Support for JWOD
Floor Speech
SUPPORT FOR JWOD -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 05, 2007)
* Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the nation. They comprise 20 percent of the American population and represent every ethnicity, gender, and age. Given the breadth and depth of this group of citizens, it is startling that they suffer from a 65-percent unemployment rate. People with disabilities have the ability and desire to work, yet face many barriers to employment. I think it is incredibly important that we give people with disabilities equal opportunity and support for employment.
* To that end, I am proud to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD)/AbilityOne Program. The JWOD/AbilityOne Program uses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating, community-based nonprofit agencies dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. Through this program, people with disabilities enjoy full participation in their community and are able to become self-sufficient wage earners and tax payers.
* In the United States, the program serves approximately 43,000 people with disabilities and generated approximately $360 million in wages earned and nearly $1.8 billion in products sold. In Georgia alone, some 938 people with disabilities earned nearly $9 million in wages last year as a result of JWOD/AbilityOne. I am particularly proud that the 4th Congressional District is home to a JWOD contract for switchboard services. This dedicated workforce of people with disabilities provides excellent 24/7 service to the Atlanta VA Medical Center for nearly 15 years.
* It is with great pleasure that I recognize the great contributions of American workers with disabilities. I commend the JWOD Program, its supporters, and its participants for making a difference where it is needed most. America truly works best when all Americans work.
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