 I was inspired to write this blog after seeing a post on Instagram (@the.autisticats) about minimum wage and people with disabilities. There's has been lots of conversation around raising minimum wage to $15/ hour. It is still 100% legal for people with disabilities to be paid less than $1/hour. An article written by NPR highlights this problem, "Since 1938, U.S. labor law has carved out a rule for some people with disabilities, saying they can be paid less than minimum wage. The New Deal-era law was intended to encourage employment of more people." The article goes on to state, "This call by a top federal civil rights watchdog is a major milestone in the difficult history of so-called sheltered workshops and other "subminimum-wage" employers. They pay tens of thousands of people with disabilities an average wage of $3.34 a hour, the report says, for tasks like bagging newspapers, shredding papers by hand or wrapping silverware in napkins. They calculate wages by regularly timing how long it takes each worker to complete their task and comparing that productivity to an experienced worker without disabilities." People with disabilities working in these "sheltered workshops" or "work centers" are segregated workplaces. They exist to only employ people with disabilities. In America, people with disabilities are required when receiving government services to have a job or be in a day program. It makes no logical reason for subminimum wage to be in effect. I know the Biden administration has plans to eliminate "subminimum wage" and I hope they follow through with this plan. As for myself, I'm not in a day program or work in a sheltered workshops. I'm able to get a job and maintain it. I'm able to maintain my job because of the supports I have in place. I do make more than minimum wage, but that excludes me from other government services like Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. The only program I qualify for is Medicaid. I don't make enough money to live on my own. My journey to be able to make enough money on my own is longer than my neurotypical peers. I'm just a single story; I'm sure there are many others who have similar stories. This blog is also posted on Photography through Autism.
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Barrier-Free is thrilled to announce we are the recipients of an Arts Opportunity Mini-Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council totaling $1000! This Mini-Grant will allow us to purchase new high-quality editing software for our upcoming productions, fund our costume & prop budget, and enhance our marketing efforts for our shows. Thank you Carroll County Arts Council for your support!!  Marcel Hickman is a Barrier-Free actor who made his theatrical debut during our Fall 2020 season. He recently moved to Baltimore, MD and now participates in our theater companies, expressive arts classes, and social groups. Marcel was kind enough to take the time to sit down for an Actor Spotlight and share his experiences with Barrier-Free! View the video interview or read the full transcript below. Question 1: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?Hi, I'm Marcel Hickman. I live in East Baltimore with my mom and legal guardian. I am 31 years old. My mother and I just moved to Baltimore last um April... Last May, last April!!  Question 2: When did you become involved in Barrier-Free?I just started Barrier-Free last semester.  Question 3: What is your favorite part of creating our original shows?Well, my favorite part is like, anything!  Question 4: Do you have a favorite character you've played?I just played "The Boss" from "Family is Family" last semester.  Question 5: How has Barrier-Free impacted your life?I like to be confident and [make] friendships.  Question 6: What interests do you have outside of Barrier-Free?I just started like, um classes like, last summer at, um Hussman Center. Yoga, arts & crafts last semester. I take music therapy for this semester at Baltimore City Recreation. I've just taken all classes from CCBC [Community College of Baltimore City].  Question 7: What would you tell someone that is interested in becoming involved in Barrier-Free programs?I do like this class. I would tell someone to join Barrier-Free if they can do some activities. I like to make new friends.  Phenomenal Job Marcel!!
Jenny Laatsch is a veteran Barrier-Free"er" who has performed onstage in over 10 Barrier-Free shows! Today, she gives a first-hand account of her experiences being part of Barrier-Free's inclusive theater companies and classes. Enjoy the lovely, talented, and always bright, Jenny Laatsch! View the video interview or read the full transcript below. Question 1: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?My name is Jenny Laatsch. I live in New Windsor Maryland and I go to day program. [I am] thirty-one. Activities [I like] are bowling and dancing.  Question 2: When did you become involved in Barrier-Free?JENNY: Barrier-Free for 5 years. INTERVIEWER: Wow, five years!! That's a lot of shows! JENNY: Yeah!  Rehearsal for 'Cosmic Crime' (2020) Question 3: What is your favorite part of creating our original shows?Pick our character's names and singing!  Tech rehearsal 'Cosmic Crime' (2020) Question 4: Do you have a favorite character you've played?Princess Pamper. 👑  Jenny onstage as Princess Pamper in 'Dischord' (2014). Question 5: How has Barrier-Free impacted your life?That it makes me happy and proud.  Jenny poses with her cast-mate and friend, Nicole (2014) Question 6: What interests do you have outside of Barrier-Free?JENNY: Outside of Barrier-Free, [I like] bowling and dancing. INTERVIEWER: Awesome! Recently you've been very into painting too, right? JENNY: And painting! INTERVIEWER: Jenny, those paintings you shared, oh my gosh, they are so beautiful!! JENNY: [with a big smile] Yeah! INTERVIEWER: Thank you! JENNY: [still smiling] You're welcome!  JOY in the Time of Coronavirus Class on Zoom (2020) Question 7: What would you tell someone that is interested in becoming involved in Barrier-Free programs?You should sign up and join the fun to make new friends.  Jenny participating in our International Collaboration with Blue Apple Theatre UK (2020) Keep Shining Jenny!!Catch Jenny and her Company A cast mates in the short-film Salty Seas premiering LIVE on Youtube & Facebook on Friday, December 18th at 8pm. Catch a sneak peek below! Happy Birthday Jenny!!Jenny celebrates her birthday on December 22nd and is generously sharing her special day with Barrier-Free! She has raised $346 on her way to her $1000 goal!  |
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Mail: 23219 Stringtown Rd #373 Clarksburg, MD 20871 | Email: info@barrierfreemd.com | Phone: 301-799-8669 | EIN: 84-2964880
We are proud to be funded in part by an Arts Opportunity Mini-Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council.
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