The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act

People with Disabilities in Memphis looking for equality in employment

By Allison Donald, The Memphis Center for Independent Living

Disability is not typically part of poverty discussions, but a person with a disability is twice as likely to be in poverty and also more likely to be unemployed.  People with disabilities live in poverty at more than twice the rate of people without disabilities. People with disabilities make up approximately 12 percent of the U.S. working-age population; however, they account for more than half of those living in long-term poverty.

In Memphis, poverty has increased for most groups, except for individuals over 65 years of age.  The steady rise in poverty continues to disproportionately impact residents with disabilities 73 percent of whom are not in the labor force.  

“It has been damn near impossible for me to find a job because I feel like I don’t have as many options for employment as non disabled people have in Memphis," said Rexcey Bowers who is visually impaired. “The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act will give me a chance to work and become a productive member of my community”.

People with disabilities want to work, live independently and be economically self-sufficient.  It is important that employers look past our disabilities and focus on our abilities.  Advocates from across the state of Tennessee  representing the National Federation of the Blind met with Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, as well as Congressman Steve Cohen during  Washington Seminar to champion the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (HR 2373).  

The legislation specifically provides states, service providers, subminimum wage certificate holders, and other agencies with resources and technical assistance to help workers with disabilities transition away from sheltered workshops and into community employment settings.

Congressman Cohen has indicated that he will sign on to the legislation, but the job is not done.  If you would like to learn more about the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment (HR 2373) in the House and (S 3238) in the Senate visit https://www.NFB.org/Washington-Seminar.  We all have to do our part to promote competitive integrated employment and remove barriers to employment for people with disabilities.