#USA #Grapevine, Texas #SourceAmerica #Disability Employment #AbilityOne

SourceAmerica’s 2026 Achievement Awards Honor Disability Employment Leaders

On May 20, 2026, SourceAmerica®, the recognized national nonprofit driving the AbilityOne® Program, celebrated remarkable achievements in disability employment during its annual Xforce Conference held in Grapevine, Texas. The 2026 Achievement Awards distinguished various individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to advancing job opportunities for people with disabilities across the nation.

This year’s awards highlighted the invaluable impact that local leaders and initiatives can have on the workforce. Notable honors included:

• - Irving Middleton, from Palmetto Goodwill Services, who received the Tom Miller Advocacy Award for his outstanding self-advocacy efforts.
• - Beacon Group employees at Jim Click Automotive, recognized with the Business Partnership Award for their exceptional collaboration in increasing job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• - Lindsey Stong, an employee at Phoenix, honored with the Government Contracts Award for her notable contributions to the AbilityOne contract performance.

According to Richard Belden, President and CEO of SourceAmerica, “This year's honorees underscore how valuable meaningful employment opportunities can be for workers with disabilities, and the significant impact these workers have on our nation's economy.” The awards represent not only personal achievements but also the collective innovation and commitment required to enhance disability employment.

Presently, the unemployment rate remains disproportionately higher for individuals with disabilities, approximately twice that of their non-disabled peers. However, the winners of this year’s awards serve as powerful role models, demonstrating the positive effects that meaningful employment can have not only on the employees but also on the businesses and communities that advocate for inclusivity. The night served as a reminder of the ongoing need for dedicated efforts to dismantle barriers to employment.

Among the various accolades were specific awards acknowledging excellence in different areas:

• - William M. Usdane Award for outstanding achievement: Derek Point of Melwood, Upper Marlboro, Md.
• - Evelyne Villines Award for advancement into management: Italy Turner, Goodwill Industries of North Georgia, Decatur, Ga.
• - Honor Roll for Veterans Award highlighting military achievements: Valentino Corbett, PRIDE Industries, Dothan, Ala.

The Achievement Awards also showcased the essential roles of nonprofit organizations. The Government Contracts Award went to the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., emphasizing excellence in managing AbilityOne contracts. Furthermore, ARS, Inc., located in Pasadena, California, accepted the Quality Excellence Award for their exemplary performance and customer satisfaction.

Collaboration was a central theme of the awards, with businesses working hand-in-hand with nonprofit agencies to create and enhance job opportunities for people with disabilities. Through the Business Partnership Award, Jim Click Automotive was celebrated for its partnership with Beacon Group, reinforcing the importance of collaborative approaches in fostering inclusivity in the workplace.

As SourceAmerica continues to support advancements in disability employment, the focus remains on showcasing initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen the workforce. The work being done not only boosts the economy but significantly enhances the readiness of America’s workforce as a whole.

To learn more about SourceAmerica and the impactful work being done through the Achievement Awards, visit SourceAmerica.org. Follow them on social media to stay updated on future initiatives and how you can get involved in promoting inclusivity in the workplace.