[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. PENINSULA CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT 
                                 LIVING

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Insight 
Enterprises, Inc. Peninsula Center for Independent Living of Hampton, 
Virginia. This year marks its 20th year of service to individuals with 
disabilities on the Virginia peninsula.
  For 20 years, the Peninsula Center for Independent Living's 
philosophy has been that individuals with disabilities should play a 
major role in deciding their future. As a coalition of professionals 
working in the fields of education, rehabilitation and community 
services, the Peninsula Center has been instrumental in allowing 
persons with disabilities to empower themselves to truly live 
independent lives.
  Madam Speaker, the Peninsula Center for Independent Living provides 
an invaluable service to thousands. The Peninsula Center works to 
ensure that individuals with disabilities who need housing, whether 
public or private, can locate housing that is accessible and suitable 
to their needs. The Peninsula Center has also provided assistance in 
resolving complaints in the areas of housing, education, employment and 
community programs. Other core services provided by the Peninsula 
Center include peer counseling, and independent skills training. The 
Peninsula Center also provides community outreach, including disability 
awareness, technical assistance regarding accessibility and legal 
issues, and general disability related information.
  Insight Enterprises was founded by Ralph W. Shelman of Hampton, who 
still serves as its executive director. I have had the privilege of 
working with Ralph on a variety of issues affecting individuals with 
disabilities both here in the U.S. House of Representatives and during 
my service in the Virginia General Assembly. Ralph served as an 
influential member of the coalition that helped enact the Americans 
With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Commonwealth of Virginia knows 
no better advocate for persons with disabilities than Ralph. The 
Virginia General Assembly even passed a joint resolution commending 
Ralph for his work for individuals with disabilities in the 
Commonwealth of Virginia.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Insight Enterprises, Inc. 
Peninsula Center for Independent Living, its executive director, Ralph 
Shelman, and their very professional and caring staff on their 20 years 
of service to the people of the Virginia peninsula. I commend the 
officers, staff and board members of the Peninsula Center for all that 
they have done and will continue to do to better the lives of countless 
individuals, and I wish them many more years of service to the people 
of the Virginia peninsula.

                          ____________________