August 31, 2021

Microsoft Word – CPSD Support letter for TCIEA.docx

Dear Chairman Scott and Representative McMorris Rodgers:

Microsoft Word – CPSD Support letter for TCIEA.docx

As national organizations who are committed to the advancement of economic security for people with disabilities, we are writing to express our strong support for Transformation to Competitive Employment Act (HR 2373). Founded in 2007, the Collaboration to Promote Self- Determination (CPSD) is a national advocacy coalition of organizations representing people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities and their families, disability service agencies and individuals who have come together to bring about a significant modernization of the federal adult system of services and supports for persons with disabilities. The mission of CPSD is to push for major systemic reform of the nation’s disability laws and programs to advance economic security, enhance integrated community participation, and increase opportunities for people with disabilities so that they can lead self-determined lives.

Most people with disabilities want to work, live independently and be economically self- sufficient. Unfortunately, employment for people with disabilities continues to lag significantly compared to those without disabilities. For too many people with disabilities, their only option is to work in segregated settings called “sheltered workshops,” where they are isolated from co-workers without disabilities and the broader society and are legally paid pennies on the dollar under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The bipartisan Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA, H.R. 2373) will address barriers to employment and expand opportunities for competitive integrated employment (CIE) for people with disabilities while phasing out subminimum wage certificates under 14(c) of the FLSA over a six-year period. The TCIEA provides States, service providers, subminimum wage certificate holders, and other agencies with the resources they need to create CIE service delivery models and the inclusive wraparound services that some individuals with disabilities will need when subminimum wages are phased out.

CPSD strongly supports this bill that will end the discriminatory and unfair payment of subminimum wages to people with disabilities while increasing opportunities for CIE. We look forward to working with you towards its passage. If you have any questions, or to follow up, please reach out to Serena Lowe (slowe@tash.org), Heather Sachs (heather@ndsccenter.org) or Julia Bascom (jbascom@autisticadvocacy.org). For more information about CPSD, please see www.thecpsd.org.

THE COLLABORATION TO PROMOTE SELF-DETERMINATION

Allies for Independence
Applied Self-Direction
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
Autism Society of America
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Community Options, Inc.
Center for Public Representation
Marc Gold & Associates
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services National Disability Institute
National Disability Rights Network
National Down Syndrome Congress
TASH
Williams Syndrome Association