Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Debate Intensifies Over 14(c) Program for Disabled Workers

8/3/2025

50 11

Summary

Story summary

The 14(c) program, once designed to safeguard disabled veterans, now predominantly aids intellectually and developmentally disabled workers in sheltered workshops. Although federal initiatives have slashed participants from 423,000 in 2001 to just 35,000, many still depend on these roles for their dignity and independence amid a heated debate over fair wages.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 14(c) program, once designed to safeguard disabled veterans, now predominantly aids intellectually and developmentally disabled workers in sheltered workshops. Although federal initiatives have slashed participants from 423,000 in 2001 to just 35,000, many still depend on these roles for their dignity and independence amid a heated debate over fair wages.