Seven Things You Didn't Know About SourceAmerica

By SourceAmerica Staff 08/10/2022
7 Things You Didn't Know About Source America

SourceAmerica® has created employment opportunities for people with disabilities for almost 50 years

In 1971, six national nonprofit agencies joined forces to expand the Wagner-O’Day Act, which required that all government agencies prioritize the purchasing of products to suppliers that employ individuals who are blind. The new act, called the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Act, expanded from individuals who are blind to include people with significant disabilities. It also allowed for the buying of both services and products. On June 26, 1974, SourceAmerica was founded as a national organization to provide technical assistance to AbilityOne® authorized providers participating in the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Program, (later renamed the AbilityOne® Program.)

The SourceAmerica network employs over 66,000 people with disabilities

SourceAmerica connects people with disabilities to career opportunities across the United States. Currently, our national network of nonprofit agencies employs more than 66,000 people with disabilities. Approximately 36,000 people with disabilities are employed on AbilityOne contracts and our employee base also includes more than 2,500 veterans. These talented individuals contribute to various federal and commercial agencies all throughout the nation. SourceAmerica continues its commitment to expanding job opportunities and connecting even more people with disabilities to employment choices.

There are over 575 nonprofit agencies in the SourceAmerica network

Of the more than 575 nonprofits, nearly 400 hold AbilityOne contracts that employ people with disabilities in our network. As one of two Central Nonprofit Agencies (CNAs) in the AbilityOne Program, along with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), we provide contract support, training, job boards, and various other resources to our nonprofits.

SourceAmerica has a Job Board for people with disabilities

The SourceAmerica Job Board connects people with disabilities to job opportunities and resources that match their skill sets.  It provides career matches, resume help and skill assessments.  It also offers many training opportunities, including software technology, business skills and workplace culture.  Potential employees can connect with mentors across the country in their desired industry to help guide their path to employment.

SourceAmerica has hosted more than 40 National Training and Achievement Conferences

SourceAmerica's first National Training Conference occurred in 1978 in St. Louis. Now known as Xforce, our national conference offers AbilityOne authorized providers in our network an opportunity to connect and receive training to better support their initiatives. In addition, our national awards program recognizes the outstanding contributions of both employers and employees that strive to create a truly inclusive workforce.

SourceAmerica is an expert in a wide range of business services and products

From call centers to administrative services to custodial, food services and more, SourceAmerica and its vast network of AbilityOne authorized providers provide a talented workforce that can fulfill many job functions. SourceAmerica also offers high-quality medical, office, and hardware supplies, as well as food products, processing, packaging and distribution.  With almost 50 years of experience, we are committed to providing exceptional solutions for both government and commercial clients across the United States. Check out our vast array of business lines.

SourceAmerica has a Speakers Bureau

The Speakers Bureau is filled with individuals with disabilities from across our network of AbilityOne authorized providers who are ready to share their experiences in the workplace. Our Speakers Bureau participants provide motivational first-hand accounts of the capabilities people with disabilities can bring to the workplace. If you’re hosting a virtual event and are interested in having one of our speakers join, contact us.

If you're interested in learning more about our network, please contact us at customerservice@sourceamerica.org.