NYS recently announced that effective July 1st, no new people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities will receive funding for employment in sheltered workshops also known as skill development centers. Beyond July 2013, NY is required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a workshop plan by October 1st. Ultimately, this plan could end this employment option in the entire state and risk the loss of 8,000 jobs that are regulated by Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Why is this important?
Family members and people working in Toe Path Industries, a sheltered work center operated by Schoharie County ARC, are worried about what people will do if this vocational option of choice is eliminated. The Schoharie-based workshop employs 68 people who are learning new skills through meaningful work opportunities in a safe and accessible environment while contributing and earning a paycheck for real work. Whether employed by the sheltered workshop or through the supported employment program, a job creates a sense of dignity and pride for people to have a place to go to work and contribute to the community.
