News and Events

Achieve Services, Inc.

3 days ago

Here's another letter from a parent about why we need to keep 14c. Also, comments are due tonight (Fri., Jan. 17th). To Whom This May Concern:

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the ongoing discussions about eliminating Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows employers to pay subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities under specific circumstances. This program plays a vital role in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities, including my own children, and its removal could have devastating consequences for many families like mine.

As the mother of two boys with genetic learning disabilities, I have firsthand experience with the challenges they face in seeking and maintaining competitive employment. One of my sons has tried more than 12 community jobs, and despite substantial job supports, he was unable to meet employer demands such as increased speed and multitasking. This led to repeated failure, which deeply affected his confidence and left him feeling fearful of trying again.

Section 14(c) has provided a safe, low-pressure work environment where individuals like my son can experience the dignity of work, earn a paycheck, and maintain critical Social Security and Medicaid benefits. For many individuals with significant disabilities, the sense of purpose and pride they gain from receiving a paycheck far outweighs the amount of money earned. Without the protections of 14(c), their options may be limited to facility-based non-work programs, such as day habilitation centers, which focus solely on leisure activities and fail to offer the same sense of independence and purpose.

I understand that some advocates argue all individuals with disabilities should receive at least minimum wage. While this goal is well-intentioned, it overlooks the diverse needs and preferences of individuals with significant disabilities and their families. It also fails to address the potential for increased isolation and the loss of employment opportunities that could result from ending the 14(c) program.

I urge you to consider the voices of families like mine and the individuals who benefit from the 14(c) program. We value the flexibility, structure, and opportunities it provides for those who may not thrive in traditional employment settings. I ask you to support policies that preserve this program while continuing to explore innovative solutions that expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities without eliminating essential safety nets like 14(c).

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss this issue further or hear more about my family’s experience.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Smith
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Comments about 14c are due tonight, Fri. Jan. 17th at 10:59 p.m. CST. To make a comment visit: www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/04/2024-27880/employment-of-workers-with-disabilities-u...

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Achieve Services, Inc.

4 days ago

Read a Mom's letter on 14(c) and why we need to keep it as an employment option.

January 9, 2025

To Whom It May Concern,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing straight from my heart to ask you to please keep the 14(c) program in place. My son—and hundreds of other people with disabilities—depend on it for meaningful employment.

As you know, 14(c) allows employers to pay workers with disabilities a fair wage based on their productivity. This is more than just a paycheck; it’s an accommodation that gives people who might otherwise struggle in a traditional work setting a chance to contribute and feel fulfilled. Without 14(c), many businesses would likely shift these tasks to faster employees, leaving individuals like my son without a job. It’s important to remember that working under 14(c) is always the worker’s own choice.

My son absolutely LOVES his job at Achieve Services Inc. in Blaine, MN. He thrives in a sheltered workshop environment where he feels safe and confident. He gets to work at his own pace, without the pressure of deadlines he doesn’t fully understand, and he takes such pride in what he does. If 14(c) went away and vendors had to pay full minimum wage, they’d have no choice but to give his tasks to someone who could finish them faster. Suddenly, my son—who lights up every day he goes to work—would be stuck at home, losing that important sense of purpose and worth.

I know that advocates for higher-functioning individuals often have strong voices and bigger platforms, but that doesn’t mean my son, who needs a bit more support, is any less valuable. He deserves every chance to feel useful and included. Please, before making any decisions, visit places like Achieve Services. Talk with the clients, see how much joy and pride they take in their work, and learn firsthand about the impact of 14(c). You’ll get a real, honest perspective that’s hard to capture in polished reports alone.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts. I’m praying for you as you make these important decisions, and I truly appreciate your service and commitment to our community.

With heartfelt respect,

Lois Whittet
Mother of Richard (Richie) Johnson

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There's one more day to comment about 14(c). Comments are due Friday, Jan. 17th, before 10:59 p.m. CST.

To make a comment visit: www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/04/2024-27880/employment-of-workers-with-disabilities-u...

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