The Times-Tribune
CORBIN —
Special to The Times-Tribune
The National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH) recently awarded a Certificate of Achievement to area manufacturer, Southeastern Kentucky Rehabilitations Industries, Inc (SEKRI).
The certificate was awarded for high standards of performance in providing products for the Federal Government under the Ability One Program. According to Robert Chamberlin, President and CEO of NISH, SEKRI received the certificate based on the following criteria: the length of time your Community Rehabilitation Program has had a product on the Procurement List; the consistent record of accurately fulfilling contracting requirements; the adherence to Ability One regulations; and the Procurement Agency’s overall evaluation of your contract performance. Chamberlin added, “your community rehabilitation program has excelled in all of these areas.”
“We are honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious award,” Norm Bradley, interim executive director of SEKRI said. “Most of all, we are proud of our workers who enabled us to receive this award. It is through their hard work and dedication to quality that SEKRI was honored by NISH.”
Established in 1974, NISH is one of two national, nonprofit agencies designated by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled [a federal government agency] to support nonprofit agencies participating in the Ability One Program, which provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The Ability One Program coordinates government purchase of products and services provided by nonprofit agencies whose workforce is comprised of a minimum of 75 percent disabled individuals.
SEKRI was established in 1971 for the purpose of serving persons with disabilities. Today the organization operates five manufacturing facilities in Southeastern Kentucky and one in Northeastern Tennessee and creates jobs through the Ability One Program.
Currently, SEKRI has around 550 employees and maintains a workforce whereby more than 75 percent of its direct labor hours are performed by severely disabled individuals. SEKRI provides jobs for people with disabilities who face significant barriers to employment and who would otherwise rely on public benefit programs.
By employing people who are blind or who have other severe disabilities, SEKRI is able to increase independence and self-esteem by helping these individuals enjoy full participation in their community and market their skills into other public and private sector jobs.
“This award proves that persons with severe disabilities are productive, contributing members of society,” Bradley added.
