Hiring People With Disabilities

Listed below are commonly asked questions regarding hiring people with disabilities and resources to obtain answers.

Question:

• Where can I get information at the national level regarding employment issues and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
• Where can I obtain written information about the ADA and my obligation as an employer?
• Where can I get ADA technical assistance at the national level?

Response:

• The Office of Disability Employment Policy:
  

  (202)376-6200 (V)
  (202)376-6205 (TTY)
  InfoODEP@dol.gov
  http://www.dol.gov/odep/

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):
  For Technical Assistance: (800)669-4000 (V) or (800)669-6820 (TTY)
  To Obtain Documents: (800)669-3362 (V) or (800)800-3302 (TTY), http://www.eeoc.gov

Question:

• I just hired an employee who uses a wheelchair. What accommodation(s) will be needed?
• My new employee informed me that she has a learning disability. Where can I go to get more information?
• What if I need information regarding accommodations for persons with psychiatric disabilities? Who can I call?
• What kind of equipment or technology is available to enable my employees with disabilities to complete their job tasks?
• How much will a workplace accommodation cost and will I be able to save money to implement the modification?
• Who can assist me with writing a job description and identifying the essential job requirements?

Response:

• The Office of Disability Employment Policy's Job Accommodation Network (JAN):
  (800)526-7234 (V/TTY)
  /odep/programs/job.htm
  
• Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs):
  (800)949-4232 (V/TTY)

Question:

• I want my employment application and other employment materials available in alternate formats for my job applicants and employees with visual disabilities. Who can I call?
• Our human resources staff would like to have their business cards brailled. How can we get them done?

Response:

• National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped:
  (202)707-9275(V)
  (800)424-8567 ask for reference(V)
  nls@loc.gov
  http://www.loc.gov/nls/reference

Question:

• Am I legally required to comply with the employment provisions of ADA? If so, what are my responsibilities?
• What are the regulations under Title I of the ADA that apply to me as a small business employer?
• How do I know whether my employment practices are nondiscriminatory?
• Who is a "qualified individual with a disability"?
• What is an undue hardship ?
• How does the ADA affect my employees health benefit plans and the company s workers compensation program?
• Does the ADA impact medical examinations that I require of all employees? If so, how?

Response:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):
  For Technical Assistance: (800)669-4000 (V) or (800)669-6820 (TTY)
  To Obtain Documents:
  (800)669-3362 (V) or (800)800-3302
  http://www.eeoc.gov
• Disability Rights Education Defense Fund (DREDF) ADA Hotline: ADA questions and publications:
  (800)466-4232 (V/TTY)

Question:

• I need help with structural modifications to make my business accessible to employees and customers with disabilities. Where can I get help with architectural questions?

Response:

• Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board):
  Documents and questions (800)872-2253 (V)
  (800)993-2622 (TTY)
  (202)272-5448 (Electronic Bulletin Board)
  http://www.access-board.gov

Question:

• I am holding a business function for my employees. Where can I find qualified sign language interpreters for employees who are deaf?

Response:

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf:
  (301)608-0050 (V/TTY), (301)608-0508 (FAX)

Question:

• What kind of tax incentives are there if I make reasonable accommodations in my company?
• Are there any resources that provide financial assistance when I hire a person with a disability?

Response:

• Internal Revenue Service: (800)829-1040
• U.S. Department of Labor: (202) 693-3366

Question:

• How can I find out about local agencies that can help me with issues regarding hiring a person with a disability?
• Who in my state can assist me in implementing a workplace accommodation?
• Where can I recruit qualified individuals with disabilities?

Response:

• National Council for Independent Living:
  (703)525-3406, ncil@tsbbs02.tnet.com
• Department of Veterans Affairs: (202)273-7419 (Check your local telephone directory for the regional or local office.)
• Office of Disability Employment Policy:
  (202)376-6200(V)
  202-376-6205 (TTY)
  ODEP Call Center
  http://www.dol.gov/odep/state/state.htm
• Rehabilitation Services Administration:
  (202)205-8719 (Check your local telephone directory for state or local office.)
• Project with Industry: (202)543-6353 or inabir@poltech.com

Question:

• Where can I learn more about specific disability groups?
• Are there other businesses in my area with which I can network concerning disability issues?
• How can I find out about conferences and workshops in my state?

Response:

• To find out how to contact State Governors or Mayors Committees on the Employment of People with Disabilities, contact the Office of Disability Employment Policy at
  (202)376-6200 (V)
  (202)376-6205 (TTY)
  ODEP Call Center
  http://www.dol.gov/odep/state/state.htm
  or check your local telephone directory
• Regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs): (800)949-4232
• Office of Disability Employment Policy Business Leadership Network (BLN): (202)376-6200 (V), (202)376-6205, ODEP Call Center