Section 14(c) National Online Dialogue Vision for the future of work and workplaces; the landscape over the next five to ten years

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities fully supports competitive integrated employment (CIE) and robust implementation of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act in California. The Council also supports the full and robust implementation of California's Employment First Law adopted in 2013 and the phase out and elimination of sub-minimum wage employment allowed under 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards... more »

As the parent of a disabled adult, who spent years in a 14C sheltered workshop, and having read dozens and dozens of the comments in this dialogue, I have the following observations. People who claim that their individual facility is worthy of being funded by taxpayer dollars, even if others are not, misses the point. I have not read one single comment where anyone claims that there is abuse, neglect, lack of ethics... more »

TOTAL DISRUPT THE SOCIAL INTERACTION THAT THE WORK INVORMENT BROUGHT TO EACH INDIVIDUAL. ELIMINATE THEIR SENSE OF PRIDE. AS INDIVIDUALS ARE AGING THEY ARE LOOSING FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND WITHOUT THE SOCIAL NETWORK AT WORK THERE IS NO WAY TO FILL THE VOID OF THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY. FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL THIS IS A EARTHQUAKE AND WHAT HAS BEEN A VERY STABLE AND SAFE INVORMENT

"On June 22, 1999, the United States Supreme Court held in Olmstead v. L.C. that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Court held that public entities must provide community-based services to persons with disabilities when (1) such services are appropriate; (2) the affected persons do not oppose community-based... more »

Response to Office of Disability Employment Policy Regarding (ODEP)

Response
Community Employment Alliance supports minimum wage protections for all workers, including those workers who have disabilities.

Background
Community Employment Alliance (CEA) is a Washington state advocacy organization made up of employment providers who help people with disabilities find and retain employment at or above minimum wage. CEA... more »

The WIOA regulation has focused on making individuals with disabilities a priority in competitive employment and our agency is progressive in making this a focus as well. Our agency offers a variety of employment services to help individuals meet their person-centered goals and includes in-house work that falls under Section 14(c) for those who to choose this type of work. What do I envision for the future of work and... more »

In an effort to have a clear vision for the future of workplaces for individuals with special needs, I encourage PA local, state and federal legislators to visit BCRC to observe and interact with our clients. BCRC provides opportunity for personal growth and independence while respecting the dignity and uniqueness of each individual we serve.

Going undiagnosed for the first quarter of my life was confusing and most of all frustrating.
I was told I was lazy, dumb, and was not willing to try hard enough.
All these things were not true. I wanted to learn. I tried my hardest to learn.
And I had to put in a lot more effort than other people did to get back a 10th of the return.

At the age of 12 to 16 years old I was grounded because of my grades. (All D's &... more »

End subminimum wage and segregation now. Everyone has skills and talent and can work. Match individuals' skills and interests to real jobs in the community. Everyone can benefit from work, especially employers. We have evidenced based practices, which show it can be done. Now we need to do it!
Competitive wages are the only route out of poverty and poverty is not what we want for people with disabilities.

It is... more »

Internships with or without stipends are normal, mainstream pay structures that can replace 14c overnight. They emphasize learning and require people to re-assess the work and worker. They still allow the same pay or even lower pay, but they formalize the way the work relationship happens. The accounting is less complicated, and it is a normal thing available to anyone. It is not disability related. Separate but equal... more »

While work certainly can be rewarding, I am hopeful that we as a society can leave behind the idea that disabled people, uniquely, should be expected to work for the "dignity," or just to fill our time, and shouldn't expect to be paid fairly. I would like to see both disability and employer communities believe that people who are working should be earning a fair wage with which we can support our visions of the kinds... more »

I work for a section 14(c) company that employs individuals with disabilities. When I look at the individuals on payday I see people that are proud of what they did to earn a paycheck. There are a few of the individuals that could possible get job making minimum wage but majority of individuals could not because of physical or mental disability. They have become tax payers instead of tax receivers.

As the parent of a young man with significant support needs, I urge the progress toward competitive integrated employment be implemented in a customized way utilizing person centered planning and supports. We must figure out for each individual what employment opportunity can create a fulfilling life for each individual which includes a job that suits their unique gifts and accommodates their support needs and continues... more »

I'm a sibling to a brother who has CP and my mother has worked in the disability community since he was born. I now work in the field and help run a program that helps connect youth with disabilities and their parents to services but we also teach soft skills and there is a heavy focus on getting youth working. Through my whole life the biggest thing i have learned is that the higher your expectations are for your child... more »

The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit organization of parents, attorneys, advocates, and related professionals. COPAA's mission is to serve as a national voice for special education rights and is grounded in the belief that every child deserves the right to a quality education that prepares him or her for meaningful employment, higher education and lifelong learning, as well... more »