[il-talk] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] Cross-Disability Groups to Join National Federation of the Blind Protests

[Denise Avant]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org> (by way of David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>)
> Date: July 26, 2011 1:05:54 AM CDT
> To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Cross-Disability Groups to Join National Federation of the Blind Protests
> 
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> 
> CONTACT:
> Chris Danielsen
> Director of Public Relations
> National Federation of the Blind
> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
> (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
> cdanielsen at nfb.org
> 
> Cross-Disability Groups to Join
> National Federation of the Blind Protests
> 
> Groups Urge End to Subminimum Wages for Disabled Workers
> 
> Baltimore, Maryland (July 25, 2011): The Center for Self-Determination, Disability Rights Advocates, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, National Fragile X Foundation, and TASH will join the National Federation of the Blind in conducting informational protests on Tuesday, July 26, the twenty-first anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The informational protests will focus on educating members of the public about pending legislation that reauthorizes the payment of subminimum wages to workers with disabilities.  The groups will conduct the protests at the district offices of members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which is considering the legislation.
> 
> Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are extremely pleased that these organizations are joining us to advocate for equal pay for equal work and an end to the outrageous practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities.  We hope that other members of the disability rights community will join us in speaking out against this unfair, discriminatory, and immoral practice and opposing any legislation that authorizes and perpetuates it."
> 
> Serena Lowe, executive director of Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination, said: "We are pleased and proud to join the National Federation of the Blind in speaking out against the continuation of federal policies that allow for the exploitation of workers with disabilities through the payment of subminimum wages.  Citizens with disabilities deserve to be paid the same as their non-disabled peers for their contributions to the workforce.  We hope Congress will provide the courageous leadership necessary to fight for true equality for all Americans with disabilities."
> 
> 
> ###
> 
> 
> About the National Federation of the Blind
> 
> With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbnet-members-list mailing list
> Nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org