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Austin Lighthouse for the Blind has been creating employment opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired since 1934. The nonprofit organization started out loom weaving mats and canning peaches that they then sold door-to-door within the neighborhoods of Austin, Texas.

For many, the sight of a SKILCRAFT® US Government Pen brings back memories. The trusty writing implement tucked in many a military pocket. The pen that numerous people first used to ink their enlistment papers for military service. A ubiquitous presence on the desks of those in the Federal government.
 
We know this staple of modern Americana by sight – the clean lines and utilitarian styling of this workhorse are iconic and easily recognizable – but for those who make it, the pen is instead recalled and remembered by touch and feel.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This month, facilitated by the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, focuses on increasing awareness of the ongoing need for job opportunities for Americans with disabilities.

For military families, being separated for weeks, months or even years at a time is the norm. Thanks to the USPS and the APO/FPO shipping system, it’s possible for friends and family to send packages to loved ones serving far away. This guide is to assist anyone shipping items to servicemen overseas, or anyone receiving items at military bases. We’ll cover the APO/FPO system right down to proper packaging and labeling. It’s easier and more affordable than you might think, for a little piece of home to reach a loved one serving our country.

The AbilityOne® Program, a federal government program that helps create jobs for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, is one of the largest sources of employment for these individuals nationwide. Many non-profits around the country work in support of the AbilityOne Program, and our spotlighted non-profit organization is North Central Sight Services, Inc. (NCSS). This agency is based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. NCSS provides blindness prevention education, vision screenings, services and employment to individuals in the communities of Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties.

As part of our series on preventing frustrated freight and ensuring items’ arrival to those who need them, the MIL-129 standard is a very important subject to us. We spoke directly to Elsie Noriega, Supervisory General Supply Specialist for GSA’s management team, about the importance of MIL-129 and how it addresses GSA concerns.

Frustrated freight (FF) is defined as any shipment or package which is stopped on the shipping chain before delivery. This is often due to a mislabeling, shipping error, missing item, or other miscommunication. Once delayed, the freight may never reach its ultimate destination. Freight traveling through CCPs or Consolidation and Containerization Points is especially vulnerable. CCPs are managed by the Department of Defense (DoD). It is very easy for packages traveling through CCPs to get set aside waiting for relabeling or reshipment. Additional time is then taken to track down and properly label frustrated packages and get them back on the chain if possible.

Mailing items overseas can be time-consuming, but APO/FPO shipping makes it much faster and easier. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind when shipping items through the military mailing system. In this article, we will explore the restrictions to be aware of when using this system.  CCPs can consume weeks or months of shipping time. Military mailboxes bypass them for faster, cheaper, and more secure shipping.

In order to mail items safely and securely through APO/FPO boxes, you’ll need to make sure that your package is properly labeled and packed. Improper labeling can cause the items to become frustrated. Those at military bases greatly depend on the items being delivered, and often wait many weeks or months for their arrival. Correct packing helps ensure that shipping will be more efficient and secure.

It may surprise you to hear this, but 7 out of 10 working-age Americans who are blind or visually impaired are not employed. Fortunately, thanks to the AbilityOne® Program, jobs are being created and maintained for individuals with limited or no vision. Non-profits across the country participate in the AbilityOne Program to make their mission of employment a reality in local communities throughout America. One of those nonprofits is Industries for the Blind based in Milwaukee, WI.