[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 92 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. ARUN SHIMPI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2011

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
commitment to public service made by Mr. Arun Shimpi, who retired in 
June after 43 years of tireless service toward enhancing the social and 
economic independence of Americans who are blind. When Mr. Shimpi began 
work at National Industries for the Blind in 1968, he was a new 
immigrant from India in search of greater opportunity. Fifteen years 
later, fueled by a desire to participate fully in our democracy, he 
transitioned from legal resident to U.S. citizen. Not only is his story 
one that captures the spirit of the American Dream, but he has also 
worked tirelessly for over 40 years, opening the doors of opportunity 
to thousands of Americans who are blind or severely disabled, making 
their own dreams become a reality.
  National Industries for the Blind, along with its 90 associated 
nonprofit agencies operating under the AbilityOne Program, remains the 
largest single source of employment for Americans who are blind. Under 
Mr. Shimpi's leadership, the AbilityOne Program has made great progress 
in breaking down barriers for all persons with disabilities.
  Schooled as an industrial engineer, Mr. Shimpi has approached these 
barriers faced by Americans with disabilities as problems that can be 
overcome through concrete solutions. He has provided valuable research 
and analysis, creating better efficiency within the AbilityOne Program, 
and his depth of knowledge acquired through four decades of service at 
National Industries for the Blind has been a valuable resource for 
those looking to close the 70 percent unemployment gap among Americans 
who are blind.
  Please join me in honoring a lifetime commitment to service by Mr. 
Arun Shimpi.

                          ____________________