Apparel ManufacturingEach day, over 500 people with disabilities employed by Goodwill produce: 1,250 pairs of camouflage trousers, 450 slacks, 1,070 garrison caps, 400 fleece jackets and 200 overalls for the Armed Forces of the United States. Goodwill is proud to make 270 interment flags on a daily basis for the Veterans Administration and is the sole supplier of United States and Florida flags for all the counties and cities in Florida. Goodwill also produces a variety of commercial flags and products.

Making military clothing and flags requires superior workmanship and quality. These items are designed to withstand the rigors of combat and close military inspections. Each item requires multiple operations of a different complexity that must be produced in sequence, one operation at a time, assembly-line style. This characteristic provides unique opportunities to provide vocational rehabilitation services because of the large diversity ranging from complex operations and machines to very simple ones that provide opportunities for a wide range of people with disabilities. The opportunity to train through intense repetition enables individuals with limited ability to learn a skill and earn a good wage.

Apparel Manufacturing is beneficial for those needing an extended period to experience success and reach a competitive level. It is also beneficial for those with physical disabilities who need modified workstations, slow learners, persons with mental retardation and persons experiencing severe emotional problems. Although supports are put in place to foster increased productivity, those with severe mental and emotional disabilities may require a longer period of time to become competitive. Participants in this program respond favorably to the job coaching program, intense counseling and close supervision. In this program, supervisors and job coaches monitor participants daily or even hourly if needed.