Recognition Of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois
in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, October 16, 2002

[Congressional Record: October 17, 2002 (Extensions)] [Page E1929] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, each October we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and I rise to ask that all Americans consider what they can do to reduce the unacceptably high level of unemployment that exists among people with disabilities. No other minority group in this nation faces the level of joblessness experienced by such individuals.

Much of the problem is based on outdated myths and stereotypes, and each of us must consider what he or she can do to learn more about people with disabilities and how we can more fully integrate such individuals into the American work force.

As part of this year's observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, October 16th has been designated as National Disability Mentoring Day. This day is being coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities with the support of the U.S. Department of Labor and several corporate sponsors throughout the country. It is designed to bring students and job seekers with disabilities into the workplace where they can learn firsthand about employment opportunities, This is an activity that should be ongoing throughout the year, and I urge my colleagues, all employers and employees who wish to volunteer as mentors to learn more about this initiative by contacting the American Association of People with Disabilities at 800-840-8844, or view the Disability Mentoring Day link on its website.

As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness month, I also want to recognize three initiatives in my district that are making unique contributions to both local and national efforts promoting greater independence and economic opportunity for people with disabilities. As the sponsor of H.R. 3612, the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act, a bill that will enable people with disabilities to participate more fully in the workplace and community life by eliminating the institutional bias in our long term care system, I have learned much and benefited greatly from the support of Chicago ADAPT and its national affiliate, Americans Disabled for Attendant Programs Today. Their efforts to reform our long term support system and change our concept of disability from one of tragedy and dependence to one that recognizes disability as a natural part of the continuum of a life that can be fully enjoyed, is deeply appreciated.

I also wish to acknowledge the Access Center for Independent Living in Chicago. The Access Center, along with the National Council on Independent Living is also leading the way in the effort to break down the barriers people with disabilities face in obtaining equal access to housing, transportation and employment opportunities. The CEO of the Access Living Center, Marca Bristow, was appointed by President Clinton to serve as Chairwoman of the National Council on Disability, and her term has just expired. Her leadership in Chicago and on the National Council is deeply appreciated. The residents of Illinois and our entire nation owe much to this outstanding leader.

Another initiative I wish to mention is one that focuses solely on creating employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities. There are several nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area that participate in the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, a federal procurement initiative that uses the purchasing power of the Government to generate employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. These organizations include the Ada McKinley Community Services Center, the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center, the Jewish Vocational Services and Employment Center, the Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens and the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago.

These organizations, along with over 600 other community nonprofits across the nation work with National Industries for the Blind and NISH, a national nonprofit serving people with a range of severe disabilities. These groups train and employ over 37,000 people with disabilities to furnish office supplies, mail room and janitorial services, grounds maintenance, switchboard operations and a host of other administrative support services to both military and civilian agencies. By simply purchasing office supplies and support services from nonprofits such as these, federal workers can help reduce the high level of unemployment among people with disabilities and push the doors of opportunity open a little wider. More information can be found at the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program website.

Whether a child is born with a disability, an adult has a traumatic injury or a person becomes disabled through the aging process, the need to participate actively in community life and earn your own way in the world is universal. I urge all Americans to consult the National Disability Employment Awareness Month resources I have mentioned and to determine how you can contribute to lowering the unemployment rate among people with disabilities throughout the year.