[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 96 (Friday, July 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORT OF JAVITS-WAGNER-O'DAY (JWOD) PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES 
                    TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2005

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the 
Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program, which has provided vocational 
training and employment opportunities to the blind and disabled since 
1971. The JWOD Program, which brings together the Federal Government 
and approximately 600 non-profit organizations supporting the blind and 
disabled, is a model public-private partnerships for advancing the 
collective values of our nation.
  The unemployment rate among the blind and disabled in our country is 
estimated at approximately 70 percent. It is troubling that we as a 
society have not created a system that successfully makes the American 
Dream a real possibility for all Americans, and particularly for those 
who are blind or disabled. In my many years of public service, I have 
become acquainted with numerous individuals with disability. I have 
always been impressed with their vigor and spirit and their willingness 
to take on any task in order to contribute positively to our community 
and our society. These Americans do not come asking for a handout, but 
rather ask that we as public officials provide them with the tools they 
need to achieve self-sufficiency, personal fulfillment, and full 
inclusion in the benefits of our society.
  The JWOD Program stands as one of the most successful programs in 
addressing economic and social equality for blind and disabled members 
of our communities. The non-profits participating in JWOD have provided 
training and job opportunities to 42,000 individuals who are blind or 
disabled. The Federal Government supports these organizations through 
the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely 
Disabled, which directs all Federal agencies to purchase certain 
products and services only from JWOD-affiliated organizations that 
train and employ blind and disabled. The net result is that the Federal 
Government uses its purchasing power to ensure a steady revenue stream 
to JWOD-affiliated organizations while at the same time acquiring 
products and supplies at a fair market price.
  It is also important to recognize the important role played by the 
National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and National Institute for the 
Severely Handicapped (NISH)-Creating Employment for People with Severe 
Disabilities. These non-profit organizations provide advice to the 
Federal Government as to which products or services it should include 
in its JWOD Procurement List, while at the same time providing 
technical, logistical, and marketing assistance to the 600 JWOD-
affiliated organizations. These organizations also play an important 
role in advocating on behalf of the employment of blind and disabled 
individuals in traditional businesses and organizations. Needless to 
say, the success of JWOD would not be possible if not for the NIB and 
NISH-Creating Employment for People with Severe Disabilities.
  As we Americans strive to form a more compassionate society and a 
more compassionate world, it is important that we recognize the 
tremendous success of the JWOD Program and the dedication of those 
individuals and organizations who have made this program a success. I 
urge my colleagues to reaffirm their support for JWOD, and I look 
forward to working with my colleagues on legislation in support of this 
important program.

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