Urgent~ Help Save 14(c) Programs

We need your action now! This is the first time ever that the US DOL is proposing to eliminate FLSA Section 14c which protects the employment rights of people with severe disabilities. The comment period ends 1/17/25 – please review below and act now. 

I am available to answer any questions – cwildermuth@abilitiesnw.com or 908-689-1118 x15. Thank you for your advocacy!

Cynthia B. Wildermuth Chief Executive Officer

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) 's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that, if adopted, would eliminate the Section 14(c) program under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This program is vital to ensuring employment opportunities for tens of thousands of individuals with significant disabilities living all across the country who may otherwise struggle to find meaningful work in competitive environments.

We encourage you to submit comments to the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division explaining why this program is essential and how it impacts individuals and organizations. Your voice matters, and every unique comment strengthens our collective advocacy efforts. You can review the NPRM here.

You have the option to:

• Type your comment directly into the online submission form.
• Upload a document with your comment.

To assist you, we’ve attached talking points and sample comments. Additionally, you can also find ACCSES NJ’s 14(c) position statement and summary of the proposed rule prepared by the Coalition for the Preservation of Employment Choice. These can serve as a starting point, but it's crucial that you personalize your comment to reflect your unique connection to the program. You should include stories about individuals served by 14(c), the benefits they've experienced, or the potential consequences of its elimination. 

Tips for Writing an Effective Comment

• Share your personal or organizational connection to the 14(c) program and how it has positively impacted you.
• Please explain why the program is valuable and should be protected and how it benefits people with disabilities.
• Make your comment person to you; the more unique each submission is, the more impactful our advocacy will be.

The deadline for submitting comments is 01/17/2025 at 11:59 pm EST. Please take a few moments to make your voice heard and advocate for this critical program. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact me at jcaplan@accsesnj.org.

Thank you for your dedication and support. Together, we can ensure that the voices of those who benefit from 14(c) are heard loud and clear.

Sincerely,

Jacob Caplan

Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs

ACCSES New Jersey, Inc.