Why Are Disabled Workers Still Being Paid Less Than Minimum Wage?

Posted on:
A close-up of a person’s hand holding a small roll of U.S. twenty-dollar bills secured with a green rubber band. The hand has long, manicured nails with a soft pink polish and one nail featuring black design detail. The background is a plain white wall, giving the image a clean and minimal aesthetic.

And why it matters now more than ever.

At Networks for Training and Development, we believe in fair, equitable opportunities for everyone, and that includes fair pay. Right now, there’s still a federal policy in place that allows people with disabilities to be paid less than minimum wage.

Yes, you read that right.

Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers can legally pay disabled workers subminimum wages if they obtain a special certificate. This practice has been around since 1938, and while we’ve made strides in disability rights since then, this particular policy has stuck around far longer than it should have.

Recently, there was a chance to change that.

A rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor would have helped phase out the use of 14(c) certificates and move toward fair wages for all workers, including those with disabilities. But in a disappointing turn, that proposed rule was withdrawn.

And that means one thing:
Disabled workers in many places across the U.S. can still legally be paid less than their nondisabled peers.
Just because they’re disabled.

Subminimum wage policies aren’t just outdated, they’re incredibly harmful. They reinforce the idea that disabled people are less capable or less valuable in the workforce, which simply isn’t true. People with disabilities bring skills, creativity, reliability, and unique insight to every industry.

We’ve seen it firsthand.

We’ve worked alongside so many talented individuals who just needed the right support and opportunity… not a discounted paycheck.

Taking Action

If we’re serious about equity and inclusion, we can’t keep allowing policies that undervalue people. Equity means ensuring that every person — disabled or not — has a chance to earn fair wages, contribute meaningfully, and thrive in their careers.

It’s not just about changing laws.
It’s about changing mindsets.
It’s about opening doors and removing barriers.
It’s about listening to disabled people and doing better.

What You Can Do

  • Learn more about Section 14(c) and its impact.
  • Talk about it with others… many people don’t even know this is still happening!
  • Hire inclusively and advocate for wage equity in your workplace.
  • Support organizations that are working to end subminimum wage policies and promote real inclusion.

At Networks, we’re committed to helping build a workforce that welcomes and values everyone. That includes continuing to provide tools, training, and support for inclusive employment and speaking up when something isn’t right.

Because every person deserves more than just a job.
They deserve to be seen, respected, and paid fairly for the work they do.

Important Resources: