Today, April 16th, is a National Day of Choice. This day of advocacy recognizes that within the past few years new laws and regulations have limited the choices that individuals with significant disabilities have regarding where they are allowed to work, live, or receive training. Current their right to work is protected by section 14C of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The Congressional “Raise the Wage Act of 2019” proposes increases to the federal minimum wage, yet also abolishes section 14C completely. We are asking Congress to vote NO” to this bill. National advocates hope that failure of the Raise the Wage Act of 2019 will lead revision of the bill, to still SUPPORT CHOICE for individuals with significant disabilities. Pressure from families and communities to protect and guarantee person-centered choice for people with disabilities is our goal.
Below you will see a statement that you can copy and paste into an email to our Congressional Delegation. The attached flyer includes email addresses and phone numbers for our Congressional delegation. We welcome your support in having the voices of those with significant disabilities heard and respected on this National Day of Choice. Thank you.
“Please protect the choice of individuals with significant disabilities to work where they choose, by preserving Section 14c of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Voting NO on the Raise the Wage Act of 2019 will show your communities and constituents your commitment guarantee the right to work for individuals with disabilities. Let’s not punish people whose choices are already limited by enacting regulations and laws which further restrict their lives”.