The U.S. AbilityOne Commission is requesting public feedback by March 15, 2023 for three draft Compliance policies related to the AbilityOne® Program, one of the largest providers of training and jobs for people who are blind or “have significant disabilities.” This Commission, an independent Federal agency, administers the career program and has “designated National Industries for the Blind and Source America® as central nonprofit agencies to manage its operations across the nation.
The new draft policies address the:
– AbilityOne Compliance Program: This statement establishes the approach for compliance of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission for nonprofit organizations participating in the AbilityOne Program.
– Documentation of Initial Evaluation Eligibility on the Basis of Blindness or Significant Disability: This component sets forth requirements for the nonprofit organization’s “direct hour ratio of people who are blind or have significant disabilities in the workforce” in order to quality in the AbilityOne Program. It also outlines requirements for documentation, evaluation, and oversight of activities.
– Job Customizations, Person-Centered Employment Plans, and Career Advancement Programs: This section explains expectations on procedures for developing employees and applies to the Commission and the nonprofit organizations involved.
For more details, check the AbilityOne webpage on the Draft Compliance Policies. Feedback on the draft policies should be submitted to [email protected].
