[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 87 (Thursday, June 5, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE AND THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM

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                        HON. STEVEN A. HORSFORD

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2014

  Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Opportunity 
Village and the AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program harnesses 
the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and 
services from participating community-based nonprofit agencies that are 
dedicated to training and employing individuals who have significant 
disabilities or are blind. Organizations like Opportunity Village, 
located in every state of our great nation, employ nearly 50,000 
Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities through this 
Program.
  AbilityOne affiliated non-profit agencies like Opportunity Village 
offer people who are blind or who have significant disabilities 
opportunities to acquire the job skills and training necessary to 
receive good wages and benefits and ultimately improve their quality of 
life. Today, over 75 percent of people with significant disabilities do 
not have jobs. Census statistics indicate there are 9.4 million people 
with significant disabilities in the United States who could work given 
the appropriate opportunity and support.
  Opportunity Village is a shining example, providing employment 
opportunities and training to over 1,990 individuals with disabilities; 
many of whom live in the 4th district of Nevada; through this Program. 
Opportunity Village helps them to lead more productive lives, support 
their families, gain important work experience, and share in the same 
pride that each of us has after a day's work. Many of these individuals 
work in support of our men and women in uniform, doing their part to 
improve our country and ensure safety and security for us all.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my support to 
the AbilityOne Program and to Opportunity Village. I also want to 
commend the dedication and commitment of Mr. Ed Guthrie, the Executive 
Director of Opportunity Village, and to his staff for helping 
individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities find 
employment opportunities. Their work helps people live fuller lives and 
become more active members of society. I also commend each of the 
nearly 50,000 AbilityOne employees who work every day to improve their 
lives, and make our country a better place to live.

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