ADVOCACY
Together, AEAW is educating and influencing federal policymakers to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in America’s workforce.
Policy Strategy 1
Modernize the AbilityOne Program
The AbilityOne Program is the nation’s largest source of employment for people with disabilities – but it hasn’t been updated or expanded since the 1970s. AEAW seeks to build on the strengths of this hallmark legislation and expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the context of today’s workforce.
A female black employee with Down syndrome wearing a white colored tee-shirt stands in the center of a hardware store aisle, smiling directly at the camera.
A woman with dark hair and glasses, wearing a heather gray shirt, uses a power chair at an office pizza party. She is smiling directly at the camera.
Policy Strategy 2
PROCUREMENT
WITH A PURPOSE
The federal government and its contractors represent immense purchasing and hiring power — and also a lever for reducing un- or under-employment of people with disabilities. AEAW advocates for stronger incentives for the federal government to empower people with disabilities by procuring their goods and services.
POLICY Strategy 3
EXPAND AMERICA’S WORKFORCE
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. AEAW is expanding access and choice for people with disabilities by taking a holistic approach to championing needle-moving partnerships, policies and programs.
A white male employee with Down syndrome, wearing a headset and a reflective safety vest smiles at the camera. He is working in a warehouse environment.
Policy resources
Success Story
Life has no limitations except the ones you make
Katie Galloway’s life was forever changed following a 2013 car accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down...
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Success Story
Nick White
Throughout his 27 years at Eggleston, Nick White has overcome numerous obstacles and taken on new challenges that he never could have previously imagined.
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Success Story
My Answer is Always Yes
As a foreman at the Navy Yard, Antjuane Bridgers has not only taken on new responsibilities in his career but has gone out of his way to help others succeed.
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