February 3, 2000
Web posted at: 2:49 p.m. EST (1949 GMT)

VIDEO Reporter Jonathan Aiken talks with people on both sides of the issue. Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K     MESSAGE BOARD Disability and the law

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hundreds of blind people lobbied members of Congress this week, urging that blind workers be paid at least the minimum wage, now $5.15 an hour. A 1938 federal law allows employers to pay blind workers below the minimum as an incentive to hire them.

Those seeking to have the law changed say the exemption, while well-intended, exploits blind workers. The vast majority, however, are paid the minimum wage, or higher.

It's estimated fewer than 200 blind men and women nationwide are paid less than the minimum.

The issue is one that has divided the blind community on what's more important -- having a job, or earning the minimum wage, even if the higher pay risks putting other blind people out of work.

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