[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ABILITYONE PROGRAM

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                          HON. KRISTI L. NOEM

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2012

  Mrs. NOEM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the AbilityOne program, 
which is one of the largest providers for people who are blind or have 
severe disabilities. AbilityOne has helped over 40,000 people gain the 
necessary skills to enter and succeed in the workforce. In my home 
State of South Dakota, Black Hills Services Inc., helps to implement 
this critical program.
  The AbilityOne program connects Federal Government agencies with 
community based non-profits that are dedicated to employing the blind 
and disabled. This program affords Americans with disabilities 
opportunities to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages 
and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. This 
program provides essential assistance to a segment of the population 
that has one of the highest levels of unemployment in our country.
  I am proud to acknowledge the important work of Services at Ellsworth 
Air Force Base. I recently had the pleasure of visiting with many team 
members and seeing first hand the great job they do. With the support 
of the AbilityOne Program, BH Services provides assistance and 
employment to more than 325 people with disabilities in the Rapid City 
area. The direct impact this program has on the lives of Americans with 
disabilities cannot be overstated. For an individual with a significant 
disability who has never had the opportunity to work, be independent, 
participate in community life, or contribute to their society; the 
AbilityOne Program and agencies like BH Services are invaluable.
  The work AbilityOne and BH Services do everyday help people live 
fuller lives and become more active members of society. I applaud each 
AbilityOne employee who works every day to improve their lives and make 
South Dakota and our country, a better place to live.

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