[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     UNITED NATIONS' INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 3, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the United Nations' International Day of Persons with 
Disabilities. Every day, persons with disabilities around the world 
must face undue physical, social, and economic hurdles in society. 
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is just one of many 
opportunities to focus on these individuals' accomplishments.
  Since 1992, the United Nations has promoted this international day of 
observance in order to promote a better understanding of disabilities 
and to enhance the well-being of persons living with disabilities. 
These individuals frequently lack access to basic resources such as 
gainful employment or healthcare. With over one billion people around 
the world living with some form of disability, it is critical that we 
raise awareness around these issues.
  The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is one organization that 
works to raise awareness and provide tangible services and assistance 
to those living with disabilities. NIB, which is celebrating its 75th 
anniversary this year, works in 35 States at more than 250 locations 
across the United States to provide these invaluable services. NIB 
continues to promote new opportunities for individuals with 
disabilities through its widely recognized AbilityOne Program.
  In my district, I have had the distinct pleasure of visiting the 
Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, a non-profit organization that 
provides job training and services to visually impaired individuals. 
The Dallas Lighthouse, a local National Industries for the Blind 
agency, employs 185 visually impaired persons and has provided training 
for employees within certain agencies of the Federal Government.
  Mr. Speaker, as we join the international community in recognizing 
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is important that we 
highlight the local organizations here at home that bring real value to 
communities across the U.S. The National Industries for the Blind is 
one such organization and that I am pleased to recognize as it 
celebrates 75 years of enhancing the lives of others.

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