[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1131]]
    RECOGNIZING THE JAVITS-WAGNER-O'DAY PROGRAM AND THE SAN ANTONIO 
                        LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2006

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Javits-
Wagner-O'Day Program, often referred to as JWOD. This important federal 
program provides needed employment opportunities for people with 
disabilities. In fact, JWOD provides more than 40,000 Americans who are 
blind, or who have other severe disabilities, with the job skills and 
training necessary to earn good wages and benefits, allowing them to 
gain greater independence and quality of life.
  People with disabilities are often underserved in this nation. They 
traditionally face an unemployment rate of 70 percent, and thus rely 
heavily upon social support programs. JWOD empowers these Americans by 
helping them enjoy full participation in their community and marketing 
their JWOD skills into other public or private sector jobs. This, in 
turn, increases their independence and self-esteem.
  The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH work with local 
nonprofit organizations nationwide to create new employment 
opportunities for people with blindness or severe disabilities. Such 
efforts benefit my constituency in San Antonio, Texas. Demonstrating a 
superlative federal-private sector partnership, NIB, NISH, and local 
nonprofits, such as San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, enhance 
opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are 
blind or who have other severe disabilities, primarily through 
creating, sustaining, and improving employment.
  Through the JWOD program, San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind 
provides employment opportunities and training for over 5,000 people 
each year with visual and other severe disabilities. This enables them 
to lead more productive and meaningful lives, support their families, 
and gain important work experience.
  On behalf of people with disabilities, I recognize and honor the 
important contributions of JWOD and the San Antonio Lighthouse for the 
Blind. Their tireless work to enhance employment opportunities for 
people with visual and other severe disabilities does a great service 
to the city of San Antonio and its citizens.

                          ____________________