Ohio has certainly had its ups and downs when it comes to its ability to provide appropriate services and opportunities to disabled members of the community. In the mid-20th century, reviews of Ohio’s services were favorable, but by 2007 the state was ranked among the worst in the nation, coming in at 48th place. As of 2015, Ohio was back up, ranking in the top 10.
One of the main ongoing issues being examined by the state and the country at large is the existence of what are called sheltered workshops. These are menial-task oriented labor houses for disabled workers and they typically pay only a fraction of the federal minimum wage. Many disabled people and their families depend on these workshops for the little income they do provide, not to mention the opportunity for disabled community members to have a place where they can participate in activities and receiving training.
Changes on the Horizon
However, the momentum at the national level is to eliminate wage discrimination for disabled workers through shutting down these workshops and encouraging normal businesses to hire disabled workers. The community of disabled workers is divided on the issue, with some in favor of the move towards fair wages. The federal government has issued an edict that all sheltered workshops must either be shut down or privatized by 2024, so they will no longer be supported by federal funding.
If you or a family member have direct experience with these workshops, what do you think about this latest shift? Will it help or hurt the community at large?