We applaud the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) and commend Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representatives Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03) and for their leadership and commitment to advancing the rights and economic inclusion of people with disabilities. This legislation is critical to fulfilling the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this Saturday, July 26th, 2025.
TCIEA represents a critical step forward in ending the outdated and discriminatory practice of paying subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities. It also supports states and service providers in transforming their employment models toward competitive integrated employment (CIE), where people with disabilities work alongside their peers without disabilities, earn at least minimum wage, and have access to the same workplace benefits and opportunities for advancement.
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) play a vital role in making this vision a reality. Located in every state and territory, UCEDDs are national leaders in developing, implementing, and disseminating evidence-based practices that improve employment outcomes for people with developmental and other disabilities. From training professionals and supporting systems change, to piloting inclusive workforce initiatives and conducting applied research, UCEDDs are trusted partners in the shift toward competitive, integrated employment (CIE).
UCEDDs also work directly with individuals with disabilities, families, employers, educators, and policymakers to remove barriers to employment and promote inclusive, person-centered transition and career pathways. Their long-standing collaborations with Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, school systems, and Medicaid-funded employment providers make them uniquely positioned to support the transformation envisioned by this legislation. For example:
- Georgia’s AgrAbility program has promoted independence for members of the agricultural community who have disabilities, both acquired and developmental, since 2005. Coordinated in Georgia by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Institute on Human Development and Disability in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), AgrAbility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded program active in 21 states across the country.
- In Boston, the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion’s (ICI) is renowned for its ThinkWork resource hub offering data, personal stories, innovative practices, and tools related to improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- At Texas A&M University, the Center on Disability and Development is collaborating with the Texas Workforce Commission and the University of North Texas on its Beacons of Excellence (TBE) project, which aims to educate employers who use subminimum wage contracts about the benefits of CIE. This UCEDD also runs a Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP), which connects federal sector employers nationwide with highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities.
We urge Congress to pass the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act without delay and provide the resources needed to support a full and equitable transition. With the combined efforts of federal, state, and local partners—including UCEDDs—our nation can move closer to a future in which all people with disabilities can pursue meaningful, competitive work in the community.
Plain Language:
AUCD celebrates the re-introduction of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) and thank Senator Steve Daines, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative Pete Sessions, and Representative Bobby Scott for their leadership on this important legislation to make sure people with disabilities receive equal pay for equal work.
This legislation is an important step in ending the practice of paying subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities. TCIEA supports states and service providers in working toward competitive integrated employment (CIE), where people with disabilities work alongside their peers without disabilities, earn at least minimum wage, and have access to the same workplace benefits and opportunities.
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) play an important role in making this coming true. Located in every state and territory, UCEDDs are national leaders in improving employment outcomes for people with developmental and other disabilities.
We ask Congress to pass the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act quickly and give states the resources they need to support people with disabilities leaving subminimum wages into competitive integrated employment. With the federal government working together with states and local partners—including UCEDDs—we can move closer to a future where all people with disabilities have opportunities for meaningful jobs in their communities.
