NISH is United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 non-profit agency that supports other agencies which provide employment opportunities for people who are blind

Blind

Blind may refer to:* The state of blindness, being unable to see* A window blind, a covering for a windowBlind may also refer to:-Electronics, engineering, and science:...

 or disabled

Disability

A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.Many people would rather be referred to as a person with a disability instead of handicapped...

.

Background

Established in 1974, NISH is one of two American nonprofits designated by the U.S. government to support nonprofit agencies participating in the AbilityOne Program. That program provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities by providing them opportunities to produce goods and services under federal contracts.

NISH was founded by Goodwill Industries International, National Easter Seals

Easter Seals

Easter Seals is an international charitable organization devoted to providing opportunities for children with physical disabilities. See*Easter Seals *Easter Seals *Easter Seals...

 Society, the American Congress of Community Supports and Employment Services, The Arc of the United States, United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy is an international nonprofit charitable organization consisting of a network of affiliates. UCP is a leading service provider and advocate for adults and children with disabilities, including cerebral palsy...

and International Association of Jewish Vocational Services.

NISH's mission statement is:"NISH creates employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities."

Services

NISH consists of a network of more than 1,300 non-profit organizations which provide the legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology support, engineering and technical assistance, and extensive professional training needed for successful contract management.

Governance

NISH is governed by a 21-member board of directors. The current CEO is Bob Chamberlin.