[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT 
                      AWARENESS MONTH OCTOBER 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the observance 
of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In observance of 
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I express my 
appreciation to the nearly 55 million Americans with disabilities who 
have made significant contributions to the American workforce.
  As a proud sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I salute 
this milestone legislation and other comprehensive efforts to create 
equal access to employment opportunities.
  I am proud of efforts like AbilityOne, a laudable, federally-managed 
program that is the largest source of employment for the blind and 
those with severe disabilities. I was also a proud co-sponsor of the 
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that is providing vital stimulus 
dollars to programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education 
Act (IDEA) to help educate disabled children and youth.
  This October, as we rededicate ourselves to increasing employment 
opportunities for disabled Americans, let us also honor the value, 
skills and contributions individuals with disabilities have made to the 
American workforce.

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