PCSI brings practical experience to an international discussion on disability employment
Public procurement has the power to do more than purchase goods and services. When paired with a clear mission and strong execution, it can create meaningful employment and open pathways to lasting careers.
John Kelly, PCSI’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategic Engagement, represented the organization at the 2026 International Forum on Public Procurement and Disability Employment in Seoul, Republic of Korea. As a presenter and panel participant, Kelly shared a U.S. perspective alongside advocates, practitioners, and policy leaders from seven countries.
“Public procurement can open the door to employment, but the real measure of success is whether that opportunity becomes meaningful work, career growth, and greater choice.” — John Kelly
The forum gave participants an opportunity to compare national policies, employment models, implementation challenges, and measures of success. Although each country operates within its own legal, economic, and cultural environment, the participants shared a common goal: expanding meaningful employment and career opportunities for people with disabilities.
Kelly’s presentation explored the broader U.S. disability employment ecosystem, including the AbilityOne Program, vocational rehabilitation, current policy trends, and PCSI’s experience as both a federal contractor and a mission-driven nonprofit. His message was clear: creating a job is not necessarily the same as creating a career.
That distinction shaped many of the forum’s conversations. Participation totals can tell part of the story, but they cannot fully capture the quality of employment. Wages, retention, advancement, individual choice, available support, and access for people with significant support needs also matter.
PCSI brought an important practitioner’s perspective to the discussion. The organization understands the mission behind disability employment as well as the responsibility to deliver quality services, operational performance, and public value. Its experience shows how policy moves from the page into real workplaces, where leadership, accommodations, technology, transportation, benefits, and support systems can all influence an employee’s success.
The forum also reinforced the value of listening across borders. No country has every answer, and meaningful progress does not come from searching for a single perfect model. It comes from examining what works, challenging assumptions, and learning how different systems pursue similar goals.
PCSI’s participation expanded opportunities for continued international collaboration and knowledge-sharing while demonstrating the perspective the organization can offer at the intersection of public procurement, federal contracting, disability employment and workforce policy.
