The Disabled & Handicapped Printshop produces custom promotional products while creating jobs for people with disabilities. Its catalog includes items such as branded magnets and apparel, with products identified as made in the USA and backed by a 100% guarantee. The company’s purpose-driven model is central to its work, addressing an unemployment rate it says exceeds 75% among people with disabilities.
Spectrum DesignsFounded in 2011 in a backyard barn, Spectrum Designs is a nonprofit custom apparel and promotional-products company whose work creates meaningful careers for people on the autism spectrum. What began with two employees and one printing machine has grown into an 80-plus-person operation with facilities in New York and New Jersey, while maintaining its focus on inclusive employment and individualized workplace support. Spectrum also pairs that mission with environmentally responsible production and is certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.PORT WASHINGTON, NY
Apparel and BeyondApparel and Beyond is a disabled veteran-owned custom apparel printing studio in Gaithersburg, Maryland, producing full-color garments for orders as small as one piece. Its direct-to-garment setup uses a Ricoh Ri 2000, while direct-to-film printing handles specialty requests beyond standard garments. Every design is reviewed before printing, and garments are made to order with water-based inks to minimize waste.
A Promos USA (Aarrow Promotions & The ImageMaker)Family-owned and operated since 1997, A Promos USA—also known as Aarrow Promotions and The ImageMaker—produces custom screen-printed and embroidered apparel along with promotional goods in-house. Its Freeport operation uses fully automated presses capable of printing more than 15,000 T-shirts a day, supported by an in-house art team and embroidery digitizing department. The company serves organizations ranging from schools and teams to first-responder departments with online design tools and nationwide fulfillment.FREEPORT, NY
Industries of the Blind, IncSince 1933, Industries of the Blind has operated a Greensboro manufacturing and distribution workplace where people who are blind or visually impaired make products and perform contract work for government and commercial customers. Its roots are in a six-person mop-making program, while today the nonprofit produces everything from its long-running SKILCRAFT pens to military apparel and equipment. At least 75% of its direct labor is performed by people who are blind, connecting everyday production with the organization’s goal of greater independence.WARWICK, NY