Representatives of Challenge Unlimited (seen photographed) were invited to participate in the 2011 NISH Grassroots Advocacy Conference, in Washington, DC on June 20-24, 2011. 

This annual event gives staff members and clients of Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) agencies like Challenge Unlimited a chance to meet with Members of Congress from within their local districts.  Urging them to support legislation related to creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through procurement initiatives like the AbilityOne Program. 

The Grassroots Advocacy Conference serves as a platform for people with significant disabilities or who are blind because it gives them a chance to speak with Congressional leaders, using their own voice to talk about the positive impact obtaining employment through the AbilityOne Program has had on their lives.  For many clients this all-expense paid trip is the first, and possibly the only time they will get to travel to Washington, DC.  Or to fly in an airplane; or be asked to speak before a small or large group of legislative officials.

This year, Darius Henderson (Challenge Unlimited Custodian at the Alton Federal Building, pictured right), represented our agency and shared his story of triumph over challenges, to the 112th Congress members.  Darius, along with Cindy Epley (Supported Employment Coordinator, Challenge Unlimited) and Scott Gibbs (Project Manager, GSA Page), had a coffee chat with Senator Claire McCaskill (MO), seen photographed in red; and spoke with a group of attendees – where he was later photographed with Bob Chamberlin (President and CEO NISH).

"[Darius] is the voice of 60 million other people who can work and want to work," Gibbs says.

"I think I've been a help, they may be disabled but they're people, too," says Darius when asked how he feels his trip benefitted people with disabilities. "They've got a purpose and they've got to be strong."