(BPT) - The conversation surrounding American manufacturing has shifted as industries focus on strengthening domestic production, improving supply chain resilience and addressing persistent labor shortages. Overcoming those challenges requires more than just investment in infrastructure or technology; the solution requires investing in people.
While workforce participation has increased since the pandemic, it hasn't recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.7 million fewer Americans in the workforce than in February 2020, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Employers continue to search for dependable workers to help sustain production and meet growing demand. However, they're not leveraging an underutilized talent pool: people with disabilities. Expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities is an effective, proven way to help close the employment gap and bolster the American economy.
Through the AbilityOne® Program and SourceAmerica®'s nationwide network of nonprofit agencies, people with disabilities are already contributing essential manufacturing and service operations that support federal agencies and military installations across the country. AbilityOne federal contractors manufacture and deliver products essential to government operations, including military uniforms, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, food products and American flags, supporting nearly 150 military bases nationwide.
These efforts also reinforce broader federal priorities around domestic sourcing and supply chain stability. As of 2026, 94% of products produced through SourceAmerica's network are either Made in America or compliant with the Trade Agreements Act, while 88% of Procurement List items are made in the United States.
The strength of SourceAmerica's network goes beyond what it produces. Where and how the work is done is also significant. There are more than 300 nonprofit agencies with AbilityOne contracts located across all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. Together, the network employs more than 37,400 people with disabilities, including more than 2,700 veterans with disabilities.
It's a broad, community-based footprint that helps create reliable domestic production capacity, reduces dependence on overseas suppliers and delivers necessary services. These flexible services provide continuity across government operations, helping agencies respond to current and unforeseen needs. Typically, that means providing essential services that help day-to-day operations for federal customers. Sometimes, that means stepping up during an emergency. For example, people with disabilities working at a Peckham call center placed and answered more than 60,000 calls to support the Department of State's work to help Americans in the Middle East get out of harm's way.
The AbilityOne Program also delivers significant public value. For every dollar spent on administering it, the Program generates an average return of $2.66, with returns reaching as high as $4.40 per dollar spent. Employees with disabilities on AbilityOne contracts contribute an estimated $200 million annually in federal tax revenue, while helping reduce reliance on federal benefits programs by an estimated $191 million annually.
The network's impact goes deeper than operational success and increased production capacity — it can be seen on an individual level, positively impacting communities around the country. Take Valentino Corbett, who, after serving in the military and struggling with service-related disabilities, found stability and purpose at PRIDE Industries. In his civilian work, he supports the safety and security of a military base as a licensed locksmith. In his personal life, he organizes community initiatives: Toys for Tots drives, bike giveaways, highway cleanups and charity walks — demonstrating how employment opportunities can strengthen both individuals and their communities.
Despite workforce shortages nationwide, people with disabilities remain an underutilized talent pool. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 8.3%, more than double the 4.1% rate for people without disabilities. Additionally, 62% of working-age adults with disabilities are currently not employed.
Since these initiatives align with bipartisan priorities such as domestic manufacturing and supply chain security, policymakers have a unique opportunity to expand procurement pathways to enable domestic production by leveraging disability employment programs like AbilityOne.
America's modern workforce is skilled and collaborative, with people of all abilities working together to contribute meaningfully across advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology-enabled roles and skilled services. The nation's future is determined by utilizing the full strength of its workforce, with programs like AbilityOne demonstrating what is possible when opportunity, capability and national priorities come together.
