[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2014

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this 
upcoming month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness 
Month (NDEAM). As part of a national campaign, NDEAM raises awareness 
about employment issues facing individuals with disabilities and 
celebrates the vast contributions made by American workers with 
disabilities. This year's theme is ``Expect. Employ. Empower.''
  NDEAM's origins can be traced back to 1945, when Congress first 
passed a resolution declaring the first week of October as ``National 
Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.'' In 1988, Congress expanded 
this week to an entire month and changed the name to ``National 
Disability Employment Awareness Month'' to reflect the wide variety of 
disabilities, physical or nonphysical, that an individual may have.
  This month serves to remind us all that a strong, thriving workforce 
is an inclusive workforce. As a nation, we must work together to 
increase meaningful employment opportunities for those with 
disabilities and utilize their many talents.
  I would like to especially recognize the great work of the Georgia 
Industries for the Blind (GIB), a facet of the Georgia Vocational 
Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). The GIB was established in 1937 and 
subsequently opened its first manufacturing plant in 1949. Since then, 
it has grown to include three manufacturing sites located in Albany, 
Bainbridge and Griffin, as well as two service sites located in 
Bainbridge and Warner Robins. The GIB employs nearly 100 blind persons 
and boasts over $12 million in annual sales.
  The GIB is a leader in the fight against the marginalization of the 
disabled worker and I applaud their resounding efforts to expand 
employment opportunities to those with disabilities throughout Georgia. 
By offering competitive wages and a full benefits package, Georgia 
Industries for the Blind stands as a shining example for other 
employers across the nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing National Disability 
Employment Awareness Month by acknowledging the positive impact those 
with disabilities have on the American workforce, as well as 
understanding the need to increase meaningful employment opportunities 
for our disabled citizens. In addition, I ask that my colleagues join 
me in celebrating the strides made by Georgia Industries for the Blind 
and other employers leading the effort to implement a more inclusive 
employee culture.

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