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SourceAmerica Advocates for Enhanced Disability Employment

In a significant event to enhance disability employment opportunities, SourceAmerica gathered 64 self-advocates alongside numerous nonprofit leaders in Washington, D.C. This assembly marked the 2026 Grassroots Advocacy Conference, a pivotal gathering aimed at promoting the goals of the AbilityOne Program, which connects individuals with disabilities, including veterans, to employment across a vast network of nonprofit agencies. During the conference, 207 meetings were held with various members of Congress to advocate for expanded job opportunities for those with disabilities.

A United Front for Change

The conference, held from September 14-17, 2026, drew a crowd of 258 participants, including 64 direct job seekers with disabilities, or self-advocates, representing 35 states and territories. These individuals shared powerful success stories about how their employment through the AbilityOne Program has significantly impacted their lives. Among the notable speakers was Brian Patchett, a member of the National Council on Disability (NCD), and Julie Hocker, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, who served as the keynote speaker.

During her address, Hocker provided insights into the current employment landscape for Americans with disabilities, highlighting that approximately 6.7 million individuals with disabilities are employed in the U.S. today. Hocker praised the attendees, emphasizing their roles in fostering job opportunities: "You are the ones training and supporting job seekers and workers. You are the ones turning capabilities into careers. The victories that we are seeing belong to you."

The Impact of Self-Advocacy

The essence of the conference revolved around the ability of self-advocates to shape policies that affect their future. Richard Belden, the president, and CEO of SourceAmerica stated, "This year's conference reaffirmed why our self-advocates' voices matter most in shaping the policies that determine their futures." Such sentiments resonate deeply in the context of the advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing the AbilityOne Program.

The conference also included a segment titled "Celebration of Stories," where attendees, including self-advocates like Zane Sanford, shared their personal employment journeys. Their heartfelt testimonies underscored the tangible impacts of the AbilityOne Program on their lives and offered inspiration for continued advocacy efforts.

Legislative Engagement

Members of Congress and their legislative staff attended a Disability Employment Educational Fair organized by SourceAmerica on Capitol Hill. This event displayed products made by AbilityOne employees, such as the cargo net from TAC Industries and the enhanced combat shelter from ORC Industries. These demonstrations not only highlighted the capabilities of individuals with disabilities but also showcased their contributions to essential products that support national military and commercial needs.

The engaging discussions and networking at the conference reiterated the crucial role of legislative support in enhancing the AbilityOne Program's effectiveness. By facilitating connections between self-advocates and policymakers, SourceAmerica aims to foster an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities have greater access to meaningful employment.

Conclusion

In reflection of the 2026 Grassroots Advocacy Conference, SourceAmerica continues to take a leadership role in advocating for the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities within the workforce. As the nation addresses the challenges and barriers faced by this community, the collective efforts at the conference showed promise for a future where inclusive employment becomes the norm. For more information and to support these initiatives, visit SourceAmerica's website.