The Arc Welcomes New Communications Coordinator & Storyteller

The Arc is pleased to welcome Katie Simota, who joined the Communications and Outreach team as our Communications Coordinator and Storyteller.
 
Katie recently relocated to the Denver area after living and studying in Fort Collins for 5 years. With a degree in communications, she is passionate about using communications and storytelling as tools to create social change and awareness. Katie previously worked as a paraprofessional in the Madison, WI area and in Fort Collins. She is excited to continue supporting individuals with I/DD and their families. 

In her free time she enjoys hiking, photography, cooking and travel!
H.R.3253 Passed the House Last Night! National Day of Action TODAY

We're happy to report that last night H.R. 3253 - Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access and Strengthening Accountability Act passed the House with a vote of 371-46. This bill includes 4.5 years of funding for the MFP program, known as Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT) here in Colorado. Now it's moving onto the Senate. The bill that passed the House still doesn’t have a Senate companion, so in the Senate we will keep pushing for the EMPOWER Care Act that includes funding for MFP/CCT.

The Arc US is calling for a National Day of Action geared towards the Senate today. Click here for more information on the event's Facebook page. Click here for The Arc US's action alert.
Final Reminder: Comments on Subminimum Wage due this Friday!

The Department of Labor has extended the deadline for comments for the National Online Dialogue about Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Comments are now due Friday, June 21, 2019. The sheltered workshop industry and 14(c) supporters are flooding the dialogue, so it is critical that we submit comments! Please see below for additional information, resources and talking points.

As you know, the Independent Living community has long opposed the use of Section 14(c) certificates to pay disabled people subminimum wages. Employers use 14(c) certificates to pay disabled employees lower than the minimum wage – sometimes just pennies per hour. Paying people lower wages on the basis of their disability is discrimination, and this is one of the factors that have contributed to disproportionate rates of poverty among disabled people. This online dialogue provides us with an opportunity to share stories and information about our position, experiences and ideas on this discriminatory and harmful practice. It is critical that our input be heard.

There are three main topics within the dialogue: 
  • Use of Section 14(c) and observed trends
  • Experiences transitioning from the use of Section 14(c) certificates
  • Vision for the future of work and workplaces; the landscape over the next five to ten years

How to Participate
To participate, start by going to the main Section 14(c) National Online Dialogue webpage. You will need to register, and then you can log into the dialogue. There is more information about how to get started and participate in the dialogue on the “Getting Started” page.  

Accessibility
We recognize that this format is not very accessible for many people. The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) has put together an online tutorial that may be useful.  
If you are unable to contribute to the dialogue on the online platform, or if you have any issues or concerns about accessibility, the Department of Labor is accepting comments by e-mail or phone. You can contact [email protected] or contact ODEP at (202) 693-7880 for assistance.

Sample Talking Points:
  • 14(c) was enacted in the 1930s. It is outdated and needs to be eliminated to reflect the current reality of life with a disability. 
  • 14(c) was established as a stepping-stone to competitive employment for people with disabilities, but 95% of people remain in sheltered workshops and don’t leave to take jobs in the community. 
  • Disabled people live in poverty at disproportionate rates. Policies such as 14(c) are major contributors to this ongoing problem. 
  • Paying people with disabilities less just because they have a disability is discrimination. 
  • Disabled people can work, just like nondisabled people. Given adequate training, accommodations, and opportunity, people with significant disabilities can obtain competitive integrated employment and be as productive as their non-disabled counterparts.
  • 95% of 14(c) certificate-holders are sheltered workshops. Workers in sheltered workshops often perform tasks that do not utilize their skills, interests and talents and don’t transfer easily to competitive integrated employment.
  • The possession of 14(c) certificates reinforces the misconception that people with disabilities are less capable and creates a barrier to future employment opportunities.
  • See the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) suggestions for submitting comments. 
Free Online Future Planning Tool for Individuals with I/DD

The Arc Minnesota partnered with United Healthcare to create a FREE tool on transition and future planning. They have graciously agreed to let us share this wonderful tool with our community.

The GetSet! online interest Mapping Tool is available free of charge through a grant from United Healthcare. This sponsorship allows the tool to be free through the end of 2019. It may go beyond this if enough people use it, but it isn't guaranteed. GetSet! is an interactive planning tool created by The Arc Minnesota to help young adults communicate their preferences and choices. The tool turns the student’s selections into a comprehensive visual map. It is printable and serves as a motivator and touchstone to assist with decision-making.

Get Set! Is free for individuals and can be set up for schools or groups so that each person can use and save their personal profile. A promo code will be applied at checkout. Learn more and register for the tool here. The Arc Minnesota also has a User Guide that walks through some FAQS and how to use the tool.
Updates from The Arc US's Capitol Insider
 
Major Recent Events

Education: Bill to Improve Access to Accommodations in College Introduced in the House

On June 4, Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Kim Schrier (D-WA) introduced the Respond, Innovate, Succeed and Empower (RISE) Act ( H.R.3086). The Senate version, S.1585, was introduced in late May. This bill would require institutions of higher education to accept a student's individualized education plan (IEP), 504 plan or prior evaluation as sufficient proof of disability. Additionally, it requires institutions to provide transparent information regarding the process of determining eligibility for disability services and to disseminate the information in an accessible format. It also requires institutions to report information on the number of students with disabilities served, their outcomes and the accommodations provided. The Arc supports this legislation.

Technology: Assistive Technology Act Reauthorization Introduced in the Senate

On June 13, Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act ( S.1835). This bill reauthorizes the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, which was passed to increase awareness and access to assistive technology. The proposed reauthorization clarifies that the program serves all people with disabilities, including those who develop disabilities later in life, and increases funding for programs serving rural areas. The Arc supports the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act.

Technology: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Bill Introduced in the Senate

On June 13, Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced the Access to Free Speech for All Act ( S.1836). This bill seeks to ensure that all individuals with significant disabilities affecting communication have access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, services and supports. It would create five training, technical assistance and research centers focused on AAC. The Arc supports the Access to Free Speech for All Act.
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