Sheltered work-shops are valuable

Calling all politicians, this is your time to right the wrongs with your votes.

People with disabilities' rights are being trampled on. Laws are being written and voted on that will drastically change their lives forever.

Legislatures in some states are attempting to eliminate funding to sheltered workshops and forcing people with disabilities into jobs in competitive employment.

I challenge you to visit facilities in your area; I assure you, you will see why they are vital programs in the community.

Community employment is great for some, but not always appropriate for all.

Some need and deserve a safe place to work that provide trained staff to assist them with their challenges, staff that typically are not found at mainstream employers.

Please do not take their choices away from them.

You're probably asking 'What can I do?” You can introduce and vote for changes in the new wage laws to include subminimum wage exceptions for sheltered workshops. You can force the Department of Justice to implement the Olmstead Act the way it was intended. The Olmstead Act does not say sheltered workshops are illegal. It states people with disabilities should be given choices of the least restrictive environment, and for some, a sheltered workshop is the least restrictive environment for them. You can also change a legislature that will allow local taxes to help fund the gaps in federal funding.

People with disabilities deserve to have the right to choose.

Christine VanHorbeck

Cedar Rapids