Easter Seals Arc receives award

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The National Institute for the Severely Handicapped, NISH, presented the NISH Certificate of Achievement 2011 to Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana.  This certificate is in recognition of high standards of performance maintained throughout the past year for a product/service for the Federal government under the Ability One Program.  “Since starting this contract as the site manager, I have made substantial efforts to work together with both my staff and General Service Guidelines (GSA) to improve the dynamics of the building’s appearance, the lives of the clients we employ and heighten the awareness of our client’s abilities.  It is my belief that a disability does not mean inability,” states Tomara Harvey, Easter Seal Arc Site Manager.

Since April 2005, Easter Seals Arc has been providing janitorial and related services to the E. Ross Adair Federal Building and US Courthouse in Fort Wayne.  Easter Seals Arc staff must meet General Service Guidelines (GSA) for maintaining the building inside and out which includes general office and restroom cleaning, floor care, long term maintenance floor care such as buffing, stripping and sealing, lawn care, grounds maintenance, window cleaning and snow removal. 

In evaluating the Community Rehabilitation Program’s eligibility for the award, NISH considered the length of time the product/service has been on the Procurement List; consistent record of accurately fulfilling contracting requirements; the timely submission of reports and commissions; the adherence to Ability One regulations and the overall evaluation of performance.  Easter Seals Arc’s Community Rehabilitation Program excelled in all areas.

The Ability One Program has allowed organizations like Easter Seals Arc to obtain a Federal contract for goods and services that are procured by GSA.  This has allowed Easter Seals Arc to train and employ individuals for competitive employment on the federal level despite their disabilities.  Outstanding overall performance in the Ability One program proves that persons with significant disabilities can be productive, contributing members of our society.