[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14943]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                           ABILITYONE PROGRAM

 Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize an 
organization that has been providing opportunities for Arkansans that 
are blind or visually impaired since 1940. The Arkansas Lighthouse for 
the Blind started as a dream of a blind Methodist minister, the late 
Rev. Jeff Smith, and became a reality thanks to $100 in donations from 
friends. Since those humble beginnings, the Arkansas Lighthouse for the 
Blind has grown into a nationally recognized manufacturing business, 
now employing over 80 people in Little Rock.
  The Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind is a partner of the AbilityOne 
Program, a Federal purchasing program that enables over 47,000 
Americans who are blind or severely disabled to work and provides 
products and services to Federal and commercial customers. This year 
marks the 75th anniversary of AbilityOne, and I am pleased to have such 
an important organization promoting the employment and advancement of 
people who are blind and visually impaired in my State.
  Today in America, 70 percent of blind and visually impaired working-
aged Americans are not employed. Through the AbilityOne Program, 
organizations like Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind harnesses the 
purchasing power of the Federal government to provide quality products 
and services from participating community-based nonprofit agencies 
dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. 
These workers proudly manufacture a wide range of paper, textile, and 
apparel products. From the small SKILCRAFT memo pads on our desks, to 
the shirts on the backs of our men and women in uniform, they are a 
part of our American manufacturing base that keeps our government 
moving each and every day.
  I have visited the Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind and had several 
opportunities to meet with their employees. During each interaction, I 
have been impressed by the opportunities this organization provides 
their associates, both personally and professionally. It is a place 
that truly lives up to its mission and expands opportunity for persons 
who are blind throughout the State. I am a proud AbilityOne Champion 
and appreciate this partnership which allows us to work together to 
expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
  The month of October serves as National Disability Employment 
Awareness Month and I recognize the Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind, 
as well as the AbilityOne program, for the opportunities they have 
provided for Americans with disabilities. Americans that have worked 
through this program over the years have acquired job skills and 
training, received good wages and benefits, as well as gained greater 
independence and quality of life. It is for this reason that I stand in 
support of the work they do each and every day to open doors of 
opportunity for Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

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