[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING BEACON GROUP SW AND THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM

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                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2009

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the AbilityOne 
Program, which in the last year, has helped more than 40,000 Americans 
who are blind or who have severe disabilities gain skills and training 
that ultimately led to gainful employment. The Beacon Group SW 
implements this program in my district in Southern Arizona.
  The AbilityOne Program, formerly known as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day 
Program, harnesses the purchasing power of the federal government to 
buy products and services from community based non-profit agencies that 
are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. 
This program gives Americans with disabilities opportunities to acquire 
job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain 
greater independence and quality of life. This program provides 
essential assistance to a segment of the population that has one of the 
highest levels of unemployment in our country.
  I am proud to acknowledge the important work of the Beacon Group, 
which since 1952, has provided training and employment services to 
people with disabilities. The history and mission of the Beacon Group 
stands as a clear example of why this program is a winning proposition 
for all parties involved.
  In the past year the Beacon Group employed over 25 individuals with 
severe disabilities through AbilityOne contracts. With the help of 
AbilityOne and other programs the Beacon Group served over 1,700 
individuals and their families in the community.
  The direct impact of these services on the lives of Americans with 
disabilities cannot be overstated. For an individual with a severe 
disability who has never had the opportunity to hold a job, be 
independent, participate in community life, or contribute their talents 
to society; the AbilityOne Program and agencies like the Beacon Group 
are invaluable.
  I am pleased to acknowledge the tremendous accomplishments of the 
AbilityOne Program and the dedication and commitment of Steven R. King 
the President and CEO of the Beacon Group and his staff. Each day they 
assist individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment and 
assume their rightful place in our nation's workforce. I also want to 
commend each AbilityOne employee for their hard work and their 
participation in this important program.

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