In 1978, the Texas State Use Program was implemented by TIBH to increase employment, wages and, ultimately, enhance the lives of Texans with disabilities. This initiative resulted from the efforts of the Texas Legislature, which created the State Use Program under Chapter 122 of the Human Resources Code.
In the 34 years since its successful implementation, the State Use Program continues to set new marks for the number of people with disabilities employed. In the past year, $36 million in wages were paid to these employees for work on state and local government contracts.
To help enhance familiarity and increase involvement among purchasers from state agencies, municipalities, school districts and other political subdivisions, the State Use Program has adopted a new moniker - WorksWonders.
WorksWonders is a phrase demonstrating the mutually beneficial partnership involving people with disabilities and the state and local government entities that purchase the products, services and temporary employment services offered through 116 statewide Community Rehabilitation Programs. In the logo accompanying the WorksWonders moniker, the letter W's shadow is used to reflect this symbiotic relationship. In addition, the dots associated with the braille letter W have been incorporated into the design for recognition among all WorksWonders audiences.
It is our hope that more and more governmental entities take advantage of the many benefits associated with WorksWonders, and that the W logo will someday be instantly recognized across the U.S. as the mark of a quality product or service offered by a worker with disabilities.
