ABILITY Articles

Deciding if, when, and how to share disability-related information with a prospective or current employer can be overwhelming. The decision-making process requires answering a number of personal questions that may be different with each employment experience. There is no single right or wrong approach to disclosing a disability. The disability disclosure decision-making process can include questions like: “Do I have an obligation to disclose?” “When is the right time?” “How much information does the employer need?” and “How will ... Read more

Although we may be qualified to get the job done, we may need to request assistance by way of reasonable accommodations as stated under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You might wonder, “Are all employers required to make reasonable accommodations?”or “How do I make the request?”. The Job Accommodation Network has a great tool for learning more about which employers fall under Title I of the ADA. JAN also offers helpful suggestions for a process job seekers can use, ... Read more

A recent State of the Science conference in Washington, DC, highlighted new findings in the area of disability and employment. The event, presented by the Employer Practices Rehabilitation Research Training Center (EPRRTC), offered initial findings that could help inform the way employers approach employees with disabilities. The following research may have immediate applications: EMPLOYEE DISCLOSURE This issue is multifaceted and is gaining more importance with the publication of new Section 503 regulations from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance ... Read more

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) implemented new 503 regulations for federal contractors. Contractors with more than 100 employees are required to set an aspirational goal to achieve a workforce inclusive of 7 percent of individuals with disabilities in each job category while businesses with fewer than 100 employees apply that goal across their workforce as a whole. Contractors covered under Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) are required to establish an 8 percent ... Read more

For years, studies have shown that people who participate in college internships-where they have opportunities to be exposed to the professional workplace, enhance their networking skills, and build their résumés-become more viable candidates, increasing the likelihood they’ll get and keep a job. Surveys conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) have indicated that employers draw 40 percent of their new hires from their own internship programs. This is also true when the intern happens to have ... Read more