If you read me, you know I promised to break down the new letter from Liberators4Justice asking all to sign a recommitment letter to the Independent Living Movement. I want to talk about the second part of the recommitment letter, Financial Equity and Integration
The big bullets are:
- Civil Rights & Disability Justice
- Disability Leadership and Staffing
- Choice, Control & Community Supported Self-Determination
- Advocacy
- Deinstitutionalization
- Non-Conflicted Services
- Financial Equity and Integration
- Respect & Empathy
Let’s talk about the Seventh bullet, Financial Equity and Integration
The letter says the following:
“We commit to advocating for pay equity for disabled people, opposing and dismantling subminimum wage and segregated workplaces.”
Here, we’re focusing on the right of disabled people to work, earn, and fully participate in the economy without being funneled into low-wage or segregated settings.
True Independent Living means having not just rights, but resources. Financial equity is essential for full inclusion in society. It’s about respect, dignity, and opportunity.
Talking Points
- What Financial Equity and Integration Means:
- Ensuring disabled people have the same rights and opportunities as anyone else when it comes to employment, pay, and financial independence.
- Advocating to end subminimum wage programs that pay disabled workers less than minimum wage simply because of disability status.
- Promoting fully integrated workplaces. Reduce focus on separate workshops, day programs, or other segregated employment models.
- Why Subminimum Wage Still Exists:
- Some programs still rely on outdated laws like Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows subminimum wages.
- Systems often default to “easier” options like sheltered workshops instead of building real inclusive employment opportunities.
- Without advocacy, these practices can continue unnoticed in many communities.
- How IL Organizations Can Lead:
- Partnering with employment advocates to push for policy changes that ban subminimum wage practices.
- Educating employers about inclusive hiring, accessibility, and fair pay.
- Supporting individuals with disabilities in finding competitive, integrated employment with fair wages.
We can promote a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to live with dignity, autonomy, and full participation in their communities. And when I say we, I mean all of us. We are all responsible to make the world the best place for everyone in it. And remembering that equal rights for one group does NOT diminish the equal rights of another.
The letter to commit to standing behind and reigniting the Independent Living Movement is still taking sign-ons. You can find the full letter here and make the choice to sign on if you wish. Go to the letter and signature page of the IL Movement Recommitment Letter.
Want to talk about it? Reach out to The Information Tamer.
