SourceAmerica Concludes National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a Call to Action for Future Growth

SourceAmerica Concludes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

SourceAmerica, a leading nonprofit organization managing the AbilityOne Program, has marked the conclusion of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2026 by reflecting on significant advancements and calling for persistent action to broaden employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

NDEAM celebrates its 81st anniversary, guided by the theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent," as proclaimed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. This theme emphasizes the invaluable contributions made by individuals with disabilities across various sectors.

Richard Belden, president and CEO of SourceAmerica, stated, "Eight decades after NDEAM was first recognized, individuals with disabilities consistently showcase their skills across industries, including critical manufacturing roles essential for delivering mission-critical, Made in America products to our federal government and military."

Positive Growth in Employment Rates

Between 2022 and 2025, the AbilityOne workforce within the SourceAmerica network experienced substantial growth, increasing from 32,652 to 37,407 employees. Concurrently, the average hourly wage for these employees saw a notable rise from $16.43 to $19.68. This growth underscores the organization’s commitment to enhancing employment conditions and opportunities.

Moreover, the AbilityOne Program sees an impressive statistic: over 98% of the products produced within SourceAmerica’s network are either completely Made in America or comply with the Trade Agreements Act, reflecting its dedication to quality and compliance in providing employment through federal contracts.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, as of 2025, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities stood at 8.3%, significantly higher than the 4.1% rate for those without disabilities. This highlights the ongoing barriers many face in securing meaningful employment.

Future Directions

In light of this, SourceAmerica’s national network of nonprofit agencies continues its mission to bridge the gap by connecting skilled individuals with disabilities to potential employers. Belden emphasizes, "Our efforts do not conclude with the end of October. The path forward involves ensuring that every talented job seeker with a disability gains access to significant employment opportunities."

As NDEAM comes to a close, SourceAmerica urges employers to maintain the momentum generated this month throughout the year. By collaborating with nonprofit organizations within SourceAmerica’s expansive network, companies can help create more meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Conclusion

To further explore and support this transformative initiative, readers can visit SourceAmerica.org for more information or connect through social media platforms such as Facebook, X.com (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn, where the organization actively shares updates and resources related to disability employment.

By fostering an inclusive work environment and promoting the talents of individuals with disabilities, society can benefit immensely from the diverse skills and perspectives they bring. With ongoing support and dedication, the goal of equitable employment for all can continually be advanced.