#United States #Washington, D.C. #Disability #SourceAmerica #AbilityOne

Celebrating Disability Employment at the Grassroots Advocacy Conference

In a significant gathering that took place in Washington, D.C., from September 14-17, 2026, around sixty self-advocates with disabilities, including veterans, convened to meet directly with lawmakers. This occasion was celebrated as part of SourceAmerica's annual Grassroots Advocacy Conference, drawing attention to the successes achieved through the AbilityOne Program.

The AbilityOne Program aims to address the stark employment gap faced by individuals with disabilities, with only 22.8% of this population employed compared to 65.2% of their non-disabled counterparts, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The conference was an ideal platform for self-advocates to share their personal experiences, emphasizing that with the right opportunities, individuals with disabilities can thrive in the workforce.

During the conference, participants narrated their success stories, underlining the positive economic impact of the AbilityOne Program. In FY25 alone, SourceAmerica's network paid out an impressive $822 million in wages to individuals working under AbilityOne contracts, contributing significantly to tax revenues and generating a notable return on investment. For each dollar spent managing the program, there’s an average return of $2.66, with some instances achieving an even higher ROI of $4.40.

Richard Belden, president and CEO of SourceAmerica, articulated the importance of the advocacy event, stating, "Each year, our Grassroots Advocacy Conference brings self-advocates face-to-face with the lawmakers who shape the policies affecting their lives and careers. Their stories are often the most persuasive in the room." This remark highlights the crucial engagement between self-advocates and lawmakers, which can lead to pivotal changes in employment policies and practices.

A focal point of the conference included an educational fair on Capitol Hill, which featured products made in America, spotlighting the relevance of domestic manufacturing in the context of employment for individuals with disabilities. Encouragingly, 91% of AbilityOne products produced within SourceAmerica's network are entirely made in America, and 98% of these products comply with national standards such as the Buy American Act.

The conference’s keynote speech by U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, Julie Hocker, further enriched the event. Her address centered on the transformative impact of meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the commitment of the federal sector to enhance job prospects for this community.

Self-advocates also partook in the "Celebration of Stories" segment, where they openly shared their journeys and the profound influence employment opportunities had on their lives, resonating with fellow attendees and emphasizing the importance of real-world experiences in advocacy.

The Grassroots Advocacy Conference serves as a beacon of hope and a crucial forum for stakeholders in the disability employment sector. By directly engaging with lawmakers, self-advocates can not only foster awareness regarding their challenges but also underscore the critical role they play in the economy. As SourceAmerica continues to champion the mission of increasing employment opportunities through the AbilityOne Program, the importance of such gatherings cannot be overstated, as they pave the way for legislative support and public understanding.

For further information on SourceAmerica and the Grassroots Advocacy Conference, interested parties can visit sourceamerica.org. This initiative continues to advocate for inclusive employment policies and strives for better integration of individuals with disabilities into the workforce, ultimately benefiting the economy and society at large.