[NABS-L] Equal Pay For Disabled Workers

[roanna bacchus]

Dear Students,

I hope all of you are doing well and getting ready for a 
fun-filled Washington Seminar.  I can't wait to read about it in 
the next issue of the Braille Monitor.  As many of you know, I am 
in the process of seeking employment.  I am working to complete 
the certification course to become a literary braille 
transcriber.  I began 2018 by contacting some local organizations 
here in Central Florida to see if they provide employment 
assistance for individuals with visual impairments.  Three weeks 
ago, I called Inspire Central Florida formerly known as the 
Seminole County Work Opportunities Program or Swop.  This company 
provides jobs to individuals with developmental disabilities.  In 
my discussions with the Administrative Assistant, I was outraged 
and disgusted to learn that this organization pays its workers 
fifty cents to a dollar per hour to complete a task.  This is an 
example of a company paying subminimum wages to workers with 
disabilities.  I believe that all disabled workers deserve equal 
pay for their work.  What are your thoughts on this topic?