September 26, 2023
EEOC & DOL Publish Disability Resource Guide
On September 26th, the U.S. Department of Labor and EEOC announced publication of this guide in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the federal Rehabilitation Act. The Act “opened doors for many qualified individuals with disabilities to enter the federal and the federal contractor workforce for the first time.”
Even if you are not a covered, federal contractor, it might be proactive to review the Guide. Why? The agencies write, “The law also was the model for Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which greatly expanded equal opportunities by prohibiting disability-based employment discrimination in private employment.” (emphasis added).
What are some highlights? The Guide includes some “Best Practices” for (1) Recruitment and Hiring; and (2) Retention and Advancement. Some of the recommendations include:
- use inclusive recruiting methods that reach all potential workers;
- regularly review outreach and hiring practices to learn whether certain groups are being excluded, not just from being hired, but from even entering the applicant pool;
- ensure that employees responsible for making hiring, assignment, or promotion decisions are applying the criteria equally to all applicants or candidates;
- and more.
Click here to read the full Guide and for more proactive tips.
