Richmond, VA — Melwood, ServiceSource, and Didlake, three of Virginia’s leading organizations that support and employ people with disabilities, applaud the Commonwealth of Virginia for strengthening and expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
HB 460, first introduced by Del. Laura Jane Cohen and signed into law today by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, updates Virginia law to ensure employers of people with disabilities, known as Employment Service Organizations (ESOs), are clearly included within the state’s small business and supplier diversity programs. The legislation encourages agencies to explore more opportunities to procure goods and services through ESOs.
“By ensuring disability employers are referenced within Virginia’s small business and supplier diversity programs, the Commonwealth recognizes the essential role organizations like Melwood play in providing people with disabilities fair employment opportunities,” said Larysa Kautz, president and CEO of Melwood. “It also reinforces the state’s commitment to ensuring disabled workers earn competitive wages, and build the skills needed for long-term economic independence.”
“This legislation sends a clear message that Virginia values the contributions of people with disabilities and is committed to expanding employment opportunities for the people we serve. We applaud the Commonwealth for recognizing the value of ESOs in building a stronger workforce and opening doors to economic independence for thousands of Virginians,” said Ken Crum, president and CEO of ServiceSource.
“Employment Services Organizations often provide a person’s very first job, an opportunity that can change the trajectory of their life. By formally recognizing disability inclusive employers, like Didlake, within Virginia’s procurement framework, this legislation strengthens pathways to meaningful careers and long-term financial stability for people with disabilities. It also ensures the Commonwealth is investing in high quality goods and services delivered by a capable, dedicated workforce, creating a win for Virginia and a win for Virginians with disabilities,” said Paul Gravley, president and CEO of Didlake.
Virginia is home to dozens of ESOs that provide job training, coaching, and long‑term supports that help people with disabilities build valuable skillsets, enter the workforce, and earn competitive wages. These organizations offer the structure and support that break barriers and empower many individuals with disabilities to succeed in employment, while providing high-quality services to government and commercial customers.
Together, Melwood, ServiceSource, and Didlake serve thousands of Virginians with disabilities each year through employment, training, and community‑based support programs. The organizations expressed their appreciation for the commonwealth’s efforts to advance disability employment and look forward to working with the state to provide even more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
About Melwood
Melwood is a family of companies with a shared vision of a world where people with disabilities are fully included. Together, Melwood Inc., Melwood Enterprises, Humanim, and Melwood Community Services serve as the nation’s leading advocates, service providers, and employers of people with disabilities and their caregivers. We offer employment, job placement, job training, life skills for independence, support services, and youth and community recreational services to more than 6,000 people each year in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Learn more at www.melwood.org.
About ServiceSource
ServiceSource and its affiliates are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in concert to support people with disabilities, along with their families, caregivers, and community members and build stronger communities where individuals of all abilities can contribute and thrive. ServiceSource and its affiliates provide programs and services in more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about ServiceSource, visit www.ServiceSource.org.
About Didlake
Founded in 1965, Didlake, Inc. is a nonprofit rehabilitative services organization dedicated to advancing employment and community participation for people with disabilities. As an AbilityOne® government contracting agency, Didlake delivers high-quality, reliable services across multiple federal contracts while creating pathways to greater independence and economic opportunity. Didlake has more than 1,500 employees and supports over 1,500 individuals with disabilities throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and the Greater Hampton Roads region. The organization is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and accredited by CARF International, reflecting its commitment to excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
