Stop the Closure of Sheltered Work Environments in New York State

Keep sheltered workshops for persons with disabilities. They love there jobs and make an important contribution.

Living in a rural area any job is difficult to find. For those who are unable to work at a steady pace it can be near impossible. Having a paycheck, even a small one does wonders for people's self esteem.

You have my support, These people have the right to work and have a place to go.

As a retired RN I can assure you that these programs are needed., were 50 years ago and are still needed to enhance the lives of those that need fullfillment in their lives.

the world can be a cruel place please don't take options away from people with disabilities.

I agree that I would love to see people with all kinds of disabilities employed in competitive jobs. But what of the person who can do some valuable work - but not with the pace or independence that would be required to justify a competitive position/wage? These supportive employment work centers provide a way for these people to continue to hold a job and make a wage. And they can be inclusive and integrated. Don't take this option away from those who need and want it!

I work in this field and I have niece with developmental disabilities!

This will impact many folks that do not have the safety skills necessary to work in the community. Persons served as well as guardians should be able to make the decision based on skills if a sheltered employment workshop is appropriate for their loved one!

Please do not close these places of employment. s

Sheltered Work Shops are so needed. Many people need the added support to funtion in todays world.

local McDonalds,wal-mart and other business embrace our challenged folks and they are wonderful additions to the work force. Keep the opportunity available

There is so much we have to offer that competitive employers are not able to offer. Please reconsider the idea of closing sheltered workshops.

Legislators should experience the environment before they seek to change it.

I work at a workshop and I am opposed to it closing. How am I going to earn a paycheck

I work at a workshop Im against it closing. Theres not man options for other jobs in our community and expessially being in a wheelchair.

Seeing first hand the postive impacts of some shetered workshops I think it would be shame to take this option away from those who are comfortable, satisfied and productive working in these places.

wonderful place!!!!!

we need this!!

in this age of person centerness I find it interseting that the people that this effects most are not a bigger part of the conversation and while the opinion of a few has been solicited there has not been enough information gathering to see how the majority of people view their jobs and what would they like to happen. There are other benefits to these work enviroments including being with people and having a support group. There has been a lot of resesrch lately on the effects of loniness and if some o f these people had no where to go, what would happen to them?

I hope we have jobs available for us when people cant find work now.