Subminimum Wage

More than 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities can still legally be paid below the minimum wage. This practice perpetuates institutionalized discrimination, a national disgrace codified by law under the ironically titled Fair Labor Standards Act. Despite progress in some states, much work remains to be done to ensure fair wages for all workers with disabilities.

Community Options, Inc. supports efforts to end subminimum wage at both federal and state levels. We advocate for policy changes that promote fair wages and work tirelessly to raise awareness about this critical issue. Our commitment includes engaging with policymakers, issuing public statements, and supporting initiatives aimed at ending this injustice.

We continue to urge current and future administrations, along with individual states, to follow the examples set by those who have taken action to address this inequity. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals with disabilities receive fair and equal treatment in the workplace.

You can read a recent statement by our CEO Robert Stack on this issue here.

View more articles about how Community Options has supported policies to end Subminimum Wage.

Community Options is at the ANCOR Conference this week with disability advocates, providers, and stakeholders.

April 12, 2022 Community Options is at the ANCOR Conference this week with disability advocates, providers, and stakeholders. We had the chance to meet with Richard Davis, Senior Policy Director…

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Community Options Collaborates with CVS Health to Create Employment Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities

April 05, 2022 | Press Release.pdf Manhattan, NY – Community Options New York, Inc. has announced a collaboration with CVS Health to develop integrated employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.…

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Why South Carolina should end wage discrimination against those with disabilities

April 17, 2021 | greenvilleonline.com A joint resolution filed by State Sen. Katrina Shealy last month would undo more than 80 years of wage discrimination against workers with disabilities in…

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Op-Ed: Texas must do more to end Wage Discrimination against People with Disabilities

April 6, 2021 | Online article elpasoheraldpost.com In 2019, Governor Abbot signed legislation banning employers from paying people with disabilities subminimum wages. It’s a well-intended law that puts Texas ahead…

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Why can companies pay those with disabilities less when they do the same work as others?

February 09, 2021 | nj.com The Raise the Wage Act, recently introduced to Congress, will spark another debate about raising the national minimum wage. But it also shines a light…

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Your View: It’s time to stop exploiting people with disabilities

February 08, 2021 | Online article mcall.com For more than 80 years, the ironically titled Fair Labor Standards Act has institutionalized discrimination against people with disabilities in the workforce. The…

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Report that President Biden will End Wage Discrimination for People with Intellectual and Cognitive Disabilities: Statement by Robert Stack, CEO of Community Options

January 19, 2021 | insidernj.com Report that President Biden will End Wage Discrimination for People with Intellectual and Cognitive Disabilities: Statement by Robert Stack, CEO of Community Options www.insidernj.com Princeton, NJ…

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Celebrating how the Americans with Disabilities Act changed life

July 23, 2020 | centraljersey.com Thirty years ago on July 26, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was one of the most significant breakthroughs…

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Community Options New York Receives $1.5 million Grant to Support Students with Disabilities

August 23, 2019 | Press Release.pdf BINGHAMTON, NY – Community Options New York, Inc. was announced as a recipient of a $1.5 million grant from the New York State Education…

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