[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          RECOGNIZING DIDLAKE, INC. AND THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a 
program which in the last several years has helped more than 40,000 
Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain 
skills and training that 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 within a segment of the population that has suffered from 
significant, chronic and unacceptable unemployment. However, 
opportunities realized through the AbilityOne Program have done much in 
helping to bring people who are blind or have significant disabilities 
into a working society. I am proud to recognize Didlake, Inc., located 
in Virginia's 11th district, as one shining example of a nonprofit 
agency working through the AbilityOne Program to enrich the lives of 
people with disabilities.
  For more than 40 years, Didlake has provided a wide-range of 
resources to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in 
Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Didlake offers 
training and support services to people with significant disabilities 
leading to employment on federal, state and local contracts such as 
facility management, mailroom operations, administrative services, 
fleet management, product packaging and more.
  The mission of Didlake stands as a true example of why community 
nonprofit agencies and programs like AbilityOne are a winning 
proposition for all parties involved. For an individual with a 
significant 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 training and support that organizations like Didlake 
offer, and the employment opportunities afforded through partnership 
with the AbilityOne Program are truly 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 of Didlake President and CEO Rex Parr and his staff for 
helping individuals who have significant disabilities 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 and support our federal government's 
mission.

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