These comments are addressed to the US Commission on Civil rights regarding special wage certificates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
See The DD News Blog for more information on the issues involved and how to submit comments. Comments are due by DECEMBER 15, 2019.
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Dear Commissioners:
Our daughter Sarah lives at Misericordia in Chicago, IL. Misericordia is a non-profit entity serving over 600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who require around-the-clock care. Sarah is 37 years old, has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair, and is intellectually about three to four years old. She needs assistance to perform all activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, toileting, eating, and medicating.
We strongly support the special wages permitted by Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. It is essential that 14(c) remain available to those served by Misericordia.
Misericordia operates a number of work programs on its campus. The purpose of these programs is to provide job training to the men and women Misericordia serves and to provide them with a life of dignity. All of these programs operate at a loss. These programs are operated solely to give Misericordia residents the pride and self-esteem that come from holding a job. Without Section 14(c), the cost of these work programs would triple. Misericordia would be forced to employ fewer of its residents and employ them for fewer hours. The loss of job opportunities for our loved ones would not be replaced by off-campus jobs. Many Misericordia residents, including our Sarah, cannot obtain or maintain an off-campus job at the minimum wage. Sarah's intellectual and behavioral challenges preclude community employment. Her only opportunity at employment is an on-campus job where she can receive the constant care and support she requires.
We hope that through Misericordia's excellent training programs one-day Sarah can hold a job in Misericordia's laundry or recycling program. But, if Section 14(c) is eliminated, that will become impossible. The end of 14(c) would mean the end of our dream that Sarah will one day have a job on Misericordia's campus. The special wages permitted by Section 14(c) do not violate Sarah’s civil rights. In fact, Section 14(c) protects Sarah’s right to choose the work environment that best meets her needs. Depriving Sarah of that choice and relegating her to spend her days in non-work activities would violate her civil rights.
Thanks for your thoughtful consideration of this important issue.
Liz and Scott Mendel
Scott Mendel is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Together For Choice
We strongly support the special wages permitted by Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. It is essential that 14(c) remain available to those served by Misericordia.
Misericordia operates a number of work programs on its campus. The purpose of these programs is to provide job training to the men and women Misericordia serves and to provide them with a life of dignity. All of these programs operate at a loss. These programs are operated solely to give Misericordia residents the pride and self-esteem that come from holding a job. Without Section 14(c), the cost of these work programs would triple. Misericordia would be forced to employ fewer of its residents and employ them for fewer hours. The loss of job opportunities for our loved ones would not be replaced by off-campus jobs. Many Misericordia residents, including our Sarah, cannot obtain or maintain an off-campus job at the minimum wage. Sarah's intellectual and behavioral challenges preclude community employment. Her only opportunity at employment is an on-campus job where she can receive the constant care and support she requires.
We hope that through Misericordia's excellent training programs one-day Sarah can hold a job in Misericordia's laundry or recycling program. But, if Section 14(c) is eliminated, that will become impossible. The end of 14(c) would mean the end of our dream that Sarah will one day have a job on Misericordia's campus. The special wages permitted by Section 14(c) do not violate Sarah’s civil rights. In fact, Section 14(c) protects Sarah’s right to choose the work environment that best meets her needs. Depriving Sarah of that choice and relegating her to spend her days in non-work activities would violate her civil rights.
Thanks for your thoughtful consideration of this important issue.
Liz and Scott Mendel
Scott Mendel is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Together For Choice
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