For the past several years disability advocacy groups
have been pushing for the repeal of the FLSA 14 C provision. The leading professional group APSE (Association
of People Supporting Employment First), of which we are a member, strongly
supports its repeal. Organizations that
want to keep the legislation, such as Goodwill, operate sheltered
workshops. This may be why NBC’s
coverage was directed at Goodwill. But Goodwill
is not alone. Other groups such as NISH (soon
to be known as Source America) have also tried to squelch the chatter since sheltered
workshops are the primary vocational service delivery system in the United
States for individuals with developmental disabilities. I am proud to interject that this isn’t the
case in Washington State as I have previously discussed in this blog. Morningside not only closed our sheltered
workshop years ago but we are leading the pack when it comes to finding jobs
for individuals with significant disabilities in community jobs.
In the interest of full disclosure, we are also an authorized
employer under the FLSA 14 C provision and we have a small NISH contract with
the Federal government managed out of our Port Angeles office. However, the difference is that we have made
the affirmative decision not renew our Federal Special Wage Certificate when it
expires in early 2015. We base this
decision on our belief that people with disabilities have the right and ability
to work in the same jobs earning the same wages as nondisabled workers.
The heart of the matter is justice. We believe that section 14(c) is wrong. What is fair, what is right is that
individuals should be working in regular jobs in the community. APSE states it very well: Section
14 C sets low expectations and encourages a misguided sense of the capacities
of individuals with disabilities, who could succeed in integrated work settings
with the appropriate assistance and supports. Current research-based best
practice indicates that the vast majority of individuals with disabilities who
want to work can be found a competitive position at regular wages through the
use of customized and supported employment strategies. Sub-minimum wage is at
odds with national disability policy (particularly the Americans with
Disabilities Act and IDEA), which have made it clear that public policies
should view disability as a natural part of human experience that in no way limits
a person’s right to fully participate in all aspects of life.
We don’t want to limit anyone from achieving their dream
of working in the community so let’s work to end this practice!
To view the Rock Center story click on this link: http://www.nbcnews.com/video/rock-center/52280748#52280748
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