[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 175 (Wednesday, December 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE 
                              BLIND (NIB)

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                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 11, 2013

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) 
is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and I am honored to be a 
part of its celebration. Seventy-five years ago, the Wagner-O'Day Act 
was signed into law, which created the AbilityOne Program as well as 
the NIB.
  NIB strives to enhance economic and personal independence of persons 
who are blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment.
  The NIB works with 91 agencies spread out among 35 states at over 250 
locations and the agencies provide products and services for the 
government.
  In my home state, Outlook Nebraska is the NIB provider and is an 
economic engine that brings valuable business to the Omaha area.
  Founded in 2000, Outlook Nebraska, much like its sister NIB agencies, 
seeks to enhance the quality of life for the blind and visually 
impaired.
  It is Nebraska's largest employer for those with vision disabilities. 
Outlook Nebraska's work is especially important because, unfortunately, 
70 percent of working-age Americans who are blind are unemployed.
  The AbilityOne program makes Outlook Nebraska possible. As the 
official AbilityOne manufacturer of quality tissue and towel products 
for the government, Outlook Nebraska supplies a full line of 100 
percent recycled fiber content tissue and towel products, including 
bath tissue, pull towels, and all compatible dispensers to the United 
States government.
  Besides the manufacturing of products, the agency provides complete 
product servicing from its office and tissue-converting site in Omaha.
  The agency has also developed additional services for blind and 
visually impaired employees, such as education and training to provide 
them with the technological skills that allow them to excel in their 
professional and personal lives.

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