[NFBOH-Cleveland] [Ohio-talk] Special Wage Certificate Online Discussion

[Ali Benmerzouga]

Great submission Jordy! Two thumbs up!!!

It is really sad and hurtful to know that Employers who hold these wage certificates " ... live in penthouses, with six-figure salaries, and in many cases investment portfolios worth 1 million or more dollars. Meanwhile the people they claim to be helping live in impoverished neighborhoods, on fixed incomes less than people in prison, with hardly any access to healthcare, social, or other every-day activities. Meanwhile many top-level executives drive foreign cars, fly helicopters, and own large pieces of property. ... " [To read more go to Jordy's email please.

 I am not sure how these employers and the politicians at all levels are sleeping at night while this unhuman situation is going on for 80+ years or so. Do they have hearts? brains? eyes? Ears? Feelings? Tongues? Etc. Do they believe in God?

May God help and guide us all!

Again, thanks for sharing Jordy!

Have a great evening everyone.

Ali
440-590-0315 - Cell.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jordy D. Stringer via Ohio-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2019 12:11 PM
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jordy D. Stringer <jordystringer83 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Ohio-talk] Special Wage Certificate Online Discussion

There is still time for you to chime in on the online discussion regarding special wage certificates. In an effort to help spark some ideas here is what I submitted.



I am a person who happens to be blind and I work at a center for Independent Living in Southeast Ohio. It is our belief that people with disabilities have the right to choices and opportunities in society that support and maximize their empowerment, inclusion, leadership, independence and full participation in community life.  The practice of paying individuals subminimum wages is unconscionable and we do not align with this discriminatory mentality at all. It is said that as Americans we are born with equal and unalienable rights however this does not apply if you are a person with a disability. We are individuals who are marginalized, underserved, and under employed.

Much of this has to do with the obliviousness of employers. The argument is used that special wage certificates allow individuals the opportunity to become gainfully and meaningfully employed. It is hard for me to intellectualize this when a person can be paid less than twenty-five cents for one hour of work spent. The most effective way to ensure the equal employment opportunities exist for individuals with disabilities is to completely and responsibly phase out the practice of issuing these special wage certificates.

I can understand the antiquated however historical necessity for this being put in place nearly 100 years ago, but it is time to no longer allow people with disabilities to be taken advantage of in this way.  As a society I’m struck by how far we still have left to go as it relates to providing equal rights for American citizens.

Employers who hold these wage certificates are by no means helping to facilitate independence or equal rights for the individuals they are said to represent. They live in penthouses, with six-figure salaries, and in many cases investment portfolios worth 1 million or more dollars. Meanwhile the people they claim to be helping live in impoverished neighborhoods, on fixed incomes less than people in prison, with hardly any access to healthcare, social, or other every-day activities. Meanwhile many top-level executives drive foreign cars, fly helicopters, and own large pieces of property. The most effective and profound way to send the message that needs to be sent is to phase out the use of the special wage certificates.





-- 

Jordy D. Stringer, Executive Director

Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living, 418 South Broad Street Lancaster, OH 43130

E-mail: jssocil at gmail.com

Phone: (740) 689-1494 EXT (11)


"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."

 -Henry David Thoreau
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