[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NEIL SMITH, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS HONORED

                                 ______


                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 1996

  Ms. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
NFL's finest defensive players and one of Kansas City's finest 
citizens, Neil Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Smith is in 
Washington today to accept a prestigious award from the U.S. Junior 
Chamber of Commerce [JAYCEES] which has selected Neil Smith as a member 
of the Congress of Ten Outstanding Young Americans.
  Neil Smith spent his childhood struggling in school with a learning 
disability. He was in junior high school before the education system 
acknowledged his special challenges and helped him discover ways in 
which he could learn and succeed. Neil Smith will never forget the 
cruel labels placed on children with dyslexia. That is why today he 
dedicates time and energy to help youngsters living with learning 
disabilities.
  As a former educator, I personally appreciate Mr. Smith's selfless 
efforts to heighten public awareness and find solutions for individuals 
with disabilities. He is the national spokesperson for Foundation for 
Exceptional Children's ``Yes I Can'' Program which encourages disabled 
children to reach their goals and recognizes their many achievements. 
He recently partnered with the Learning Disabilities Association of 
Missouri to fund and produce a public service announcement aimed at 
dispelling the misconception that children with learning disabilities 
are ``dumb'' or ``slow''. He says they just need to be shown things in 
a different way.
  Neil Smith's efforts remind the Congress that these youth need the 
support of an education system that works for them, not against them. 
All children have dreams and each and every one of them deserves the 
opportunity to achieve those dreams just as Neil Smith has. In Mr. 
Smith's words, ``People with learning disabilities are not unfortunate. 
The unfortunate people are quarterbacks.'' Thank you, Neil, for your 
dedication to our children and your inspiring energy both on and off 
the field.

                          ____________________