Letter to the editor: Special needs children, adults deserve choices

Here we go again. Families and guardians of special needs children and adults have been informed that the government is again seeking to cancel 14(c) certificates, which would close down workshops like the one at Clelian Heights in Greensburg. They claim that if these establishments can’t pay special needs workers minimum wage, they shouldn’t exist.

Do they expect all special needs adults to go out into the community to work? In a perfect world, that would be great, but not all adults can do that. These workshops are imperative to their learning; this is their safe place. Sure, they don’t earn minimum wage, but they feel safe and needed and it is their choice; that’s something money can’t buy.

Taking away 14(c) certificates takes away their choice of where to work. No one’s choice should be taken away.

Recently, one of Rep. Guy Reschenthaler’s representatives met with me at the Clelian Heights workshop for a tour, which is something all government officials need to do to see for themselves why these workshops are needed. I wonder how many of these bureaucrats have a special needs family member, because if they don’t, they should stay out of this conversation.

Families of special needs children and adults need to start speaking up, loudly. Write and call your congress members and tell them to get behind the continuation of 14(c) certificates. Tell them that these establishments are needed and wanted. Don’t let them take choice away from our children and adults.

Debbie Buffer

Youngwood