I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Representative Cathy McMorris-Rogers (R-WA) and Brian Rogers about life with their son Cole with Down syndrome. They were a delight to work with, and I loved how much each of them advocate for disability rights. I was specifically interested in The Transition to Competitive Employment Act that Cathy is sponsoring in the House of Representatives. As she mentioned in her interview with me, people with disabilities are working jobs that pay them less than minimum wage. These employees may be working these jobs for the rest of their lives, and that is why it’s important to phase out subminimum wage payments. 
 
Recently, I read about the Raise the Wage Act, sponsored by Representative Robert Scott (D-VA). This act would to raise the minimum wage over a seven-year period. What really caught my attention was a provision in the bill that would eliminate subminimum wage for people with disabilities.
 
Our children have varying abilities, and they should be treated as valued members of our communities. They have so much to offer in the workplace and deserve to be paid as much as any other employees doing similar jobs. 
 
I appreciate the efforts of people like Representatives McMorris-Rogers and Scott in Congress. And, all those who are fighting for changes that create an environment that elevates people with disabilities to the rest of society, and allows society to see the ability each person has and the good they can do. 

 
Gerald Nebeker, Ph.D. Orange Socks President