Previously in Delaware, an innovative program to provide copies of WorkWORLD^TM software and updates for all state residents free of charge was sponsored by NISH.

Also previously in Florida, Minnesota, and New York, other creative programs to provide copies of WorkWORLD^TM software and updates for all state residents free of charge were sponsored by NISH.

NISH is a national nonprofit agency whose mission is to create employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities by assisting its network of community-based, nonprofit agencies in obtaining Federal contracts through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program.

Providing employment opportunities to more than 45,000 people, the JWOD Program is the largest single source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the United States. NISH/JWOD's national network of Community Rehabilitation Programs provides substantial wages and benefits for individuals with disabilities, while promoting self-sufficiency and quality of life.

NISH leadership values WorkWORLD software, because it helps people overcome their fears of losing benefits if they earn higher wages. NISH has been collaborating with the Employment Support Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University since 2003 to provide regional WorkWORLD training for Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs). Because this training has been well-received, and because NISH wants to promote higher wages, more jobs, and healthcare for people with severe disabilities, NISH sponsored free access to WorkWORLD software and updates for all users in several selected states.

NOTE: NISH sponsorship of free copies of WorkWORLD software and updates in Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, and New York was provided on a time-limited basis.

It was possible for residents of these states to get free copies and updates of WorkWORLD during the period of NISH sponsorship. In Florida, Minnesota, and New York the sponsorship period ran through September 2007. Collaborative funding in Delaware (a cooperative venture with the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) as Lead Agency) extended the free distribution period through January 2008. After these dates, state agencies and/or others need to provide funding support to continue no-cost availability of WorkWORLD for users in these states.

How do I participate in keeping WorkWORLD free in my state?

We encourage you to begin efforts now to help your state achieve funding after NISH's period of sponsorship. If you are an agency leader, make a pledge of funding support for WorkWORLD; or if not, then you can help by contacting state leadership to encourage pledges. Links to leadership contact information and ideas for funding WorkWORLD can be found on the pledges page. Please participate in keeping WorkWORLD available in your state.

How can I request WorkWORLD training from NISH, or express my appreciation for NISH's insightful support?

Please contact directly Brian DeAtley at NISH (bdeatley@nish.org or 571-226-4523) if you are interested in WorkWORLD training and/or to let NISH know that you appreciate their support.

NISH National Office
Attention: Brian DeAtley
8401 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, Virginia 22182
Main Telephone: 571-226-4660
Website: http://www.nish.org/

Additional Information

See Achieving Free WorkWORLD in Your State Through Pledges for complete information about support pledges. To make a pledge or discuss how to encourage others in your state to make a pledge, contact Jim Troxell, ESI Network Developer/Coordinator, at 443-223-7060 (cell) or email at jltroxel@vcu.edu.

To see the current status of WorkWORLD Support in your state, select your state from the list on the contacts page.