From the National Coumcil on Independent Living ...
The Department of Labor is conducting a review of the section 14(c) program and the payment of subminimum wages for people with disabilities. They have an upcoming public engagement sessions on November 15, 2023. We're hearing that so far there are many comments in favor of continuing subminimum wages, so we do need you to speak up!
Click here to register for the listening session
The Independent Living community has long opposed the use of 14(c) certificates to pay disabled people subminimum wages. Continuing this program perpetuates the discriminatory practice and stereotypes that people with disabilities are not capable of fully participating in the labor market and their communities as a whole.
Since their inception, Centers for Independent Living have played a vital role in assisting consumers with diverse disabilities in transitioning to competitive integrated employment. Employment support can be woven into all 5 core services that CILs are mandated to provide. CILs have demonstrated success providing job coaching and training, as well as the independent living skills training and supports necessary to maintain employment.
We need advocates to speak against the practice of paying people with disabilities subminimum wage.
If you are able to register and sign up to speak, please let us know! If you register or if you have any questions, please email NCIL Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Jessica Podesva at jessica@ncil.org.
If you are interested in disability advocacy issues like this one, contact Colleen Downs, Systems Advocate at:
518-563-9058 Ext. 110
The Mission of the North Country Center for Independence is to help people with disabilities to live more independent and productive lives, and promote better policies and community understanding of disability issues. NCCI serves people with disabilities, families, and the community on issues related to physical and mental disabilities. NCCI is led and staffed mostly by people with disabilities. It is one of the 41 Independent Living Centers in New York State. There are also hundreds of similar centers throughout the United States. NCCI serves Clinton and Essex Counties, New York.