CHICAGO – In an effort to support U.S. personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Chicago Lighthouse and Ability One are partnering with the Army Contracting Command-Rock Island (ACC-RI) to create several positions for people with visual impairments who will provide a broad array of contract management services.

Starting September 15th, seven contract specialists and two warehouse personnel began work through The Lighthouse.  These nine employees have joined 25 government employees to handle inventory, close and store the contracts.

“Assuming the mission that previously worked in San Antonio, Texas, ACC-RI is now responsible for closing out all contracts awarded in Iraq and Afghanistan under contingency contracting provisions,” explained Joan F.S. Wysoske, CPCM, chief, reachback closeouts with the Army Contracting Command in Rock Island.  “Since we anticipate having to handle approximately 120,000 contract files with more expected, we felt it was necessary to reach out to Ability One to provide additional personnel.” 

She pointed out that Ability One was contacted to provide these services under the mantle of the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, a public law that directs the federal government to purchase certain products and services furnished by nonprofit agencies employing individuals who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
Further synergy was achieved when The Lighthouse worked with the Community Based Warrior Transition Unit - Illinois (CBWTU-IL), located on Rock Island Arsenal, to interview and hire two warehouse personnel from among the CBWTU-IL.

The contract management services provided by Ability One and The Chicago Lighthouse include the closeout of contracts.  The closeout mission confirms that goods or services were received, the contractor paid and all excess monies are removed from the contract and returned to the funding officials.
Noting the exceptionally high unemployment rate of 75% among people who are blind or visually impaired, Lighthouse President Dr. Janet Szlyk expressed her appreciation to the U.S. Army for making this opportunity available.

“We are very pleased to partner with Ability One and the United States Army to extend employment to several individuals who are visually impaired,” she stated.  “We are confident that all these workers will perform their tasks exceptionally well.”

Dr. Szlyk also saluted her Lighthouse colleagues Terry Longo, Sheila Perkins and Jeanette Bonzani, for their tireless efforts in launching the new initiative.

The Ability One Program is the single largest employment source for Americans with disabilities, providing more than 47,000 job opportunities nationwide.  At the same time, the Ability One Program delivers quality product and service solutions to federal customers, and is an important part of the U.S. military industrial base.

The Chicago Lighthouse, whose credo is “Because there is still hope,” was founded in 1906.  Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent vision care and rehabilitation program in the U.S.; a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities; a world class employment services program; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station.
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