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Delivering Increased Opportunities for People with Disabilities

June 2006

Albertson, NY, June 2006— What can brown do for you? For people with disabilities they are assisting in the expansion of employment opportunities and setting a national example for other companies to follow. The United Parcel Service (UPS) Foundation recently provided a $40,000 grant in support of Abilities! National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) and Steps Toward Employment Program (STEP).

(L to R) Kevin DiLibero, Human Resource Manager and Stephanie Kacerow, Communications / Community Services Supervisor for UPS Long Island District present Francine Tishman, President and COO, Abilities Inc. and Ed Cortez, President and CEO, Abilities! with a $40,000 grant on behalf of the UPS Foundation.

The grant will enable NBDC to enhance its national information services to employers seeking to hire employees with disabilities and foster greater links to jobseekers with disabilities. “National unemployment statistics indicate that 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed. Many of these individuals are qualified, well educated and highly motivated, but unable to obtain employment commensurate with their skills and abilities. Funding from the UPS Foundation enables NBDC to work with companies across the nation to eliminate stereotypes and change corporate cultures with regard to the employment of people with disabilities.” stated Ed Cortez, President and CEO, Abilities!.

The grant also provides for the purchase of bulk mailing equipment and software for the STEP training program, which will be used to prepare students for competitive jobs in today’s modern business office. Using state-of-the-art technologies and popular business software, participants learn practical job skills ranging from data entry and administrative assistant functions to accounting and Microsoft Office application specialist functions. Francine Tishman, President and COO, Abilities, Inc. stated “UPS Foundation has had a long-term commitment to promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities in the business world. They understand that diversity encompasses more than ethnicity, gender, and age.” Ms. Tishman also went on to say, “The purchase of this modern equipment will ensure that our students have the skills necessary to obtain gainful employment and become self sufficient contributors to our society.”

About Abilities!

Abilities! is a non-profit agency dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to be active, independent and self-sufficient participants in our society. Through education, training, research, leadership and example, we seek to provide the highest quality services to influence national attitudes, policies and legislation in ways that will lead to the greatest benefit for the people we serve.

National Business and Disability Council (a program of Abilities!)

NBDC is the leading national resource for the successful integration of persons with disabilities into the workforce and consumer marketplace. NBDC is comprised of many corporate members with headquarters throughout the country. It provides the most comprehensive services and support available to enable employers to hire and retain individuals with disabilities. It is a one-stop resource for information, technical assistance and staff training on all employment and disability issues. NBDC is a recipient of the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Exemplary Public Interest Contribution (EPIC) Award.

Abilities, Inc. (an affiliate of Abilities!)

For almost 50 years, Abilities, Inc. has trained people with disabilities in the skills needed to perform at industry standards to meet current workforce demands. Abilities, Inc. evaluates, trains and serves over 6,000 individuals and places approximately 1,500 into competitive jobs each year. Its track record is unsurpassed in the excellence of our training programs and the success of our participants in finding jobs.

Abilities, Inc. staff works with individuals to develop and focus on their unique abilities that can be applied to the career of their choice. Courses are designed to increase the independence and marketability of individuals with disabilities. While addressing different skills development, all of the courses are designed to increase the number of individuals with disabilities who secure competitive employment.

UPS Foundation

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified literacy, hunger, relief, and volunteerism as its focus areas. In 2004, The UPS Foundation distributed nearly $40 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as Abilities!, and provide support for building stronger communities.