For Immediate Release
04/07/2021
Contact: David Card
202.408.9514 x122
[email protected]
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) applauds Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) for introducing the bipartisan Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act which would support states and employers to transition workers with disabilities into fully integrated and competitive jobs. The bill would also phase out section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, a provision that permits employers to pay some people with disabilities even less than the minimum wage.
“We know phasing out section 14(c) is only the first part of the equation in ensuring workers with disabilities receive real pay for real works,” said NDRN Executive Director Curt Decker. “This bill will help workers previously employed under 14(c) transition into their next job that is paid at least the minimum wage and is integrated by providing dedicated resources to states and employers.”
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is meant to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. Maintaining section 14(c) and failing to support the transition to integrated employment that pays individuals at least the minimum wage runs in direct contrast to the ADA. NDRN and our members, the Protection and Advocacy and Client Assistance Programs, strongly support this bill and will continue to work with Congress to support people with disabilities seeking employment.
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The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the P&A/CAP Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
