[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            SUPPORT FOR JWOD

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, people with disabilities are 
the largest minority group in the nation. They comprise 20 percent of 
the American population and represent every ethnicity, gender, and age. 
Given the breadth and depth of this group of citizens, it is startling 
that they suffer from a 65-percent unemployment rate. People with 
disabilities have the ability and desire to work, yet face many 
barriers to employment. I think it is incredibly important that we give 
people with disabilities equal opportunity and support for employment.
  To that end, I am proud to support employment opportunities for 
people with disabilities, particularly through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day 
(JWOD)/AbilityOne Program. The JWOD/AbilityOne Program uses the 
purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services 
from participating, community-based nonprofit agencies dedicated to 
training and employing individuals with disabilities. Through this 
program, people with disabilities enjoy full participation in their 
community and are able to become self-sufficient wage earners and tax 
payers.
  In the United States, the program serves approximately 43,000 people 
with disabilities and generated approximately $360 million in wages 
earned and nearly $1.8 billion in products sold. In Georgia alone, some 
938 people with disabilities earned nearly $9 million in wages last 
year as a result of JWOD/AbilityOne. I am particularly proud that the 
4th Congressional District is home to a JWOD contract for switchboard 
services. This dedicated workforce of people with disabilities provides 
excellent 24/7 service to the Atlanta VA Medical Center for nearly 15 
years.
  It is with great pleasure that I recognize the great contributions of 
American workers with disabilities. I commend the JWOD Program, its 
supporters, and its participants for making a difference where it is 
needed most. America truly works best when all Americans work.

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