People with Disabilities

The award recognizes his commitment to supporting employment for Americans with disabilities.

Roseville, Calif. PRIDE Industries, the leading employer of people with disabilities, honored Congressman Kevin Kiley as an AbilityOne® Champion, in recognition of his commitment to supporting employment for Americans who are blind or have other disabilities. The presentation took place on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at PRIDE Industries’ corporate offices in Roseville, California.

“People with disabilities deserve an opportunity to work, to be productive, and to be full participants in our communities,” said Congressman Kiley. “I appreciate the work that PRIDE Industries and other non-profits do to help people with disabilities reach their full potential.  I also appreciate the thousands of jobs that the AbilityOne Program creates for people with disabilities.  I’m honored to receive this award.”

The AbilityOne Program provides employment opportunities through federal contracts for more than 36,000 people who have disabilities. The AbilityOne Congressional Champions program was created in 2002 to recognize Members of Congress who actively support people who are blind or have other disabilities. Currently, eleven members of the California congressional delegation have been named AbilityOne Champions. Rep. Kiley will be the twelfth. Rep. Kiley is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represents California’s third district, which includes PRIDE Industries’ headquarters in Roseville. The nonprofit social enterprise has approximately 1,600 employees with disabilities working on AbilityOne contracts in California and several other states.

The award was presented by Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “Congressman Kiley truly is a champion of PRIDE Industries’ mission to create employment for people with disabilities,” said Dern.  “His support on both the local and the federal level is deserving of this prestigious honor.”  

Also in attendance at the award presentation was Rick Terrazas, Vice President of Government Affairs at SourceAmerica, the central nonprofit agency that plays a coordinating role in the AbilityOne Program, and whose mission is to increase the employment of people with disabilities by building strong partnerships between the federal government and a national network of nonprofit agencies.

Rick Terrazas, Vice President of Government Affairs at SourceAmerica, Congressman Kevin Kiley, Jeff Dern, CEO at PRIDE Industries
l to r: Rick Terrazas, Vice President of Government Affairs at SourceAmerica, Congressman Kevin Kiley, Jeff Dern, CEO at PRIDE Industries

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance servicescustodial servicescontract manufacturingsupply chain managementpackaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Jobs for bipolar people can be hard to find. That was the case for US Air Force veteran Ameer Habeeb when he left the military.

Ameer joined the United States Air Force in 1996, rose to Senior Airman Below the Zone, and became a Crew Chief on C-5 aircraft in his four years of service at Travis Air Force Base.

Difficult Transition from Military

“I enjoyed my time in the military,” Ameer said. “In basic training, they give you challenges that you don’t think you can do, but by the time you get out, you think you can do anything.”

That feeling didn’t last when, in 2000, the New York native decided to stay in sunny California for his postmilitary career.

“It was a difficult transition for me,” Ameer said. “I did every undesirable job in California before I found PRIDE Industries. I sold door to door, worked in collections, worked in restaurants, but I could never get very far.”

Having disabilities made it hard for Ameer to get ahead because employers didn’t know how to help him succeed.

“I have bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder that can be very severe, and there was a time I couldn’t get out of bed for three months. Employers don’t see you as a whole person, and some gave me a hard time for taking time off for medical appointments, for example.”

“I always wondered why I could have so much success in the military and not outside it,” Ameer said. “I was Senior Airman Below the Zone and a multi-million-dollar aircraft had my name on the side of it, but no one would trust me to do anything.”

PRIDE Industries Offers Jobs for Bipolar People

Then came PRIDE Industries, a company with a mission to provide employment for people with disabilities, including jobs for people with bipolar disorder and anxiety.

“When I found PRIDE Industries, it was a blessing,” Ameer said. “I was managing restaurants and hit the ceiling where I couldn’t earn more. Then I found out about a job in a correctional facility working with other people with disabilities, and I applied immediately.”

Ameer started as an Environmental Service Technician and loved the support he received. “I could go to my doctors’ appointments without fear,” he said. “If I experienced bipolar symptoms, I could take a break. They wanted me to be successful, and I dove right in.”

From a Job to a Career

His hard work paid off. In four months, Ameer became an Environmental Services Supervisor. Next came Assistant Operations Manager. A year later, Ameer was made Systems Operations Manager and is now Environmental Services Director.

“PRIDE Industries is a company where you can use what you learned in the military,” Ameer said. “Traits like hard work, dedication, teamwork, organizational skills, and looking out for each other are rewarded. We go by our core values in the Air Force: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Those words are on my wall.”

Those values drive Ameer to help others succeed.

“What I love most about my job is my people,” he said. “I love seeing potential in people whether they see it in themselves or not, training them, and giving them opportunities. We’ve done 20 promotions in the last 18 months, which keeps me going.”

“At PRIDE Industries, everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” Ameer said. “We will accommodate you with whatever you need. Accommodation is not expensive or hard. Seeing some succeed because you gave them a chance—that’s why I love my job.”

Advice for Employers and Fellow Veterans

Ameer has a message for employers.

“Veterans with disabilities are whole people. They do a great job. They are on task, know how to work in a team, are motivated, can structure work and get it done, and their production is excellent. If you have a chance to hire a veteran, you should do it!”

He also has a message for vets struggling to find work.

“Remember your feelings when you were doing what you were doing in the service. Those feelings of confidence, feelings of teamwork—those opportunities are still out there. You can do it.”

And he has special advice for any vets with the opportunity to work at PRIDE Industries.

“If you have the opportunity to work at PRIDE Industries, do it. The company cares about veterans, and it cares about me. When I met the president of the company, he knew my name. You are a whole person here.”

Metro magazine’s editor interviews company leaders to share how people with disabilities help make elecontronics components for InterMotive Vehicle Controls, including a product that makes wheelchair-accessible vehicles safer, in a decades-long partnership.

The social enterprise was recognized as a Top Impact Company globally.

Roseville, Calif — For the second year in a row, PRIDE Industries has been named a Top Impact Company by Real Leaders®, a Global Media and Certified B Corp dedicated to inspiring the future of business. Real Leaders® awards the Top Impact Company honor to privately owned companies based on their leadership performance within six categories of I.M.P.A.C.T (Intention, Model, People, Accountability, Collaboration and Transformation).

PRIDE Industries ranked 40th among 185 companies in the Top Impact category, chosen from a field of 500 applicants from more than 15 countries.

With its five-decade track record of creating employment for people with disabilities, PRIDE Industries is a natural Top Impact Company. A pioneer in the inclusivity movement, the company’s influence stretches from small businesses to governmental and Fortune 500 organizations. Its impact also reaches military veterans and former foster youth, through its services for veterans services and it’s Youth Employment Services (YES!) program.

“We are thrilled to be recognized, for a second consecutive year, as a Top Impact Company by Real Leaders®,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO at PRIDE Industries. “Our long-term focus on creating employment for people with disabilities has been a key factor in achieving this award. Organizations which employ people with disabilities have stronger cultures, employee retention, and bottom lines. Together, in partnership with our customers, our success proves the value of an inclusive workforce.”

The 2024 list features a mix of respected impact brands of all sizes and from a variety of industries with companies such as: Brandless, Generate Capital, Cotopaxi, and Every Man Jack (see full list).

In addition to the new I.M.P.A.C.T categories, the awards debuted five new awards such as: Most Valuable Mission, Most Innovative Model, Most Impactful People, Best Collaboration, and Most Transparent. “After five successful years of producing the go-to list of the ‘Top Impact Companies’ it was time for Real Leaders to expand its mission by growing an impact awards community that preserves its integrity while scaling its impact,” said Kevin Edwards, Real Leaders’ General Manager.

A special “Real Leaders UNITE” awards celebration will be held in San Diego on February 6, 2024, to honor the winners.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance servicescustodial servicescontract manufacturingsupply chain managementpackaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

About Real Leaders

Real Leaders is the fastest-growing community for impact leaders backed by a global media platform dedicated to driving positive change. Founded in 2010, Real Leaders recognized and advocated that businesses take more responsibility to be as cognizant of their impact on employees, society, and the planet as they are on their bottom line. Real Leaders is an independently owned certified B Corporation and member of the UN Global Compact. Our mission is to unite farsighted leaders to transform our shortsighted world.

LinkedIn: Real Leaders
Instagram: @Real_Leaders
Twitter: @Real_Leaders
Facebook: @RealLeadersMagazine
Hashtag: #RealLeadersImpactAwards

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

The many benefits of hiring people with disabilities are becoming more widely recognized, but one benefit is still often overlooked: tax incentives. Among the three primary such incentives, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) tops the list, but what is it?

What is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit?

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal program provides employers with tax credits for hiring individuals from certain target groups that have faced barriers to employment, including people with disabilities.

Created as a part of the 1996 Small Business Job Act, the WOTC was a temporary tax credit designed to promote employment, empowering individuals to become members of the workforce and attain self-sufficiency while earning a steady income.

Since its initial enactment, the WOTC has been extended several times—most recently through 2025—with legislation on the table to make it permanent.

How Does the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Work?

In a nutshell, the WOTC amounts to 40 percent of an individual employee’s incurred wages, up to $6,000 for an individual who meets the following criteria:

  • Is in their first year of employment
  • Is certified as being a member of a target group
  • Performs at least 400 hours of services for that employer

Individuals working fewer than 400 hours but at least 120 hours for an employer are subject to a reduced credit (25 percent). Rehired employees are not eligible for the WOTC.

Generally, taxable employers can apply any unused WOTC from the current year to the previous year and carry it forward.

How Does an Employer Claim This Credit?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue (IRS), employers must follow a structured process to claim the WOTC.

1. Prescreening and Filing Certification Request

Within 28 days of a new hire, employers must apply for certification that the employee is a member of a target group.

To do so, the employer and the newly hired employee must complete and submit the following pre-screening paperwork to the designated state agency:

  • IRS Form 8850, the Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit
  • DOL Form 9061, the Individual Characteristics Form

2. Certification Approval

After the forms have been submitted to the state agency, assuming the new hire meets eligibility requirements, the employer will receive a determination from the certifying agency. The determination will detail why an employee does or does not qualify. The WOTC certification will be included if the individual qualifies for it, or the agency will request additional information.

3. Claiming the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

After certification by the designated local agency, and after the employee has worked a minimum of 120 hours, taxable employers can proceed to file the WOTC with the IRS. Taxable organizations will file IRS Form 5884, while tax-exempt organizations will file IRS Form 5884-C.

It’s crucial to complete and submit the required forms accurately. Refer to the IRS and U.S. Department of Labor websites for these forms and for detailed instructions.

What Other Tax Credits are Available for Employers Who Hire People with Disabilities?

In addition to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, employers may be eligible for two more incentives that relate to physical accessibility.

1. Disabled Access Credit

To encourage businesses to improve accessibility for both employees and customers with disabilities, the Disabled Access Credit provides tax incentives for making establishments more accessible. Small businesses that incur expenses for architectural adaptations, equipment purchases, or services aimed at facilitating accessibility may qualify for a tax credit of up to $5,000 per year. A business can claim a tax credit once annually for qualifying access expenditures.

2. Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction

The Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction is another incentive aimed at encouraging businesses to make their facilities more accessible. Specifically, it allows a deduction of up to $15,000 per year for qualified expenses related to removing physical barriers in the workplace.

State Tax Credits

Several states offer their own tax credits related to hiring people with disabilities and creating accessible workplaces. More information about these credits is available on state tax board websites.

The Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities

In addition to the direct financial benefit of hiring people with disabilities that the WOTC offers, there are proven business benefits for companies that build inclusive workforces. Here are just a handful:

  • High Retention Rates: Reducing turnover and fostering continuity, maximizing organizational stability and success.
  • Low Absenteeism: Fostering a healthy work environment, enhancing productivity and minimizing disruptions to workflow.
  • High Productivity: Translating into increased operational success and competitiveness in the market.
  • Boosted Workplace Morale: Encouraging a positive workplace culture that enhances motivation and collaboration.
  • Appeal to Socially Conscious Investors: Attracting investors that are more committed than ever to putting their money toward positive social impact.
  • Maximizing DEI Efforts: Creating a more equitable and representative workplace that reflects a diverse global market.
  • Increased Profits: Resulting from improved employee performance, reduced turnover costs, and heightened customer satsifcation.

Connect With This Stellar Workforce

State agencies, such as the California Department of Rehabilitation, and partnering organizations like PRIDE Industries, can put employers in touch with this stellar workforce so they can make use of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit in the coming year.

Let Us Help Solve Your Labor Shortages

The US Chamber of Commerce recommends that businesses turn to experienced partners to tap the many benefits—including tax incentives—of employing people with disabilities. PRIDE Industries has helped hundreds of companies do just that, helping recruit, hire, train, and support this growing and reliable talent pool—free of charge to employers.

Employee success can be elusive for people with disabilities. Historically, organizations were hesitant to hire this population. That’s changing. Of the 10.6 million working-age people with disabilities in the United States, just 35 percent were employed in 2022. But in 2023, that number rose to 38 percent.

Why? Faced with labor shortages, many companies include people of diverse abilities in their workforces. Greater adoption of inclusive business practices, including widespread acceptance of remote work and availability of assistive technology, has further propelled the shift—resulting in employee success that, in turn, leads to employer success.

How? Companies that staff people with disabilities consistently show increases in productivity and profit margins, while absenteeism and turnover decline. Other benefits include boosted morale, appeal to socially conscious investors, and employer tax incentives.

At three California-based businesses, none of this is news.

Angie’s Story: The Morning Light

Raley’s has fostered an inclusive workforce for decades, including hiring, training, and managing employees with various physical and intellectual disabilities.

Companies that staff people with disabilities consistently show increases in productivity, while absenteeism and turnover decline. Other benefits include boosted morale, appeal to socially conscious investors, and employer tax incentives.

When it comes to employee success, Angela “Angie” Rao is a shining example. Angie, who has a developmental disability, has worked for Raley’s supermarket as a courtesy clerk for 32 years.

“When I started, there were no computers,” Angie said. “You wrote down your shift requests and recorded your hours on little pieces of paper.” As the role of technology has grown in the business, Angie has grown with it.

“I call her my morning light,” said Danielle Bergmann, store team leader at the Carmichael, California Bel Air Market, one of Raley’s brands. “She’s probably one of the top five courtesy clerks I’ve ever had.” That’s saying a lot, as Bergmann has worked for the company for 28 years. “She’s on time, eager to work, she has a smile for everyone, and the customers love her to the point of asking about her if she’s not there one day.”

Bergmann’s experience with Angie is consistent with the data. Punctuality, loyalty, and customer satisfaction are part and parcel of including people of all abilities in the workplace.

Jesus’s Story: Top Salesperson

Speaking of customer satisfaction, there’s Jesus Navarro who has been working at Soapy Joe’s, a top carwash in San Diego, since 2022. Jesus leads the company in sales of memberships that give customers discounted pre-paid car washes and give Soapy Joe’s recurring revenue.

“It’s easy,” Jesus said. “Memberships save customers time and money.”

Jesus’ enthusiasm has proven contagious at Soapy Joe’s, promoting a friendly rivalry to see how many memberships employees can sell. And his work ethic has led him into a supervisor training program. In fact, Jesus has recently trained three Soapy Joe’s employees—all of whom are now top sellers, too.

“He knows how to talk to people,” said Ysabel Perry, a PRIDE Industries employment coach who has worked with Jesus. “He has a great, optimistic attitude, too. Given some challenges he’s been through, that’s one of the things I most admire about him. He’s very likable.”

The rest of Jesus’s team agrees.

“In the small amount of time I’ve had working with Jesus, he’s brought purpose to my job,” said Mauricio Cardenas, Area Manager for Soapy Joe’s. “The whole team loves him.”

Jesus’ story is yet another example of how employee success for one can snowball into success for many.

Brendan’s Employee Success Story

Production Worker Brendan Ford is one of the “hardest workers you’re going to find” at Acushnet Golf. Acushnet, manufacturer of Titleist golf clubs among others, is the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of golf clubs left in the United States—equipment that the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson forged their success with.

Retention in manufacturing is a constant challenge, but not for Doug Jacot, Acushnet’s Director of Manufacturing. Jacot has been hiring people with disabilities for more than 20 years. “They are the most can-do group I’ve ever been around,” he said. “And they elevate the attitudes of everyone around them. If I could hire a hundred of them, I would.”

At Acushnet, employee success looks like Brendan Ford. It also looks like this: Every day, a team of five employees with disabilities builds about 1,000 boxes and 3,000 packaging inserts at the company’s San Diego County manufacturing facility. 

“They’re not going to have any attendance issues. They’re going to be there bright and early—ready to work,” said Elizabeth Valverde, a PRIDE Industries Workforce Inclusion Employment Coach Assistant Manager that supports the team.

For Brendan, the payoff is well worth his hard work. “It lets me do more independent stuff,” he said.

Employee Success Translates to Employer Success

Smart companies are increasingly turning to people with disabilities as a steady pipeline of frontline workers.

It should come as no surprise. Employees with disabilities offer companies several benefits—high retention, punctuality, and loyalty—that directly impact the bottom line. When analyst firm Accenture measured the business benefits to employers that actively hire and support employees with disabilities, it found that these “Disability Champions” routinely achieve higher revenue, net income, and profit margins than companies that don’t actively include this population. Its 2023 report found that “The business case for hiring persons with disabilities has become even stronger,” with Disability Champions experiencing the following outcomes as compared to their peers:

  • 6x higher revenue
  • 6x more net income
  • 2x better profit margins

All of these gains are higher than in Accenture’s previous 2018 report.

PRIDE Industries’ employment partner program helps companies like Raley’s, Soapy Joe’s, and Acushnet recruit, hire, train, and support employees with disabilities on the job, taking much of the uncertainty employers might have about engaging this exceptional talent pool. For more information about working with PRIDE Industries for your employment needs, contact us.

Unlock the Proven Benefits of Hiring People With Disabilities

The US Chamber of Commerce recommends that businesses turn to experienced partners to tap the benefits of employing people with disabilities. PRIDE Industries has helped hundreds of companies do just that, helping recruit, hire, train, and support this growing and reliable talent pool—free of charge to employers.