Opinion Pieces
Scott Recognizes America’s Workers With Disabilities During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Washington,
October 14, 2008
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Ashley Tanks
(770-210-5073)
Congressman David Scott (GA-13) has announced his support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Each year the month of October is chosen as the time to raise awareness of the high unemployment rate facing people with disabilities who are ready, willing and able to work. In his work in Georgia as an Ability One Champion Congressman, Scott has worked to make sure this group is given every opportunity to maximize their potential and become contributing working members of our communities.
“As a member of Congress who prides himself on ensuring the dream of a job extends to all, I am pleased to reaffirm my support for National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” Congressman Scott said. “I believe the integration of those living with disabilities into our workforce not only helps to fight false views incurred by these individuals, but also further strengthens our financial future. It’s simple: the more Americans we have employed, the better off the American economy.” The Ability One 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. Since 1938, the Ability One Program (formerly JWOD Program) has provided job training and employment opportunities for people who are blind or who have other severe disabilities. Last year, the Ability One Program served approximately 1,000 Georgians with disabilities and over 40,000 nationwide. Congressman Scott supports this initiative and encourages members of his district to focus on the abilities not the disabilities of those around them. In Scott’s 13th district, the Bobby Dodd Institute operates several Ability One contracts, which provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For more information about National Disability Employment Awareness Month visit the website of the Bobby Dodd Institute at www.bobbydodd.org. ### |