[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              ABILITY ONE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2009

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a 
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 has ultimately led to gainful employment; The AbilityOne Program.
  The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal 
Government to buy products and services from participating community-
based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing 
individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with 
disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, 
receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and 
quality of life.
  This comes in a segment of the population that has suffered from 
significant unemployment. But programs such as AbilityOne have come a 
long way in helping to bring people with disabilities into a working 
society. I am proud to acknowledge that REACH Inc. has played an active 
role since 1977 in helping employ people with severe disabilities and 
is one of the community partners to the AbilityOne Program within my 
state.
  The history and mission of REACH Inc. stands as a true example of why 
this program is a winning proposition for all parties involved. REACH 
Inc. grew out of the dream of a group of local families who wanted to 
organize activities for their children with disabilities. Over 32 years 
ago, REACH Inc. opened its doors in the basement of the Resurrection 
Lutheran Church in Juneau. What started out as a small, family-run 
group meeting in a church basement has developed into an agency 
employing 200 people and serving over 400 individuals.
  The direct impact of these organizations 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 the community, or play an important role in 
society; the AbilityOne Program and organizations like REACH Inc. are 
invaluable.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my support to 
the AbilityOne Program. I also want to commend the dedication and 
commitment to the REACH Inc. Executive Director, Mr. Richard Fagundes, 
and his staff for helping individuals who are blind or have a severe 
disability find employment. Their work helps people live fuller lives 
and become more active members of society. I also commend each 
AbilityOne employee who works every day to improve their lives, support 
our Government, and make our country a better place to live.

                          ____________________