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Myths vs Reality

Myths vs Reality

For years, activists, legislators, government agencies, and other organizations have been telling one side of the sheltered workshop story. Hover over the myths below to learn the truth.

Reality:

Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of people are employed in sheltered workshops. In Missouri alone, over 6,000 are employed in sheltered workshops, with a waiting list of more than 200 people.

Reality:

In Missouri, the average hourly wage of a sheltered workshop employee is $4.10 per hour and over 20% of employees earn minimum wage, or higher.

Reality:

Sheltered workshop employees in Missouri who transition into competitive employment have an 82% success rate.

Reality:

People are not “forced” to work in sheltered workshops; employees select this unique work choice based on careful consideration and planning.

Reality:

Unemployment ensures a life of poverty. Nationally, only 34% of people with intellectual disabilities are employed and only 26% of those employed have full-time jobs.

Reality:

Henry’s Turkey Service was NOT a sheltered workshop. It was operating illegally, paying sub-minimum wages without a FLSA 14 (c) certificate.

Reality:

Arguably, closing workshops conflicts with the Olmstead Act, because it removes choice. No, a person should not be forced to work in a sheltered workshop if they prefer an integrated environment. Equally, a person should not be forced to work in an integrated environment if they prefer a sheltered workshop.

Reality:

Nationally, only 34% of people with intellectual disabilities are employed. The fact is that there are people for whom employment in the community is simply not attainable. Sheltered workshops provide a viable employment choice for these people.

Reality:

FLSA Section 14(c) is an insightful carve-out created to protect the rights of people with significant disabilities, by providing a structure that makes it possible for them to be employed.

Reality:

Only 1.6% of Missouri students with an IEP are employed in sheltered workshops.

Reality:

Employees and family members most often cite socialization with peers as their #1 reason for choosing to work in a sheltered workshop.

Reality:

Workshops actually provide a variety of work opportunities that require learned skills, goals, quality, teamwork, decision making, and more. In Missouri, workshops offer a variety of work environments including light industrial, janitorial, greenhouses, woodworking, lawn care, etc.