PHOENIX — Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) presented U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) with the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award on September 10, 2026,
The award was presented during a visit to AIB’s Phoenix facility, where Rep. Ansari met with AIB team members and learned how their work supports federal customers and demonstrates the capabilities of people who are blind.
“Congressional champions play an important role in protecting employment opportunities and ensuring the AbilityOne Program remains a dependable resource for federal customers,” said David Steinmetz, Community and Public Relations Manager for Arizona Industries for the Blind. “We appreciate Congresswoman Ansari taking the time to meet our team members, learn about their experiences and recognize the value they bring to Arizona and the nation.”
“I am honored to receive the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award from Arizona Industries for the Blind,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. “AIB team members demonstrate every day that people who are blind bring valuable skills, talent and dedication to our workforce. I remain committed to supporting policies that expand employment opportunities and ensure that every person has the opportunity to achieve greater independence through meaningful work.”
The AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate a commitment to the AbilityOne Program and the employment of people who are blind or have significant disabilities.
Through the AbilityOne Program, AIB team members provide essential products and services to federal and military customers. AIB’s operations include warehousing and distribution, packaging, kitting, document imaging and Base Supply Center services.
Photo description: Arizona Industries for the Blind President and CEO Chris LaFollettte stands besides Representative Yassamin Ansari as she holds the framed AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award, presented on September 10, 2026 at AIB headquarter. The award recognizes Rep. Ansari’s commitment to improving the lives of Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities and her support of the AbilityOne Program. David Steinmetz, AIB Public Policy Manager, stands behind them.
About Arizona Industries for the Blind
Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. Its employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government, and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military installations under the AbilityOne program.
