From Corpus Christi to Capitol Hill: Simon Advocates for Opportunity and Employment

Longtime TRDI employee Simon Hernandez shares how the AbilityOne Program helped build his independence and calls for continued disability employment opportunities in Washington, D.C.

By Diana Rios | Case Manager

September 22, 2026

TRDI is proud to recognize Simon Hernandez, a Corpus Christi resident and longtime TRDI employee at the Naval Air Station, for representing our organization at the 2026 SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.

For Simon, the trip was both a personal milestone and an opportunity to speak up for the future of disability employment. It was his first visit to Washington, D.C., and he was selected to attend as a self-advocate because of the dedication, professionalism, and positive spirit he has demonstrated throughout his 16 years with TRDI.

Known by TRDI staff, Naval Air Station customers, and colleagues for his friendliness, confidence, and strong work ethic, Simon represented more than his own story. He represented the value of meaningful work, the independence it can build, and the importance of protecting opportunities for people with disabilities.

“I enjoyed hearing other people’s stories and accomplishments, and I was proud to represent TRDI and the disabled community,” Simon said.

A Career Built on Independence

Simon has worked with TRDI at the Naval Air Station for 16 years. Over that time, he has developed workplace skills, confidence, and greater independence through the consistency and responsibility of his job.

The independence he has gained is one of the parts of his career he values most. Working independently has helped Simon strengthen both practical job skills and soft skills such as communication, professionalism, reliability, and self-confidence that support long-term success in the workplace.

“Working at the Naval Air Station has helped me become more independent,” Simon said. “I have learned many skills by staying with TRDI for 16 years that I can share with friends outside of work.”

Simon has overcome significant challenges throughout his life related to his disability, but he has continued to move forward with persistence and determination. His mother has been a steady source of support, helping him access the resources, encouragement, and opportunities that have contributed to his growth. Having her beside him in Washington made the experience even more meaningful.

“I was happy my mom was there with me,” Simon said. “I was proud to make her proud.”

Simon’s next goal is to reach 20 years of service with TRDI. He plans to remain with the organization through retirement a reflection of his commitment to his work, his colleagues, and the purpose he has found through employment.

Sharing His Story on Capitol Hill

At the Grassroots Advocacy Conference, Simon joined self-advocates, family members, nonprofit leaders, and advocates from across the country to meet with policymakers and congressional staff. The conference gives employees with disabilities a direct platform to share their employment experiences and explain why access to meaningful work matters.

Simon met with Texas representatives and their staff members to share how the AbilityOne Program has affected his life. He explained that the program offered him more than a job it gave him purpose, opportunities, skills, and a path toward greater independence.

“The AbilityOne Program made a difference in my life,” Simon said. “It gave me purpose and opportunities I would not have had.”

Simon and TRDI asked congressional offices to protect employment opportunities for people with disabilities and help ensure the AbilityOne Program remains stable and strong for the long term. His message was clear: these opportunities must remain available not only for people who are working today, but also for future job seekers with disabilities who deserve the opportunity to contribute their skills and build fulfilling careers.

Why AbilityOne Matters

Established by Congress under the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, the AbilityOne Program creates employment opportunities through federal contracts for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. It is among the nation’s largest sources of employment for this community.

The program connects federal agencies with nonprofit organizations that provide products and services while employing and training people with disabilities. In the SourceAmerica network, participating nonprofit agencies must ensure that at least 75 percent of their direct labor hours are performed by people who are blind or have significant disabilities.

The impact reaches far beyond a single job. For employees like Simon, meaningful work can support financial stability while also building experience, skills, relationships, confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of purpose. AbilityOne reports that its workforce includes more than 41,000 Americans with disabilities, including approximately 2,800 veterans and wounded warriors.

Simon also spoke in support of protecting the federal contracting framework that sustains AbilityOne employment opportunities. By telling his story directly to Texas representatives and staff, he helped connect public policy to the real lives of employees and families who rely on these opportunities.

A Voice for the Future

Simon’s advocacy was grounded in gratitude for the opportunities he has received and a commitment to ensuring others can benefit from those opportunities as well.

“I want the program to remain strong for people like me and for others who need an opportunity,” Simon said.

TRDI congratulates Simon on representing the organization, The Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, and the disability community with pride in Washington, D.C. His story is a reminder that employment can be life changing not only because it provides a paycheck, but because it creates purpose, develops skills, strengthens independence, and gives people the opportunity to be seen and heard.