National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention

The Maryland Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind held their annual convention in Ocean City, Maryland this month. The convention focused on a number of topics ranging from childhood education to employment for people with differing abilities. Melwood’s President and CEO, Cari DeSantis, delivered an inspiring speech to attendees that recounted Melwood’s journey to paying all of our workers with differing abilities at least the minimum wage. During her speech she touched on a number of issues surrounding the topic. She educated the audience on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Section 14(c) Certificate, which allows certain organizations the option to legally pay workers less than the minimum wage. She gave them details on how Melwood came to the decision to implement a policy that called for all of its workers with differing abilities to be paid at least the minimum wage. Cari also discussed the challenges Melwood faced as a result of our decision to increase wages for the workers with differing abilities who were not earning the minimum wage and she explained Melwood’s position on the subject. It was a great opportunity for Ms. DeSantis to raise awareness on an important issue and educate the NFB on Melwood’s philosophy on pay equity for people with differing abilities.

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is a 501(c)3 nonprofit made up of local chapters and divisions who help newly blind people adjust to vision loss. Affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind, this organization seeks to promote fully integrated communities on both a state and national level where blind individuals can live the life they want.