The ongoing argument about whether or not to continue these provisions has echoes of the debate about unpaid labor in institutions – change may leave people without work.

In 2000, Michael Morris summarized the debate:
The strongest voices for continuation of 14(c) defend their position by explaining that 14 (c) offers a needed approach to provide entry-level skills training and development regardless of an individual’s productivity and severity of disability. Others have expressed concern that the elimination of 14 (c) will result in persons with the most significant disabilities having less favorable options and therefore increased reliance on Medicaid funded work/day activity that by definition cannot offer income-producing activity."

Photo courtesy Ann Marsden