Tours Washington-based programs for individuals with disabilities
U.S. Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) visited Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. on March 13 for a tour of the facility and the opportunity to see programs that serve local residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Abilities serves more than 80 individuals with disabilities at its Washington headquarters, which is home to its Community Rehabilitation Program, Washington Day Program, and Medical Special Needs Program, as well as the organization’s administrative offices.
![Members from Abilities and ACCSES NJ sit around the board room table with Congressman Kean Jr. and his staff.](https://abilitiesnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeanJrGroup.jpg)
During the congressman’s visit, Abilities’ management had the opportunity to discuss:
- program and employment choices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,
- preservation of Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and,
- support for the Workplace Choice and Flexibility for Individuals with Disabilities Act, bill H.R. 553 (2023) sponsored by U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) that will significantly increase career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
![Congressman Kean, Sue Zukoski, and Cindy Wildermuth talking with an individual in the Community Rehabilitation Program.](https://abilitiesnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeanJr2.jpg)
![Congressman Kean and an individual facing eachother and similing.](https://abilitiesnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeanJr3.jpg)
![Congressman Kean talking with an individual in the Community Rehabilitation Program.](https://abilitiesnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeanJr5.jpg)
![Congressman Kean and an individual clapping in participation of the music enrichment program.](https://abilitiesnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeanJr4.jpg)
![Congressman Kean, holding a handmade thank you card and meeting with an individual.](https://abilitiesnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeanJr1.jpg)
![Congressman Kean talking with an individual in the Community Rehabilitation Program.](https://abilitiesnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeanJr6.jpg)
“It is critical for organizations like Abilities to have the support of our legislators at every level of government. Advocacy to maintain and increase employment choices for persons with disabilities is one of our top priorities. We are grateful for Congressman Kean’s visit and engagement with our team.”
Cynthia Wildermuth, CEO Abilities of Northwest Jersey