[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1208-E1209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JUSTIN PRESSLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2018

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Justin 
Pressley, a Gainesville native who dedicated his career to advocating 
for the disabled.
  When he was 16 years old, Justin injured his spinal cord in a 
motorcycle accident, leaving him a quadriplegic. Instead of viewing his 
injury as a setback, he used this challenge to encourage men and women 
who were also experiencing disabilities.

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  To work with organizations committed to advancing the disabled 
community, Justin volunteered his time to Adapt, the National 
Organization on Disability, and the National Participant Network. He 
also co-founded Gainesville's Disability Resource Center and 
established the North Georgia Screamin' Eagles soccer team, a local 
soccer team for quadriplegic athletes.
  Because of his tireless devotion to meeting the needs of the 
disabled, the Georgia Advisory Committee appointed Justin to the United 
States Civil Rights Commission, which focuses on addressing issues in 
civil rights policy. Additionally, he served as an officer for the 
Access Center for Independent Living and Access Hall County--two 
organizations that support disabled men and women by advocating for 
their independence in the community.
  Throughout his life, Justin worked to broaden equal opportunities for 
the disabled in the workplace, and his optimism lifted the spirits of 
others in the community. Mr. Speaker, the Gainesville community will 
miss Justin, and my prayers are with family during this time.

                          ____________________