Recognizing AbilityOne Program

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an AbilityOne program. Located at Tinker Air Force Base, the program has resulted in the employment of more than 1,300 people with disabilities around the state of Oklahoma.

The AbilityOne Program buys products and services from participating community-based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. In doing so, the program affords Americans with disabilities opportunities to acquire job skills and training, earn wages and benefits, and gain greater independence. This program provides vital assistance to a segment of the population that has one of the highest levels of unemployment in our country.

Since 1996, the Dale Rogers Training Center, with the assistance of Professional Contract Services, Inc. (PCSI) has improved the quality of life, helped remove barriers to independent living. The benefits to those that participate in the program cannot be overstated. The opportunity to work, be independent, and participate in community life enhances participant's lives and provides an avenue for them to contribute society.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I would like to thank all the people involved with the AbilityOne program, and PCSI for their important work to Oklahomans of all ages and abilities reach their full potential.

Source