Disability sub-minimum wage: the controversy over sheltered workshops

In the U.S., more than 30,000 disabled people work in specialized factories where they earn less than the federal minimum wage. These spaces, known as "sheltered workshops," have drawn widespread criticism from activists and some former workers, who say they are a form of economic exploitation and segregation. However, many current workers, as well as their caregivers, support sheltered workshops and the sense of purpose and community they can bring. In this documentary, reporter Jingnan Peng speaks to both camps, and visits three worksites to explore the lives of this under-studied community. 0:00 Introduction. Chapter 1: "Equal work, equal pay" 02:48 What is a sheltered workshop? 05:03 How wages are calculated. 06:45 Opposition to sub-minimum wages. 08:44 The case for "commensurate wages." 10:41 The dignity of work. Chapter 2: "My work, my choice" 12:35 Languishing in a sheltered workshop. 13:44 Segregation, abuse, and wage violations. 15:10 Do workers want to work in the general community? 18:09 Can workers find work in the general community? 19:58 John Sweeney's return to his sheltered workshop. Chapter 3: "Expect ability" 22:12 One agency's transition from sub-minimum wage work to helping attendees achieve regular employment. 24:53 Attendees' mixed feelings about the transition. 25:37 Sandra Kaiser's journey to regular employment. 28:09 The value of self-advocacy. Over the Christian Science Monitor’s 110-year history, we’ve built a legacy of high-quality, distinctive journalism because we recognize that news is more than facts. It’s the story of how we are each trying to make our homes, communities, and nations better. What matters are the values and ideals that drive us, not just the who, what, when, and where of the news. Visit us online at: http://www.csmonitor.com/daily Subscribe to our Youtube channel:    / csmonitor100   Follow us on Facebook:   / christiansciencemonitor   Follow us on Twitter:   / csmonitor