[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1039-E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE BEACON GROUP AND THE ABILITYONE GROUP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 2010

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the AbilityOne 
program, which over the past several years has offered skills and jobs 
training to more than 42,000 Americans who are blind or have 
significant disabilities.
  The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal 
Government to buy products and services from participating community-
based nonprofit agencies dedicated to training and employing 
individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with 
disabilities the opportunity to receive

[[Page E1040]]

good wages and benefits and gain greater independence and quality of 
life.
  Employment opportunities through the AbilityOne Program have 
significantly contributed to bringing people who are blind or have 
significant disabilities into the wider working society.
  It is with great pride that I also acknowledge the Beacon Group Inc., 
one of the many social enterprises dedicated to enriching the lives of 
people with disabilities.
  Since its beginning in 1952, the Beacon Group has been committed to 
providing employment-related opportunities to people with disabilities. 
It provides access to real work for a segment of the community that 
traditionally bears an unacceptably high unemployment rate. The Beacon 
Group now serves over 1,600 people with disabilities annually by 
providing a variety of employment opportunities and educational and 
social rehabilitation programs, all of which help lead to more 
meaningful and productive lives.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I offer my support to 
the AbilityOne Program and commend the dedication and commitment of the 
Beacon Group's President, Mr. Steven King, and his staff, for helping 
individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities find 
employment. Their work helps people live fuller lives and become more 
active members of society. I also commend the many AbilityOne employees 
who work every day to improve the lives of others and make our country 
a better place to live.

                          ____________________