[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 181 (Tuesday, November 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM

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                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2011

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the AbilityOne 
Program, which has helped more than 47,000 blind or significantly 
disabled Americans develop skills and receive training ultimately 
leading to successful employment.
  The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the federal 
government to buy products and services from participating community-
based non-profit 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 a 
higher quality of life.
  I am proud to acknowledge two non-profit agencies, Skookum and 
Lighthouse for the Blind, both of which are closely associated with 
AbilityOne in my district. These organizations represent two of many 
non-profit social enterprises dedicated to the mission of enriching the 
lives of people with disabilities.
  Skookum's mission is to create opportunities for people with 
disabilities, assisting government customers by delivering critical 
logistics, facilities maintenance and public works services. Skookum 
was recently awarded the 2010 National AbilityOne Award for Performance 
Excellence in Hiring Veterans with Disabilities which demonstrates a 
proud commitment to recruiting the right person for the right job and 
bringing Wounded Warriors into our workforce.
  Lighthouse for the Blind has been providing employment, support, and 
training for people who are blind, deaf-blind, and blind with other 
disabilities in the Puget Sound since 1918. Lighthouse for the Blind 
expands employment opportunities by providing the technical and 
communication tools needed for self-sufficiency. The manufacturing 
operations center makes products for the Federal Government and various 
aerospace companies.
  It is with great pleasure that I extend my support to the AbilityOne 
Program. The dedication and commitment of Skookum and Lighthouse for 
the Blind help individuals who are blind or have significant 
disabilities find employment, live fuller lives, and remain active 
members of our community. I commend everyone associated with AbilityOne 
for working to improve so many lives and make our country a better 
place for all.

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