<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>All,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We urgently need your help! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>The US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is currently facilitating an online dialogue regarding the use of special wage certificates under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. From the announcement: “Please share your ideas, individual stories, and personal experiences illustrating the impact of Section 14(c) on the employment of people with disabilities. The goal of this online dialogue is to capture perspectives about Section 14(c) based on individual input from those ‘on the ground.’ Information gleaned from the comments will then be summarized to provide ODEP an overview of Section 14(c) at the state and national levels.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Supporters of special wage certificates are actively dominating the conversation. In addition, the majority of comments are coming from family members and employers, not from individuals with disabilities ourselves. It is imperative that we counter their stories regarding this discriminatory practice. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am asking you to engage with this online dialogue and submit comments no later than June 21, 2019 by visiting <a href="https://14cdialogue.ideascale.com/">https://14cdialogue.ideascale.com/</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more information, visit <span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="mailto:ePolicyWorks@dol.gov?subject=14(c)%20Online%20Dialogue%20-%20Assistance" target="_blank">ePolicyWorks@dol.gov</a> or call ODEP at 202-693-7880.</span> If you have any questions about this topic or have challenges submitting a comment, please contact <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="mailto:keacobacci@nfb.org">Kimie Eacobacci</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks for all you do!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>