Section 14(c) National Online Dialogue Search Ideas

I was in my late 20s when I started looking for work at Michigan Rehabilitation Services, but it was taking longer than I expected and I became frustrated. I rushed into a job working for the same company that owned the subsidized buildings I lived in. I worked at their sheltered workshop from 2000 to 2008 in Lansing, Michigan making seat-belts on an assembly line for pennies per piece. Because of my scarce income I could... more »

The individuals that have the capacity to perform at 30% of the standard or less rely on the 14c certificate to create job opportunities. An employer is not going to hire a person performing at this lower level when they can hire someone producing at 90-100%, especially in New York State where the minimum wage is moving to $15/hr. The elimination of the 14c will put these lower producing individuals out of work and... more »

I am a parent of a significantly disabled son and am a member of A Team U.S.A. The A Team is a grassroots organization with chapters in 15 states and we continue to grow. The A Team formed because many of the paid advocacy groups were not representing the individuals utilizing Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) and their families and caregivers. We represent the people actually using 14(c). To me, CRP employment... more »

I am a parent of a significantly disabled son and am a member of A Team U.S.A. The A Team is a grassroots organization with chapters in 15 states and we continue to grow. The A Team formed because many of the paid advocacy groups were not representing the individuals utilizing Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) and their families and caregivers. We represent the people actually using 14(c). To me, CRP employment... more »

I don't think its fair to take this away. Some people need to work in order to survive. Some people have to work harder than others because they have struggles. We should have our own choices of where we can work. I don't think it right for the government to tell us what to do or where to work. We are already having trouble with the money we make and for the government to take it away its not fair,

service provider

Why is the choice of a person with a disability to be employed in a shop under a Special Wage Certificate not considered a good choice? Is choice not the critical piece of the argument? The argument that earning minimum wage is better and more respectable means, by extension, that people who earn 5, or 10 or 100 times more than the minimum wage are much better people, and deserving of more respect... right? A person's... more »

The purpose of Section 14c of the Fair Labor Standards Act is to permit employers to pay individuals with disabilities a SPECIALIZED wage based on their ability to perform the job
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND MUCH NEEDED!

My brother, J. has been mentally handicapped since birth. He lives in Concord, California. He is high functioning (able to care for his physical needs) but he has limited mental capacity as he cannot... more »

provider/friend/advocate

I have a 38 year old son with ID who has been happily employed in a prevocational program for many years. He looks forward to going not only to be productive, earn a pay check but to be with his friends who he likes to socialize with during his breaks. He is happy and would be devastated if he lost his CHOICE to attend. My son is NOT able to be employed in the community due to chronic medical and behavioral issues. He... more »

provider/friend/advocate
1st- I appreciate VERY much having the opportunity to give comments.
2nd-I have worked with individuals with disabilities (those with a DD, MI, health/physical with no cognitive impairment, addictions) my entire career and in community volunteer services in one way or another--all types and levels--2 different residential centers run by the state (8yrs), state voc rehab (13 yrs) and 2 tours w/... more »

I believe it is inequitable to provide minimum wages to people with disabilities. My brother in law who lived with us worked in a setting providing subminimum wages. The test was unfairly administered and his wages were very low. While having significant challenges with autism and intellectual disabilities, he is physically fit and follows directions well. His work deserved at least a minimum wage. Luckily, we advocated... more »

As a disabled advocate, I feel it is time to bring disabled employment out of the dark secret world of sheltered workshop. Some may even say that sheltered workshop are disabled sweatshops. Why because of the pennies paid for working while the owner of the sheltered workshop make a nice profit.
Disabled are only seeking to gain the last barrier which is competitive integrated employment. Being a disabled person living... more »

In looking through the comments, I find it quite revealing that 14(c) workers and their family members and caregivers are overwhelming supportive of 14(c), while the opposition to 14(c) seems to come from those not involved in using 14(c), or from paid advocacy groups.

Our son, Billy, 31, has Down's Syndrome which is a significant intellectual developmental disability. My wife, Lidna & I (Bill) would like the DOL to know that "one-size-DOESNOT-fit-all. Section 14(c) continues to play an important role in allowing non-profit service providers to create employment opportunities for those who cannot otherwise hold jobs "in the community" thru GSEs & "job coaches". If our intention is... more »