Washington, D.C. Representative Rodney Alexander (R-5th- Louisiana) was recently named an AbilityOne Champion, in recognition of his efforts to create good paying jobs with excellent benefits for people who are blind. Louisiana Association for the Blind President and CEO Shelly Taylor presented the AbilityOne Champion Award to Rep. Alexander at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 10.The AbilityOne Champion Award is given by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and its associated nonprofit agencies to honor members of Congress for their commitment to the creation of good paying jobs with excellent benefits for individuals who are blind at a net cost savings to the federal government.
NIB and its 88 community-based nonprofit agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program to the federal government. The program employs nearly 6,000 individuals who are blind, who produce products ranging from military uniforms to pens, and provide services such as call center operations.
"Congressman Alexander clearly understands that the 70 percent unemployment rate among people who are blind is unacceptable,” Taylor said. "We are fortunate to have him in Congress as he is willing to assist us in creating good job opportunities with excellent benefits. This award honors his commitment to increasing economic opportunity and Independence for people who are blind."
Congressman Rodney Alexander stated, "I'm honored to receive this award from NIB. Going forward, I will continue to look for ways to improve the job and career opportunities available for individuals living with disabilities. While great strides have been made, there is still more we can do to expand the employment prospects for those who are blind. I am proud of NIB for calling national attention to this matter and for demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting this important part of America’s workforce.”
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