Career Counseling Information & Referral Services
Reforms passed by Congress in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), require individuals receiving a sub-minimum wage to have the opportunity to prepare for, obtain, maintain, advance in, or regain competitive integrated employment, including supported or customized employment. The reforms also require that individuals be informed of these opportunities.
In response, local vocational rehabilitation services offices and staff from The Arc of Indiana are working with providers who offer employment at a sub-minimum wage (known as 14(c) entities) to provide Career Counseling & Information and Referral Services (CCIR) sessions for individuals employed at subminimum wage.
The presentation, led by self-advocates, provide information regarding local community organizations and resources that provide employment-related services and supports.
At the end of the presentation, attendees receive a certificate of participation that will document the completion of these required activities.
Background
On July 22, 2014, Congress passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which amended several provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act). Among those changes, WIOA added Section 511 to the Rehab Act that prohibits providers of services to people with disabilities that hold special wage certificates under 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from employing individuals with disabilities at sub-minimum wage unless certain conditions are met.
Section 511 does not change the purpose of the Rehabilitation Act, promote subminimum wage employment, eliminate sheltered workshops or eliminate subminimum wages. The goal is to ensure that individuals with disabilities, especially youth with disabilities, have access to supported or customized employment opportunities.
Effective July 22, 2016, individuals with disabilities cannot continue to be employed at a subminimum wage rate regardless of their age, unless the 14(c) entity has received documentation that individuals with disabilities have completed certain requirements.
Additional Information
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
For more information, contact us at 317-977-2375 or thearc@arcind.org