The Practice of Paying Some Americans Subminimum Wage Is Not Going Away Anytime Soon: by Jason Hahr

 


Black and white image of a hand-to-hand exchange of a 100-dollar bill with white text on the right side showing the title Eliminating Subminimum Wage on a green background


Happy, wonderful Wednesday, everyone. We hope you have enjoyed our recent articles. We would like to thank Samantha Lebron for her honest and raw piece from yesterday about her struggle with Hyperacusis. Your willingness to be so vulnerable is refreshing.

We look forward to pieces from you in the near future. Today, we return to the frequent topic of politics. Late last week, the Trump administration removed a rule put in place by the Biden administration that would have ended the practice of paying some people with disabilities subminimum wages. Specifically, the rule would have put an end to sheltered workshops and C-14 certificates. What is a C-14 certificate? Essentially, it allows businesses that obtain one to pay people with disabilities significantly less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Indeed, sometimes workers in these establishments are paid between One to two dollars per hour.

For several years now, there have been those in the disability community who have argued against subminimum wages. However, there are those within the disability community who support sheltered workshops. No matter which side you fall on, this is an issue that is not going away. I know people who work in establishments like these. This is not a fair way to compensate individuals who are intellectually or developmentally delayed. An alternative to sheltered workshops is supported integrated employment. I am not familiar with all aspects of this type of employment. Still, from my understanding, it allows individuals with disabilities who take part in it to have the proper support to perform their job at a level similar to their able-bodied counterparts. I am committed to conducting more research and learning about both sides of the issue. I am curious to know if the Voiceless Minority community would be interested in further posts on this topic. If you get a chance to read this, please weigh in in the comments or on Facebook. 

Till next time, your Friendly Neighborhood Intrigued Super Advocate, 

Jay


Resources:

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/07/10/trump-administration-squashes-plan-to-end-subminimum-wage-employment-of-people-with-disabilities/31529/


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