A sheltered workshop is an organization that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The word 'sheltered' refers to a protective environment where the disabled can undertake paid, meaningful employment in a supportive atmosphere.

Sheltered workshops came into being approximately 30 years ago with the passage of Senate Bill 52 in 1965. Frank Ackerman, a parent with a child in the state school at Sedalia, became concerned with what the future held for his child after he finished school. Ackerman began a campaign to establish a vocational program in Missouri. His campaign resulted in the passage of Senate Bill 52. Sedalia established the first state authorized sheltered workshop that same year, and many other communities followed.

A sheltered workshop operates much like any other light assembly or service shop, except that the employees are adults whose physical or mental disabilities currently prevent them from competing for regular employment. Employees are paid on a piece-rate basis according to their ability to produce, compared with non-disabled workers who would be paid the prevailing wage for the job. Although most workshop employees earn less than the minimum wage, the workshop provides them a place to perform meaningful work and lead productive lives.

Read more on our website at http://www.nsminc.com/nsm/pdf/YourCareConnectionJulyAug2011.pdf