One of the janitors who is employed through JCFS Chicago’s Contracted Employment Services (CES) accompanied CES Assistant Director Virginia Hopkins to SourceAmerica’s annual Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. in September. Brandon Bures, who works as a janitor at the O’Hare Airport FAA contract site, attended the four-day conference where he first shared his employment story with a group of fellow advocacy teams, and later presented a shorter version to legislators.

SourceAmerica is a leading job creator for people with disabilities, connecting individuals and organizations committed to increasing economic and social inclusion. The conference provided disability advocates and nonprofit leaders the opportunity to meet with 165 policymakers or staff to advocate for increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities, promote a more accessible and inclusive future of work, and amplify the voices of individuals with differing abilities across the country.

The highlight of SourceAmerica's advocacy efforts is its Grassroots Advocacy Conference, which brings together employees with disabilities, their families, and employers from SourceAmerica's network of nonprofit agencies. These self-advocates share their story with members of Congress and provide personal examples of how policy made in Washington, D.C. shapes the employment choices and opportunities of people with disabilities across the nation. 

“As a person with a disability, we look at the word ‘dis-ability,’ and what I want you to focus on is my abilities, not what I cannot do,” Brandon signed to the audience as he told other advocates his employment story. “The world often looks at people with disabilities and says ‘no you can’t do these things.’”

Virginia and Brandon, along with Brandon’s wife, Bethany, met with several legislators and their aides, including Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and his Legislative Aide, Tristan Banks; Representative Jesús “Chuy” García’s Legislative Aide, Melvin Garcia; and Senator Dick Durbin’s Aide, Fiona Flory.

Senator Durbin is recognized as an AbilityOne Champion for his support and commitment to the program. AbilityOne is one of the largest sources of employment in the United States for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. More than 420 nonprofit organizations, including JCFS Chicago, employ these individuals.

As an AbilityOne federal contractor, CES has employed Brandon for just over ten years, including a previous role at the U.S. Army Reserve site in Darien.

He recently completed his bachelor’s degree in social work, and is working on a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University. He is using his AbilityOne position to support himself and his family until he finishes his degree and secures employment in the social services sector.