Section 14(c) National Online Dialogue Search Ideas

Federal Government Should not be involved in peoples Choice for work who have disabilities. In some communities there are employers who will not or not able to hire a person with a disability. We have experienced this.

I am a guardian AND an employment specialist that job coaches those that are READY and CHOOSE to move on to "integrated" employment .... you say that 14 c is unjust??? If a fellow job coach was paid the same wage as me... but did not have the abilities to support what we do... I would never say... they shouldn't be allowed to do the job... I would welcome their input... and hopefully we would both get paid according... more »

Description of Idea

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 »

Not all individuals with disabilities are able to work in an individual placement environment, earning minimum wage. My son, who is autistic, and is now 37 years old, worked for many years in a warehouse setting, Work Activity Program. He worked hard, thrived, and finally was able to work with a job coach in the community, making sub-minimum wage. Through time-studies he was finally able to reach minimum wage...but this... more »

Video :

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KKsmg3L6dw2eht-WmAv0i1xSS-B1AXgS/view

 

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My brother lives at Southbury Training School in Southbury CT., an ICF facility that provides excellent care and many opportunities to participate in the community. He cannot speak but he can engage in activities and has in the past delivered mail, recycled cans and I oppose the repeal or phase out of 14(c). I hope that he will one day have the skills to hold a 14(c) job, but that would be possible only if he could... more »

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) strongly opposes the continued use and production of certificates issued under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Founded in 1979 as a unique alliance of adults with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF advances the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public... more »

Hi my name is T., I have difficulty expressing myself but I am giving it a go. If I lost this workshop to go to work everyday I would be bored. I have met some really good friends here. besides making a paycheck with the boxes and janitorial that we do. We have a good support system with the staff we have at my workshop. The support with the classes the staff teach for us to believe in ourselves.

• The 14c certificate that provides us the ability to pay people at a special minimum wage assists in preserving and protecting their personal choice.
• Allows people the opportunity to earn a wage, whereas they would not be successful in minimum wage work environments.
• Allows people the opportunity to participate in a vocational program of their choice/need versus having to stay home or enroll in a different hab... more »

SourceAmerica commends the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) within the U.S. Department of Labor for creating a platform for organizations, families, and individuals to offer diverse perspectives on the use of Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is a critical issue which impacts an individual's quality of life and their ability to make informed choices so this type of open collection of perspectives... more »

Doing away with an option just doesn't make sense. 14c is needed just the same as why the Special Olympics is. There seems to be certain voices saying that paying a honest wage for your productivity is not dignified because these programs who utilize 14c in part segregates one from the community because they work with their peers and earn what they produce. Well where is the outcry about the Special Olympics then? Is... more »

My brother has worked at The Eisenhower Center for 35 years and loves it. He can not walk talk or hear, so what job is he realistically going to get to replace this job? He has a community and purpose there. The staff are fantastic and the programs they offer are more than work related-they are life related. No employer will pay people minimum wage who need assistance with eating lunch, taking medications and using the... more »

Organizations that use the 14(c) are for Employment First. There is not one organization that I know that does not want the best possible job for the individuals it serves. And if a Community Job is the right fit, and it can be found, then there is no one that would not want that for an individual. BUT, don't take away the opportunities that are provided by using piece rate wage payments. Don't take away someone's... more »

Employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities need to be real jobs that meet employers' needs. Wages need to provide a living wage for all employees, including individuals with disabilities. Sub-minimum wages position people to rely on public benefit programs to meet their basic needs now and into retirement. Living wages position workers and their family members for financial well-being now and into the... more »