We’ve talked about sub-minimum wages and the debate surrounding so called “sheltered workshops” several times. We settled on a position that acknowledges the needs of adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers:

The good news is that there is a new online information gathering tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

It’s called the Section 14(c) National Online Dialogue.

The website includes basic information about the rule that allows some employers to pay sum-minimum wages.

Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act

Since 1938, Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act has authorized employers, after receiving a certificate from WHD, to pay wages that are less than the Federal minimum wage to workers who have disabilities for the work being performed.

Employers must have an authorizing certificate from the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor and pay is based on individual productivity.

The site is open to all stakeholders including “individuals with disabilities, their families, providers, disability organizations, employers, researchers, and other(s).

“The goal of this online dialogue is to capture perspectives about Section 14(c) based on individual input from those “on the ground.”

Once you have registered you can give feedback in one or all of the three topics.

• Use of Section 14(c) certificates and observed trends
• Experiences transitioning from the use of Section 14(c) certificates
• Vision for the future of work and workplaces; the landscape over the next five to ten years

We hope all families who have experience with this type of employment will step up and let their voices be heard about the benefit of having more choices when it comes to employment.

Visit the online dialog at http://bit.ly/AboutChoice

The site opened Monday, May 20^th. We’d love to hear about your experience with the site!

#MoreChoices #UseYourVoice #BeHeard