Media
Lesko Speech to Arizona Industries of the Blind
October 22, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Remarks as prepared for delivery to the Arizona Industries of the Blind by U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08):
I am honored to address you as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year marks not only the 75th Anniversary of NDEAM, but also the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate the community about employment issues for the disabled and to celebrate the significant contributions of American workers with disabilities. This year’s NDEAM theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity,” which Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) works so diligently to fulfill.
In 2019, I had the privilege of touring AIB in Phoenix. I was impressed with the level of commitment and dedication of their employees. They certainly live up to AIB’s three core values to do your best, do the right thing, and treat others the way you want to be treated. I am glad to have AIB in the great state of Arizona and I will continue to support their efforts and mission.
AIB offers various training programs to promote upward mobility opportunities for employees who are blind or visually impaired. To help them succeed, AIB partners with federal, state, and private sector companies to increase opportunities for meaningful employment for Arizonans who are blind. I believe that, given the proper training and technology, people who are blind can succeed in the workplace.
It is important to recognize the work AIB’s leadership and staff do to provide quality products and services to customers in the military, government, and commercial sectors. AIB is vital to our state’s economy in creating market opportunities while also creating jobs for Americans who are blind. AIB is an excellent example of giving economic opportunities to the approximately 168,000 Arizonans living with vision loss who are also seeking employment.
As an AbilityOne Congressional Champion, I support enhanced opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. I am proud to have supported federal programs, such as AbilityOne, that support AIB and similar organizations across the United States.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication and thank you for allowing me to participate in this celebration. May God bless you and our great nation!
I am honored to address you as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year marks not only the 75th Anniversary of NDEAM, but also the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate the community about employment issues for the disabled and to celebrate the significant contributions of American workers with disabilities. This year’s NDEAM theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity,” which Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) works so diligently to fulfill.
In 2019, I had the privilege of touring AIB in Phoenix. I was impressed with the level of commitment and dedication of their employees. They certainly live up to AIB’s three core values to do your best, do the right thing, and treat others the way you want to be treated. I am glad to have AIB in the great state of Arizona and I will continue to support their efforts and mission.
AIB offers various training programs to promote upward mobility opportunities for employees who are blind or visually impaired. To help them succeed, AIB partners with federal, state, and private sector companies to increase opportunities for meaningful employment for Arizonans who are blind. I believe that, given the proper training and technology, people who are blind can succeed in the workplace.
It is important to recognize the work AIB’s leadership and staff do to provide quality products and services to customers in the military, government, and commercial sectors. AIB is vital to our state’s economy in creating market opportunities while also creating jobs for Americans who are blind. AIB is an excellent example of giving economic opportunities to the approximately 168,000 Arizonans living with vision loss who are also seeking employment.
As an AbilityOne Congressional Champion, I support enhanced opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. I am proud to have supported federal programs, such as AbilityOne, that support AIB and similar organizations across the United States.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication and thank you for allowing me to participate in this celebration. May God bless you and our great nation!