    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 11, 2008]
    [Pages 174-175]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Federal Support for the AbilityOne Program
    February 11, 2008

     Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

    Subject: Federal Support for the AbilityOne Program

        Americans with disabilities make valuable contributions to our
    country's workforce that help keep our Nation the world's economic
    leader. Expanding employment opportunities for these individuals will
    help ensure that our economy is drawing on the talents and creativity of
    all its citizens and that America remains a place of opportunity for
    all. Supporting the AbilityOne Program is one good way to achieve this
    goal.
        The AbilityOne Program (formerly the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program) is
    a Federal initiative that works with public and private organizations to
    generate employment opportunities for Americans who are blind or have
    other disabilities. Nearly 43,000 individuals work in more than 600
    community-based nonprofit agencies that serve people with a wide range
    of disabilities and sell products and services to the Federal Government
    through the AbilityOne Program.
        The AbilityOne Program has taken steps to embrace successful
    business practices, including e-commerce and performance-based
    contracting. Strong support from Federal customers is critical to
    fulfilling this important program's employment mission. Therefore, I
    encourage you to ensure that your agency's procurement officials acquire
    products and services provided by the AbilityOne Program, consistent
    with existing law.
        Additional information about the AbilityOne Program may be obtained
    by contacting the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or
    Severely Disabled or by visiting www.AbilityOne.gov.

                                                              George W. Bush

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