Weekly Edition - 12.10.24

💥 Important events this week pertaining to National Updated Rulings, Monumental Legal Challenges, and Innovative Programs. These changes could reshape what you earn, how you work, and the support you receive.

The Big Idea

This week’s featured story: a closer look at developments making waves in the I/DD community

📆 After 30 Years, Legislation Fighting for Fair Pay is Introduced

Your family member with a disability has always deserved equal pay for their work. Now, the U.S. Department of Labor agrees. In a landmark move that will reshape disability employment, they've proposed eliminating the controversial Section 14(c) certificates - the very certificates that have allowed employers to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage for decades.

You might be wondering what this means for your loved one who currently works in a 14(c) facility. The change won't happen overnight. Employers will have three years to transition, and the Biden-Harris administration is backing this shift with robust support systems. Think job training programs, employment services, and resources to help both workers and employers adapt to this new landscape. It's not just about higher wages - it's about opening doors to real career opportunities.

Remember when the Americans with Disabilities Act first passed, and skeptics claimed it would hurt employment? They were wrong then, and the Department of Labor's extensive review shows they're wrong now. Modern workplace accommodations and training resources have transformed what's possible. Your loved one deserves nothing less than full minimum wage - currently $7.25 per hour - and employers across the country are already proving this works.

This change isn't just policy - it's personal. It's about your family member's future, their dignity, and their right to earn a fair wage. While the Department of Labor works out the final details, we'll be right here keeping you informed every step of the way. Want to learn more? Visit the U.S. Department of Labor's website for the complete proposal here.

This isn't just the end of subminimum wage - it's the beginning of true workplace equality. And that's something worth fighting for.

Across The Nation

From Capitol Hill to community centers: the national updates shaping our collective future

🗞️ Federal Employment Initiative Brings New Hope for Disability Employment

The U.S. Department of Labor is making waves with a major expansion of its NEON initiative, bringing specialized employment support to 13 new states and D.C. in 2025. This game-changing program isn't just another government initiative – it's a comprehensive effort to help state agencies create real jobs with competitive wages and genuine advancement opportunities for people with disabilities. For families and caregivers in states like Colorado, New York, and Ohio, this means stronger support systems and more meaningful employment opportunities that treat disabled workers as valued team members. Those interested in learning more about how this initiative could impact their employment journey can find detailed information in the U.S. Department of Labor's full announcement.

State Spotlight

Local developments that matter: how local policies and changes impact your community

🗽 Critical Changes to NY Home Care Program Spark Community Concern

New York State's plan to transfer its Medicaid-funded Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to a single for-profit company threatens vital home care services for thousands of families. The Center for Disability Rights (CDR), a 25-year provider of these services, could lose 80% of its revenue and 800 jobs if Public Partnerships LLC takes over statewide administration. This matters deeply to families like the Manns, where former nurse Mary Mann left her career to care for her daughter with Angelman Syndrome through CDPAP, especially crucial as "group homes are closing and nursing homes are backed up." For the I/DD community, this change could disrupt established care relationships and personalized support systems that, as disability advocate Susan Stahl emphasizes, handle intimate daily care needs that "you don't even do with your wife or husband." If you would like to read more about this developing situation, check out the original article here.

🏫 Top University Breaks New Ground in Disability Employment

History was made at the University of Pittsburgh this fall. It became the only university to earn recognition as a top disability employer in 2024. The National Organization on Disability praised Pitt's comprehensive approach to inclusion. Their success spans workplace accessibility, supportive services, and talent development. This matters deeply for job seekers with disabilities in academia. Pitt's achievement shows that prestigious universities can create truly inclusive workplaces. For families and job seekers, it opens new possibilities in higher education careers. Check out the full article to learn about Pitt's initiatives and their disability-inclusive programs here.

🖥️ The Hidden Tech Revolution: How Advanced Technology is Transforming Disability Support 

While the world buzzes about AI chatbots and self-driving cars, a more profound technological revolution is quietly unfolding. It's a transformation that's making the impossible possible for millions of people with disabilities, and it's happening faster than most people realize. Read more.

Stronger Together: Help others stay informed by sharing this newsletter. Forward this email or share our newsletter (copy URL here).

Got thoughts? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected]