added insight to help create unique products.

Once this order is complete, the sewers will begin working on various products like elbow and forearm pads. At that point, they’ll bring in JRC AbilityOne® employees to teach them how to sew, allowing them to be a part of the process.

“We love the JRC clients and they’re fun to work with. It’s going to be fun to train with them” Hines said.

Moran asserts that the employment for the clients will help maximize their potential and boost their quality of life while helping the center give them a place to do it. “If you’re producing a product and being productive, it enhances self-esteem” Moran stated.


Outside the Box Continued on Page 22


20 | NISH WORKPLACE

The persons receiving benefits would have more flexibility to self direct the benefits than is available under many private policies, and unlike most private policies there would be no limit on the time for which CLASS benefits would be paid. Note that many private plans only pay benefits for five years.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that CLASS would reduce the federal deficit by $87 billion over a ten year period, primar-ily because the law requires a five year vesting period. This means that in the early years of the program, premiums will exceed payouts.

To improve financing of CLASS, the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation suggests:

� Lengthening the vesting period of

five years (including three years employment) to collect benefits. The report raised the period before participants could draw benefits to 10, 15 or 20 years as possibilities, recognizing that if the vesting period is too long it will dampen enrollment, and prevent most baby boomers from getting benefits;

� Adjusting premiums to discourage people from waiting until they are older to enroll;

� Requiring people to achieve a reasonable level of income before collecting benefits (as a way of screening out persons who are already disabled and unable to work steadily);

� Giving employers incentives to participate by covering their costs in collecting premiums;

� Indexing premiums to inflation.The SCAN report did not make specific suggestions, but includes

technical briefs with an in-depth analysis of issues involved in design-ing and administering a long term care program.

HHS and AOA are working on CLASS implementation, including ways to make the program solvent and affordable. AOA is explor-ing mechanisms for attracting a broad base of enrollees, partnering with employers to enroll employ-ees, tailoring benefits to align with individual needs, chang-ing the minimum earnings and employment requirements for the program, making sure people pay all required premiums, allowing re-enrollment without penalty, indexing premiums to inflation, and developing a robust anti-waste-fraud-abuse regulatory scheme.

HHS says it will designate a CLASS benefit plan by October 1, 2012. H

View from Washington Continued from Page 13

July 2011 | 21


Six nonprofit agencies (NPAs) from across the United States are partici-pating in the AmeriCorps Financial Support Services Program. The three-year pilot project partners the NISH Institute for Economic Empowerment (Institute), Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF) and the AmeriCorps Program to provide AbilityOne employees and other people with disabilities in the community financial literacy educa-tion at no cost. In the second year of the pilot project, the NPAs are seeing positive returns.

“Teaching someone how to manage the money they have is an even more sustainable path to financial security than handing them a wad of bills without any instruction on how to use it wisely” stated Benn Stebleton, volun-teer coordinator at Bayaud Enterprises, Inc., a Denver, Colo. NPA dedicated to providing employment and job training to people with disabilities and

other barriers to employment.

The goal of the partnership is simple—to provide individualized financial literacy education to lower income AbilityOne employees and other low-income individu-als with disabilities in their communities. The education ranges from how to create and utilize workable budgets, credit management, bank account creation, income tax preparation and benefits planning.

There are six NPAs participating in the program which include: Work Inc. in Boston, Mass.; Peckham Industries in Lansing, Mo.; Lakeview Center in Pensacola, Fla.; Center

Industries/BITCO in Wichita, Kan.; PROVAIL in Seattle, Wash. and

Bayaud Industries in Denver, Colo.

Despite the sites’ varying locations across the country, they all agree on one central

idea: it is not enough to provide a person with a disability with a job, but also about ensuring people with disabili-ties have the tools to achieve financial stabil-ity.

“Financial literacy is an important part of any

program serving low-income individuals. Giving them a paycheck is only a small part of solving their economic

problems” stated Stebleton. “Teaching them to get the maximum benefit from that paycheck is the only way to help them achieve short- and long-term goals, and eventually leave poverty.”

Financial literacy is critical to the AbilityOne workforce. In an unstable economy, Americans are facing hard times. People with significant disabili-ties also deal with similar financial issues, but many times—because of their disability or lack of infor-mation—they may be unaware of methods that may help alleviate the stress of current economy.

It is not uncommon for employees with disabilities, or any employee for that matter, to be unaware of tax refunds or credits they may be eligible to receive. Because the information is not readily available to those who may need refunds or credits the most, lower-income people with or without disabilities may rely on common misconceptions that hinder financial growth.

One common misconception, accord-ing to Bayaud Industries, is that any

NPAs Provide Financial Literacy Education to AbilityOne® EmployeesFitzroy Francis, intern, Corporate Communications, NISH

1,300 The number of AbilityOne employees given free tax

preparation aid and classes on self preparation during

the first year of the pilot project.

Financial Literacy Continued on Page 22

The Workplace Inclusive

22 | NISH WORKPLACE

form of paid employment will lead to an immediate ceasing of their SSI/SSDI payments. Similar misconcep-tions persist at the Lakeview Center.

“Individuals [at the Lakev-iew Center] worry that their cash benefit and healthcare benefits will be eliminated if they choose to go to work.

They are usually not aware of the work incentives that are in place that allow them to maximize their earnings and protect their health insur-ance,” stated Lisa Blood-worth, Benefits and Supports manager.

These misconceptions persist and the employees with disabilities are missing opportunities for additional income and a fuller life.

Financial literacy classes aim to dismantle the misconceptions, provide useful information and teach transferable skills. At Bayaud, the staff teaches classes to employ-ees during their lunch break, providing lunch as an incentive for program involvement. The curricu-lum ranges from classes covering basic investing, basic budgeting, credit, taxes and tax credit, and various others.

Meanwhile, Lakeview Center is doing more to reach out to participants by advertising their financial literacy classes in the form of financial education tips on their Web site and distributing program flyers to the community.

The program began with a pilot phase which lasted for one year.

During the first year of the pilot project, more than 1,300 AbilityOne employees were given free tax preparation aid and classes on self preparation. On average, the program’s tax preparation assis-

tance yielded $1,000 in tax credits and refunds.

Sites involved in the partnership

have collabo-rated with other NPAs and programs, such as United Way, to enhance

program offer-ings through increased access to additional financial service resources and benefits. Because of this program, NPAs are getting additional exposure in the

community and therefore are viewed as progressive organizations.

“We do participate in many local community events at which time we educate and inform the general public about the benefits of using AmeriCorps Financial Support Services versus other options,” noted Bloodworth. H

“Individuals [at the

Lakeview Center] worry

that their cash benefit and

healthcare benefits will be

eliminated if they choose

to go to work. They are

usually not aware of the

work incentives that are

in place that can allow

them to maximize their

earnings and protect their

health insurance.”

— Lisa Bloodworth Benefits and Supports Manager Lakeview Center

Currently, the JRC hopes to finalize a new contract with a company in Massachusetts. H

The Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, Headquartered in Watertown, NY, is a nonprofit corporation that provides educational services and training to people with developmental disabilities since 1954.

Over the last 20 years, Impacto Protec-tive Products Inc. has provided unique products featuring ergonomic work designs for worker safety products.

Outside the Box Continued from Page 19

Financial Literacy Continued from Page 21

July 2011 | 23


“Nadine,” a Goodwill

of Greater Washington

graduate and employee,

shared these words after

she recently received the

keys to her first apartment.

Why? Because Nadine

spent her life living on the

streets never having owned

a home, a car or anything

that required keys to open.

“I’ve never had a set of keys before, because I never had any doors to open.”

“Nadine,” a Goodwill of Greater Washington graduate and employee, shared these words after she recently received the keys to her first apart-ment. Why? Because Nadine spent her life living on the streets never having owned a home, a car or anything that required keys to open.

Nadine came to Goodwill in 2009 after spending most of her 45 years hustling drugs and abusing alcohol. While in the seventh grade, Nadine experienced the tragic death of her mother and dropped out of school only to begin living a life filled with anger. According to Nadine, she was a “mean person”; mean to everyone and everything. She has three gunshot wounds in the chest and a knife scar in her back to prove it.

However, one day after being released from prison, while sitting in a halfway house reflecting on her situation, Nadine began to cry uncontrolla-bly. She came to the realization that she needed to turn her life around. Nadine knew that if she remained on the path she was following, she would soon be dead.

After reading a flyer about one of Goodwill’s job training programs, Nadine picked up the phone and called. She credits that call with changing her life forever. Nadine enrolled in Goodwill’s environmental services training program in January 2009, graduated six weeks later, and shortly thereafter found employment with Goodwill working at an AbilityOne® contract site as a custodian.

Rather than living a life filled with anger, Nadine is now living a life filled

with “firsts.” She has her first full-time job. People call her by her name for the first time ever. Nadine has her first apartment, which she proudly pays for on the 25th of each month, even though rent isn’t due until the 1st of the month. But most importantly, Nadine says she is happy for the first time in her life.

Though Nadine’s story has a happy ending, her life could have ended very tragically like many people who simply lack the hope for a brighter future. Hope that comes from the dignity and self-respect that sustain-able employment can provide.

Nadine is a prime example of the mission of Goodwill of Greater Washington: To transform lives and communities through the power of education and employment. The AbilityOne® Program allows Goodwill the opportunity to transform Nadine’s life as well as the lives of many others. H

Transforming a Life Through the ‘First Set of Keys’

The Workplace Inclusive

24 | NISH WORKPLACE

AbilityOne® Program Success Story

AbilityOne Program Gives Former Police Detective a New Lease on LifeBy Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

As a police detective, Steve Olson knew the risks he faced every day. But one day those risks turned into reality and completely changed his life.

On a July day in 1991, Olson was pursuing armed robbery suspects who had suddenly stopped on a busy highway and were attempting to flee on foot. Just as he got out of his police car another vehicle struck him. Olson was seriously injured and rushed to the hospital. Over time, he endured more than 20 operations to his neck, back, knee and spine as doctors tried to repair the results of that fateful day.

Olsen tried to continue working at the police department but had to retire in 1995 due to his injuries. With his police career over, Olson wasn’t sure what do to or how much work he could do. He struggled with employ-ment for years. Then, in 2006, he applied as a truck driver for Norfolk,

Virginia-based Eggleston Services’ linen services division. Eggleston hired him – first as a temporary driver then as a full-time driver.

Today, Olson’s a laundry delivery driver servicing the AbilityOne customers at Fort Lee Army base near Petersburg, Va. He wears a bone graft stimulator around his neck to help fuse trans-planted bones in his neck and an electronic device implanted in his spine to help alleviate excruciating lower body pain. Despite all this he drives 85 miles each way, easily maneuvering laundry carts on and off the truck.

“Steve has had to endure enormous challenges from the accident and even though he has gone through years of pain, mental anguish and surgeries he can still focus on being an important part of a team working hard to please customers and deliver quality work,” said Tom Redmond, vice president

of marketing and development at Eggleston. “Steve quietly inspires others by the courage he shows working as hard and effectively as he does. Most people do not know the extent of his injuries and the physical and mental struggles he has had to endure because each day he works he displays a quiet, efficient and friendly demeanor.”

Those around Olson have noticed his efforts.

“Steve is always so courteous and helpful and such a positive person,” said Mary Vandevander, contracting officer’s representative for the Army at Fort Lee.

For Olson, who could have given up hope but never did, his job at Eggleston has helped make life worthwhile.

“The job here was my saving grace,” he said. “It helped me realize how much I could do, not focus on what I could not do.

“I’m grateful the [AbilityOne] program exists and that it is structured so that I can get things done through an employer and program that is mindful of my physical situation. The work is steady and challenges me without being overwhelming. It gives me the satisfaction of accomplishing something every day.”

According to Redmond, Olsen is so efficient on the job that he’s jokingly referred to as a “ghost” as he quickly moves through his work.

“He is an excellent example of how the AbilityOne Program can help people with significant disabilities find meaningful work,” Redmond said. “For customers, Steve’s efforts affirm the value of the AbilityOne Program.” H

Hats Off

26 | NISH WORKPLACE

NISH/AbilityOne Wins Two Awards in the 2011 Workability International Photographic Competition Congratulations to NISH/AbilityOne® for receiving two awards in the 2010 Workability International Photographic Competition. NISH/AbilityOne received awards for 1st Place and Highly Commened. The first place photo was selected out of 38 photos received from nine organizations representing: Asia, South America, USA, Australia, India & Nepal.

Judging criteria:The photo must ‘tell a story’ without the need for a caption The photo demonstrates people with disabilities in socially valued roles.

1st place (Winning photo): Andres Gonzalez: AbilityOne, USA

Judging comments for the winning photo included, “This image stood out for its very dramatic graphic composition. There is very connection with the subject, who is nicely framed by the truck cabins tilted forward. The use of shallow depth of field has also isolated the subject well from his surroundings. It is a technically strong image.”

2nd place:Chuk Yuen Integrated Work Centre, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, Hong Kong.“A very good image for the sheer joy on the face of the subject. The

subject is clearly happy in his work and proud of the job he does. The background is simple and the subject stands out well.”

3rd place:Achieve Australia, Australia.

“A great moment has been well captured. Composition is good and the bright colors in the image complement the bright expression on the faces of the subjects. The image has all of the same successful elements of this year’s second place getter.”

Highly commended:AbilityOne, USA

The judge commented, “A very well composed photograph in a difficult factory environment. The stacks in the background frame lead the eye to the subject. The out of focus elements in the foreground add an extra layer of depth to the photo.”

July 2011 | 27

Eyebrow HeadHats Off

Judging of the 2011 Workability International Photographic Competition:The photos were judged by Steve Lovegrove, founder and principal of Lovegrove Photography.Longrove has lived and worked all over Australia, as well as in New Zealand and Singapore. He recently returned to live in the beautiful island state of Tasmania. Longrove has more than 30 years experience as a working professional photographer, including commercial and advertising work, photography teaching, and wedding and portrait photography. Steve also volunteers for the photographic charity Heartfelt, which provides free services for the parents of critically ill children and stillborn babies. Among his many industry awards, he was recently awarded Tasmanian Portrait Photographer of the Year (2011) by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography.

President Obama Appoints Carl M. La Mell to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities President Barack Obama announced 15 new members appointed to the President’s Committee for People

with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID). Among the 15 members is Carl M. La Mell, President and CEO of Clearbrook, a service provider for individuals with developmental disabilities in Illinois.

The PCPID provides advice to the President and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, pertain-ing to programs and services for people with intellectual disabilities.

“Persons with disabilities deserve the same quality of life as all other individuals,” said David A. Hansell, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families. “I congratu-late Carl M. La Mell on his appoint-ment to the committee and I am confident that he will play an important role in making sure children and adults with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of commu-nity life.”

Since its inception, the PCPID has led the charge to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and uphold their right to independence, self-determination and full participation as productive members of society. As such, the PCPID promotes the expansion of educational opportunities, improved employment outcomes and full access to community living, among other goals.

La Mell previously held senior positions at Victor C. Neumann Association as Chief Financial Officer, Associate Executive Director and CEO. Most recently, he chaired the Finance Committee of the Illinois Statewide Early Intervention Task Force. He is also a member of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Illinois Department of Human Services State Task Force on Autism and the American Associa-tion of Intellectual and Developmen-tal Disabilities. La Mell is the past

recipient of various distinguished awards, including the Executive of the Year Award from the Illinois Associa-tion of Rehabilitation Facilities; the Community Leader of the Year Award given by the City of Rolling Meadows and the Claude D. Pepper Distin-guished Service Award. La Mell holds a B.S. from DePaul University.

Congratulations to Employee of the Year Wanda Bell

Wanda Bell, chief cook at the Camp Allen U.S. Marine Corps galley, received the 2010 Employee of the Year Award from Sodexo. Bell is an employee with Eggleston Services located in Norfolk, Va. As a subcontractor to Sodexho, Eggleston provides monthly, full food service operations for nearly 8,000 Marines.

Bell was previously recognized for her sustained superior performance, having been selected from more than 300 nominees spanning 10 locations as Sodexho’s employee of the quarter for second quarter of this year. After reviewing the submissions and accomplishments of the four quarterly winners, Bell again stood tall and was selected as the annual award recipient. A true source of inspiration, demonstrating professionalism and team work on a daily basis, Bell personifies excellence in action. H

NISH

WorkplaceNISH8401 Old Courthouse RoadVienna, VA 22182

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Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDReston, VA

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NISH Training Calendar

NISH offers a wide range of training opportunities through the NISH Academy for Leadership, Performance & Development. For more information, to request a 2011 training calendar or to register for courses, please contact the NISH Training Team at 571/226-4660 or visit the NISH Web site at www.nish.org.

NISH MissionNISH creates employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities.

August 2-4 Nonprofit Management Best Practices Seattle, WA

August 9-10 NEW: Increasing Productivity Baltimore, MD

August 9 NEW: Green Cleaning Atlanta, GA

August 10-11 Situational Leadership Austin, TX

August 16 CCS Prop/Pricing Indianapolis, IN

August 16-18 Federal Compliance Arlington, VA

August 16-18 Energy Management and Controls Vienna, VA

August 17-18 Federal Government Contract Pricing Chicago, IL

August 23-24 Customized Employment Virginia Beach, VA

August 23-25 Leadership: Great Leaders Buffalo, NY

August 24-25 Managing AbilityOne Contract San Francisco, CA

August 24-25 Foundations of Quality Seattle, WA

August 30-31 Time Studies Atlanta, GA

August 30-31 OSHA St. Paul, MN

AUGUST

Documents

Workplace July 2011