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Shaw hosts picnic to show appreciation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 20th Fighter Wing hosted a picnic to recognize National AbilityOne month here Oct. 19 to show its appreciation for the program and the hard work of its employees.

AbilityOne provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe physical disabilities in the manufacture and delivery of products and services to the federal government, said Ms. Judith Croxton, 20th Contracting Squadron acquisition flight chief.

"We want to thank our AbilityOne employees for their support and service to (Shaw Air Force Base) and this picnic is a way to recognize their accomplishments," said Col. Jim Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander.

AbilityOne started in 1938 as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, which passed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program provides employment opportunities for disabled Americans by orchestrating government purchases of products and services provided by non-profit agencies employing such individuals throughout the country.

Shaw's AbilityOne contracts provide diversified employment for a portion of Sumter County's disabled citizens allowing them to earn a living when they may not be able to obtain a job, Ms. Croxton said.

The majority of the employees are from the Genisis Center and from the Sumter County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

There are also employees hired through the National Industries for the Blind.

The total AbilityOne contracts are valued in excess of $9 million and employ 226 disabled personnel, Ms. Croxton said.