By Anne Hirsh, M.S., CPDM, Co-Director, Job Accommodation Network
Is the company or agency you work for a Federal contractor? If so, do you feel prepared for the March 24, 2014, effective date of the new regulations for both Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)? As an agency that focuses on ADA and reasonable accommodation issues, JAN continues to get compliance questions from employers such as when and how to request applicants and employees to self-identify as a person with a disability or veteran. Employers also want to know how to update their recruiting efforts to target qualified and talented veterans and people with disabilities. This includes reviewing their online job application Websites and processes to ensure accessibility for all. Employers also are looking for resources to create effective reasonable accommodation policies and procedures or to review existing company policies and procedures.
There are many resources to address the above concerns. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is conducting a number of free training events. They are all archived so if you miss the live event you can view at your convenience. The OFCCP is also compiling resources for employers to use to more easily comply with the new regulations. The long awaited voluntary self-identification of disability form employers are required to use is one of these resources. Access the OFCCP training webinars and Section 503 or VEVRAA FAQ resources to learn more.
Need a good resource for pre-screened and highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates for your internship opportunities or entry level positions? The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP) is a free resource to help you do just that. Looking to identify strategies to build disability inclusion into your company culture? ODEP’s Business Strategies that Work: A Framework for Disability Inclusion document can help you develop that strategy.
And of course JAN has a number of resources to help you develop tools to effectively comply with the new regulations. JAN’s Tips for Designing Accessible Websites Including the Self-Assessment SNAP Tool can help your company get started on improving the accessibility of your online job application system. Also, register for JAN’s free monthly Federal Contractor Winter Webcast Series. JAN is providing three 1.5 hour Webcast sessions beginning on January 29th. These Webcasts will provide an overview of the basic requirements of the new Section 503 regulations, practical tips for compliance, best practices for affirmative action, and time for participants’ questions and answers. If you cannot make it on the day of the live Webcast event, all sessions will be archived. And remember, JAN is available for one-on-one consultation to help you make an informed decision when it comes to implementing effective reasonable accommodation.