[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20181]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        OREGON HEALTH CARE HERO

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, Vail Blackwell Horton is a self-
described ``man with a vision on a mission.'' Vail was born 25 years 
ago without legs and has since dedicated himself to enabling people 
with disabilities to become active members of their communities.
  As the founder and CEO of Keen Mobility, Vail and his team of 
outstanding employees are developing new technologies and services to 
empower people with disabilities. Innovative assistive devices like the 
``Keen Krutch'' and ``Sure Foot Forearm'' are engineered to 
significantly reduce the onset of painful conditions and ailments like 
osteoarthritis. Vail's products have helped improve the quality of life 
for many with disabilities. One client raved: ``I can't find the words 
to tell you what your invention has done for my life . . . I am not as 
embarrassed to walk with my crutch because I think it is a real looker. 
It has given me a badly needed boost to keep on fighting the fight to 
live and walk in this world.''
  In addition to Keen Mobility, Vail founded Incight, a nonprofit 
organization that focuses on employment and education issues for people 
with disabilities. Appearing frequently as a motivational speaker, Vail 
aims to ``educate and encourage individuals to acknowledge their 
handicap, but not let it dictate their life.''
  Vail's tireless spirit serves as an inspiration to us all. Today, I 
am proud to honor Vail Blackwell Horton as a Health Care Hero for the 
great State of Oregon.

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