[il-talk] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] Cross-Disability Groups to Join NationalFederation of the Blind Protests

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From: nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Freeh,Jessica
(by way of David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>)
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 1:06 AM
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Cross-Disability Groups to Join
NationalFederation 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.


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