Pictured: A pile of dollar bills. [401(K) 2012 / CC BY-SA 2.0]

Erin Compton, an Illinois student and developmental disabilities advocate, on Wednesday urged state lawmakers to join citizens in “making history” and “make a difference” in voting to pass a law that would eliminate sub-minimum wage pay for people with disabilities. 

Compton, who has Down syndrome, said during the Wednesday Senate committee hearing she is currently a student at the College of DuPage and recently danced professionally in a disabilities dance festival in South Africa. She also is among the youngest appointees to the State Rehabilitation Council and told lawmakers Wednesday she works with the Chicago Cubs as a ticket scanner and greeter. 

“Some people said that having a job isn't for me because I am not smart enough or good enough to work,” Compton said. “But I was given opportunities to work in the community and have to have a fair wage.”