Yesterday, CPR, through our work with the Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination (CPSD), helped lead a Congressional briefing on competitive integrated employment (CIE), highlighting the stories of people with disabilities who have successfully transitioned from sheltered workshops to CIE. The briefing room was packed with attendees from a variety of organizations and Congressional offices and our hope is that the stories shared will build support for the Transformation to Competitive Employment Act (TCEA), which would give states and service providers resources to improve employment support programs and finally put an end to the subminimum wage. But, even with the success of the briefing, there’s still more work to be done and we need your help!
Tomorrow (Wednesday, October 30th), we’re joining with CPSD and other organizations for a call-in day in support of TCEA. This is our chance to tell elected officials what TCEA would mean for the disability community, so we encourage everyone to participate and spread the word among your own networks. Here is a sample script you can use for when you call:
My name is [your full name], and I am from [city]. I’m calling to ask the [Senator/Representative] to support the bi-partisan Transformation to Competitive Employment Act. This bill would make sure that people with disabilities get to work in community jobs alongside co-workers without disabilities for fair pay. With the right supports, people with all kinds of disabilities and support needs can succeed in integrated employment, and TCEA would give states and service providers the resources they need to provide those supports. I’m asking [Senator/Representative] to join as a co-sponsor and support the Transformation to Competitive Employment Act.
For updates and additional resources, join our Facebook event and please help us promote the call-in day on social media platforms using the hashtag #RealWork4RealPay. You can learn more about the TCEA in this fact sheet that you should feel free to share.
Competitive integrated employment can and should be available to everyone, and we ask you to act now to help make that a reality.