Blind persons protest proposed employment bill
WICHITA, Kansas – New legislation has the blind taking to the streets protesting over a proposal to pay them less than everyone else. Blind activists call the bill "insulting."
Under current law, employers can petition the labor department to allow them to pay disabled workers based on their actual productivity rather than basing their wages on an hourly rate.
Advocates for the blind say a clause in the Workforce Investment Act being debated in Washington would make it easier for businesses to continue the practice.
"That is unjust. That is unequal. That is discrimatory," said Donna Wood, president of the Kansas chapter of the National Federation of the Blind
Many advocacy groups for the disabled are in favor of the act, saying it makes it easier for employers to hire disabled workers.
His office released a statement saying "Senator Roberts has a long history working for those with disabilities. While he appreciates the views of the National Federation of the Blind, he is also hearing from groups who feel differently about this issue. So, before any changes are made, he wants to fully understand the consequences, and will continue to reach out and study it."
