Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Heath Shuler's support for people who are blind or visually impaired, or have other severe disabilities, was recognized this week as he was awarded the AbilityOne Champion award by the National Industries for the Blind.
The AbilityOne Program is the largest national source of job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. More than 600 non-profit agencies throughout the United States are involved with AbilityOne, including several in Western North Carolina, such as Asheville Industries for the Blind, Industrial Opportunities, Inc (IOI) in Andrews, Haywood Vocational Services, and Transylvania Vocational Services.
"I am truly honored to receive the AbilityOne Champion award," said Rep. Shuler (D-Waynesville). "The AbilityOne Program is truly a win-win opportunity. It helps those who are blind or visually impaired and people with severe disabilities gain employment; it promotes our local manufacturing industry; and, the program provides vital products and services to the U.S. government."
AbilityOne Champions are selected because of their strong local and Congressional support for the AbilityOne Program and its related organizations. Congressman Shuler toured the Asheville Industries for the Blind facility in March of last year and praised the organization as a model of effective job creation and growth in the manufacturing industry, at a time when manufacturing jobs are hard-to-come-by.
The AbilityOne Program creates $2.3 billion in goods that are purchased by the federal government, while providing an important service.
Background (from the National Industries for the Blind): The AbilityOne Program, formerly Javits-Wagner-O'Day, helps more than 43,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities find employment. The Program coordinates its activities with nonprofit organizations across the country to employ these individuals and provide goods and services to the federal government at fair market prices.
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*Rep. Shuler and David Barnwell, President of A Brighter Path Foundation