[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 83 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E892-E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING ABILITYONE PROGRAM

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 2014

  Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an AbilityOne 
program. Located at Tinker Air Force Base, the program has resulted in 
the employment of more than 1,300 people with disabilities around the 
state of Oklahoma.
  The AbilityOne Program buys products and services from participating 
community-based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and 
employing individuals with disabilities. In doing so, the program 
affords Americans with disabilities opportunities to acquire job skills 
and training, earn wages and benefits, and gain greater independence. 
This program provides vital assistance to a segment of the population 
that has one of the highest levels of unemployment in our country.
  Since 1996, the Dale Rogers Training Center, with the assistance of 
Professional Contract Services, Inc. (PCSI) has improved the quality of 
life, helped remove barriers to independent living. The benefits to 
those that participate in the program cannot be overstated. The 
opportunity to work, be independent, and participate in community life 
enhances participant's lives and provides an avenue for them to 
contribute society.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I would like to thank all the people 
involved with the AbilityOne program, and PCSI for their important work 
to Oklahomans of all ages and abilities reach their full potential.

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