[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 17 (Thursday, February 2, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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 RECOGNIZING THE ARKANSAS LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND THE ABILITYONE 
                                PROGRAM

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, today I wish to recognize 
Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind and the AbilityOne program, two 
important partners in our efforts to help blind Americans and those 
with other severe disabilities find meaningful employment.
  The AbilityOne Program, formerly Javits-Wagner-O'Day, helps more than 
47,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities put their 
skills and talents to work. It is the largest source of employment for 
people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the country.
  There are more than 600 nonprofit agencies throughout the United 
States, including Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, who participate in 
AbilityOne. These agencies produce over $2.3 billion in products and 
services purchased by the Federal Government.
  Before entering public service, I practiced optometry in Rogers, AK. 
Assisting people with vision problems was more than a career for me, it 
was, and remains, a commitment. It led me to help establish a low 
vision program at the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock and 
to offer my services as a volunteer optometrist at an area clinic that 
provides medical services to low-income families. I see a tremendous 
amount of passion and commitment in those who give their time and 
services to Arkansas Lighthouse to the Blind.
  Having visited the Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, and seeing 
firsthand the folks who work there and the products they make, I could 
not be more proud of the work done by these men and women.
  I applaud any organization that helps people who are blind or 
severely disabled find employment. The same job that a colleague or I 
might take for granted is a lifeline for those living with a 
disability. The products and services produced through Arkansas 
Lighthouse for the Blind and other organizations across the country 
also prove that someone with a disability can lead a productive life 
and make major contributions within their community. They provide a 
valuable service and I offer my continued support for their 
efforts.

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