To the Editor:

A recent editorial in The Altamont Enterprise, “We need to provide a path forward for people who have long been exploited” (March 13, 2026), claimed that New York State Industries for the Disabled Inc. (NYSID) “makes money by referring people with disabilities to businesses to work at subminimum wage.”

That claim is incorrect and misrepresents both NYSID’s role and its long-standing commitment to expanding competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The editorial’s suggestion that NYSID defends sub-minimum wages ignores the organization’s public position on the federal policy at the center of this debate: Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows certain employers with federal certificates to pay sub-minimum wages.

Let me be clear: Not one of the employees working on a NYSID contract is paid based on a 14(c) certificate, period. End of story. NYSID leadership has publicly supported the elimination of the 14(c) program nationwide and has participated in federal advocacy efforts aimed at transitioning the disability employment system toward competitive integrated employment.

Just a few months ago, NYSID leaders joined organizations from across the country in Washington, D.C., to advocate for a national transition away from sub-minimum wages and toward inclusive employment that provides fair pay and greater community integration. New York’s disability employment sector has already been moving toward modern employment models.

A recent study by the Rockefeller Institute of Government documents the economic and social impact of disability service providers across the state and highlights how many organizations have voluntarily transitioned away from the 14(c) model while expanding integrated employment opportunities.

In fact, the report states: “In 2024, NYSID eliminated the allowance of 14(c) on any NYSID contracts, as New York has embraced Employment First principles and moved toward competitive integrated employment.” 

According to the report:

— Disability service providers generate more than $15 billion in economic activity annually in New York.

— The sector supports nearly 200,000 jobs statewide, including thousands held by individuals with disabilities.

— NYSID member agencies help create employment opportunities for thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities every year.

NYSID has also been a strong advocate for policies that prioritize competitive employment for individuals with disabilities. In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul issued Executive Order 40, declaring New York an Employment First state. The policy directs state agencies to prioritize competitive integrated employment as the preferred outcome for individuals with disabilities. NYSID publicly supported this initiative and has worked with partners across government, the nonprofit sector, and the private sector to help expand opportunities consistent with the Employment First vision.

The principle behind Employment First is clear: People with disabilities should have the same opportunity as anyone else to work in the community, earn wages, and build meaningful careers. Public discussion about disability employment policy is important. But it must be grounded in facts.

Maureen O’Brien

President and CEO

New York State Industries for the Disabled Inc.

Editor’s note: The quote in the editorial cited at the top of this letter was from Assemblyman Phil Steck who spoke those words at a March 6 press conference, pushing for legislation he has proposed to require workers with disabilities be paid at least minimum wage. Steck said then and maintains now that NYSID lobbied against his bill.

Dylan MacQuoid, Steck’s legislative director, said this week that, because of the Enterprise editorial, NYSID “reached out to us, so we’re going to be having meetings with them to talk about the bill … We're going to be opening up a dialogue of communication with them about our bill so we can talk about any differences we may have and talk about the best way to move forward.”

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