by Julia Endicott | Nov 25, 2024 | Announcements, Developmental Disability Advocacy, Employment
Dear Senator Collins,
We, the undersigned organizations and individuals of Maine, urge you to co-sponsor the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) S.533.
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 allows employers to obtain special certificates (commonly known as 14(c) certificates) from the Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division to pay workers with disabilities below the federal minimum wage. In some cases, this means earning less than one dollar an hour, a practice that Maine has already led the way in ending.
Your leadership is essential to ensure that people with disabilities across the nation have the same opportunities that Maine has created, opportunities to work in competitive, integrated employment for fair wages.
For tens of thousands of Americans with disabilities, earning extremely low wages is still a harsh reality. According to a 2023 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, over half of 14(c) workers earn less than $3.50 an hour, with some making as little as $0.25. This affects approximately 42,000 individuals nationwide. TCIEA is a landmark piece of legislation that provides a clear pathway to transition these workers into employment where they can earn equal pay and access meaningful opportunities for training, career development, and advancement.
Maine: A Model for the Nation
Maine has already demonstrated that phasing out subminimum wage benefits individuals, families, and communities. By supporting this legislation, you can ensure that Maine continues to set an example for the rest of the country. Employers in Maine have successfully transitioned workers with disabilities into fair-paying jobs, proving that competitive, integrated employment is not just achievable, it is essential for building inclusive workplaces and strong economies.
Ending Discrimination in Sheltered Workshops
Subminimum wages are often calculated using discriminatory time trials, which assess productivity based on speed without accounting for the need for reasonable accommodations. These practices, which violate the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), undermine the dignity and potential of workers with disabilities. TCIEA would help eliminate these inequities and replace them with pathways to success in competitive and integrated work environments.
Why TCIEA Matters to Maine
By co-sponsoring TCIEA, you will not only help create opportunities for people with disabilities across the country but also reinforce Maine’s legacy as a leader in disability employment policy. The TCIEA will provide funding for job training, personalized support, and guidance to help people with disabilities find and succeed in regular jobs and will ensure that the progress made in Maine can be replicated nationwide.
Maine has led the charge in ensuring that workers with disabilities are treated equitably. Now, we need your leadership to extend that vision to the rest of the nation.
Sincerely,
Disability Rights Maine
Melanie Ryerson
Tim Nangle
Julia Endicott
Emily Mott
Maine Center for Economic Policy
Jules Olbrantz
Melissa Price
Stephanie Ridley
Robyn Egan
Delaney Shea
Lori Poland
Tasha Tarbox
Sarah Godfrey
Kate Turpen
Samantha P Aho
Bridget A Sakowski
Jacynthe Jacques
Jessica Loscocco
Meagan Kramarz
Ariel Linet
Mary Levanti-Cuellar
Amy Shepard
Kim Moody
Jeanette Plourde
Meryl C. Troop
Sammy MacKinnon
Carlos Cuellar
Roberta Hodgkins
Bridget Campbell
Kile Pelletier
Carlene Mahaffey
Kristin M Roy
Cathrine Stanley
Staci Converse
Karen Norton
Kate Horowitz
Harper Chance
VOA Northern New England
Eric McVay
Nancy Matulis
Katrina Ringrose
Jessica Davie
Jill W. Leach
Kenneth Shapiro
Jean Schmick-Hopkins
Debbie Gilmer
Syntiro
Erin Palmer
Sara Squires
Add your support and sign on today!
by Julia Endicott | Nov 14, 2024 | Announcements, Children's & Education Rights, Children's Advocacy
The Statewide Family Engagement Center for Maine, Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine (CEFAM) is asking families to take this short survey to help shape future programs and resources. You can enter to win a $50 gift certificate after completing the survey, as well as sign up to participate in a focus group for a deeper discussion.
The survey is available in English, عربي, Português Brasileiro, Français, Soomaali, and Español. Access the survey here: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
You can change the language by clicking the menu at the top right corner. If you have questions or need a paper version of the survey, please email evaluation@maec.org.
by Julia Endicott | Oct 16, 2024 | Alternatives to Guardianship & Supported Decision-Making, Press Releases
CONTACT: Julia Endicott
978-877-3871
jendicott@drme.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2024
Disability Rights Maine Releases Report on the State of Guardianship in Maine
Augusta – Today, Disability Rights Maine released a report, Overprotected and Underrepresented: An Analysis of Adult Guardianship in Maine, which provides an overview of Maine’s current guardianship system.
This report, the first of its kind in Maine, synthesizes three years of guardianship data across Maine’s independent probate courts. This data is not otherwise tracked or analyzed, which for years hindered understanding of the scope and use of guardianship. DRM collected information on over 2,200 cases involving adult guardianship, and this report looks at how many cases resulted in the appointment of a guardian, the type of guardianship, the age of the adult, and whether the adult had an attorney to advocate for their interests and represent them in the guardianship proceeding.
In 2019, Maine overhauled the Probate Code and adopted a model law that imagined the appointment of an attorney in almost every guardianship case. Unfortunately, however, the data DRM collected over the three-year period showed that in more than 75% of cases, adults for whom guardianship was sought did not have attorneys. When the individual had a developmental disability, that number increased to 90%. “Disability Rights Maine has been working on guardianship reform for 20 years and although we have had significant success, this report highlights how much more we have to do,” said Kim Moody, Executive Director. “It is unacceptable that 90% of people with labels of intellectual or developmental disability who are facing the removal of their basic rights, are not appointed a lawyer to represent them. We must fix this.”
Maine people experience guardianship at nearly twice the rate of the national average, often starting when a young person turns 18. More than 90% of individuals under 21 had no attorney, and more than 90% were subsequently placed under guardianship.
“No person should have to face a complex legal proceeding without the aid of an attorney, especially when it affects their fundamental right to control their own life. Our analysis showed that when people had attorneys, less restrictive alternatives to full guardianship were far more likely to be implemented. Maine continues to show an overreliance on the use of guardianship, despite changes to the law,” said Legal Director, Lauren Wille.
“Maine must do a better job to educate families and schools that guardianship is not the only option to support their young adult into adulthood. Probate courts must do better in ensuring that people are provided the zealous advocacy they are entitled to. Many families may not fully understand the long-term implications of guardianship for their loved one. An attorney can play a crucial role in helping to clarify these complexities and exploring less restrictive alternatives that prioritize the individual’s rights and independence. It’s much easier to prevent a guardianship in the first place, than reverse it,” said Senior Managing Attorney, Staci Converse.
The updated Probate Code was necessary to uphold the rights of people with disabilities, but this recent data shows us that it was not enough to drive the change that was intended. People facing guardianship proceedings must be appointed lawyers to represent their interests and the courts must consider alternatives to full guardianship.
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Disability Rights Maine is Maine’s Protection & Advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance justice and equality by enforcing rights and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in Maine.
by Julia Endicott | Sep 26, 2024 | Press Releases
CONTACT: Julia Endicott
978-877-3871
jendicott@drme.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2024
Disability Rights Maine Executive Director Recognized by Justice for Women Lecture Series
Augusta – Today, Disability Rights Maine Executive Director Kim Moody will receive the Courage is Contagious Award, which will be presented at the 2024 Justice for Women Lecture. Kim will be honored alongside Fowsia Musse, the Executive Director of Maine Community Integration.
This award is presented to outstanding leaders who demonstrate deep commitment to the mission of the Justice for Women lecture series, which seeks to raise awareness about global and local injustices experienced by women and girls. It also recognizes leaders who empower others and create a lasting impact and connection across Maine’s diverse communities.
This year’s lecture is entitled: “Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities: Fighting Discrimination and Promoting Inclusion.”
“It is fitting that Kim should be recognized at this event, as she has dedicated her career to using her power as a disabled woman to fight discrimination,” said DRM Board President Andy Sarapas.
The lecture will take place this evening, beginning at 6:30 pm. The event is free, but registration is required.
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Disability Rights Maine is Maine’s Protection & Advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance justice and equality by enforcing rights and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in Maine.
by Julia Endicott | Sep 24, 2024 | Announcements, Developmental Disability Advocacy
On behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine is conducting a survey of people with autism spectrum disorder and their families to find out how you feel about the services you receive in Maine’s system of care for people with autism. The survey will help inform the Autism Spectrum Disorder Biennial Report that will be submitted to the Maine Legislature.
Participation in this survey is completely voluntary and will not impact any services and benefits you or your family member are entitled to and/or receiving now. Your name or other identifying information will not be collected. Your responses will be combined with those of everyone who took the survey.
The survey will be open for participation from September 19 through October 3, 2024.
If you need help completing this survey, please contact Craig Patterson at the Office of Aging and Disability Services at craig.patterson@maine.gov or at (207) 441-1168 (cell).
To take the survey, click on the link below:
Autism Biennial Report Survey
Thank you for participating!
