We Need Your Story!
Sharing your personal story of how disability services has affected your life and/or the lives of loved ones is perhaps the most compelling way we can educate our lawmakers and affect public understanding of this important need. Please contact A-Team Minnesota so we can share your story! Stories & Videos: ateam.mngroup@gmail.com
Programs for Adults With Disabilities KARE11 TV
by Eva Anderson
14c – A Bridge to Competitive Employment for Bob!
by Jim Clapper
34 year old Bob Clapper started working at Merrick, Inc. in 2008 when he turned 21. He worked in a utility services or center-based employment for about 7 years. He moved into a mobile work crew working at Kowalski’s 5 days per week. He improved his skills and work ethic over that time and has now quadrupled his rate of pay under 14(c). He would not have achieved this without 14(c).
Evan’s story!
A Mother Speaks Out on Severe Autism by Alicia Mesa
A Mother Speaks out on severe autism
Speaking Out for Craig by Deanna Johnson
Informative Videos
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This is NOT My Choice!
Sometimes people mean well when they make choices for others. But what works well for one person doesn’t always work for everyone. Before we decide what is best for individuals with disabilities and take away their choices, we need to listen to them.
CLICK THE PHOTO TO WATCH THIS POWERFUL VIDEO!
I Will Not be Collateral Damage!
“Everything that takes away my voice could destroy my life.”
A-Team is giving people with disabilities a voice. They are educating lawmakers and the public that our friends and families deserve the freedom to choose how they live and work.
CLICK THE PHOTO TO LISTEN TO THEIR VOICES!
Why You Should Join the A-Team
Meet some of the first A-Team families. Their voices have made a HUGE difference and yours will too! Remember – a supported, center-based work program IS ALSO A VITAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY!
CLICK THE PHOTO TO WATCH THIS 5-MINUTE PRESENTATION!
A Voice For Severe Autism
People with disabilities are not one and the same. There are many types of disabilities and many levels of severity. People with severe disabilities deserve to have a quality of life, including the choice to live and work in developmentally appropriate settings. This video illustrates what severe autism can look like and why we need to advocate for A FULLY ARRAY of disability services and supports.
Be Aware Campaign!
Let these voices be heard! Take a few minutes to video tape your loved ones sharing information that will help others gain awareness about the plight of disability services! Share your clip with A-Team USA’s Noah Morris nmorris@oppinc.com by March 16, 2022. Otherwise, stay tuned for the complete video document once it is released!
CLICK THE PHOTO TO WATCH THIS PREVIEW VIDEO!
This is MY LIFE!
“Please don’t take away my choice!”
This upbeat, but informative video shows people with I/DD doing what they love, which in many cases includes a fully supported workplace. We need to allow them their own CHOICE of where to live and work.
CLICK THE PHOTO TO LISTEN TO THEIR VOICES!
Articles, Podcasts, and Other Resources
Myths & Facts About Supported Employment for People with I/DD
This powerful resource tool lists myths & facts about “subminimum” wages and “sheltered workshops” that have been terribly misunderstood by the public.
– A-Team MN and Voice of Reason
One Size Does NOT Fit All, 2021
People with disabilities deserve the right to choose from a full array of residential options, including congregate Assisted Living housing, just like everyone else.
– New York Times (David Axelrod)
Autism in California, 2020
Alarming statistics and information about the increasing number of people with severe autism, requiring a hard look at how we will care for them in the future.
– Autism Society San Francisco Bay
What is the “14c” Law?
Here is the actual text to the sadly misunderstood productivity based commensurate wage law that allows opportunities for people who are not successful in competitive employment to work?
– Scroll to pp. 48-50 (Sec. 214c)
Dangerous Logic
“I don’t want X so no one should have X” is the logic used in many of today’s disability policies. Ms. Lutz explores why decision making regarding which types of placements to pay for and prioritize is based on values rather than data.
– Psychology Today (Amy S. Lutz)
Why Should I Care? Critical Issues Regarding Services for People with IDD
Find out which services for people with severe disabilities are most threatened and why your help is so desperately needed!
– A-Team Minnesota
Reverse Field of Dreams Fallacy in Disability Policy
Even if we don’t build it, they will still come . . . services for the severely disabled are rapidly disappearing as needs are continuing to increase.
– Psychology Today (Amy Lutz)
MNFAC Position Paper
An in-depth look at the 14(c) provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act and its impact.
– Susan Hankner & MNFAC
Congregate Residential Options
This is an outstanding service model showing why we need to expand choices so people with severe disabilities can enjoy a better quality of life.
– Annondale Village, Suwannee, GA
A-Team USA You Tube Videos
Keep informed with monthly updates and other videos produced by A-Team USA.
A-Team You-Tube Link
Should I Hire Someone With a Disability?
An interview with Opportunity Partners, a disability service agency in Minnetonka, MN, that supports a full array of disability service options. (Podcast)
– Bill Schultz, businessradiox.com S