Note: The formatting in this document comes directly from the U.S. government websites for the Federal Register, U.S. Code, and Code of Federal Regulations.

Reference to 28 CFR Part 35

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=69924e046dbc5f7282497ae0944c5652&rgn=div5&view=text&node=29:1.1.1.1.29&idno=29

Reference to 29 CFR 32

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=69924e046dbc5f7282497ae0944c5652&rgn=div5&view=text&node=29:1.1.1.1.26&idno=29

Reference to 29 CFR 32.3

Sec. 32.3 Definitions.

As used in this part, the term:

The Act means the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, Public Law 93-516, and by the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, Public Law 95-602.

Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Administration or his or her designee.

Applicant for assistance means one who submits an application, request, or plan required to be approved by a Department official or by a recipient as a condition to becoming a recipient.

Department means the Department of Labor.

Facility means all or any portion of the buildings, structures, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots or other real or personal property or interest in such property which are utilized in the execution of the program for which Federal financial assistance is received.

Federal financial assistance means any grant, loan, contract (other than a procurement contract or a contract of insurance or guarantee), or any other arrangement by which the Department provides or otherwise makes available assistance in the form of:

(a) Funds;

(b) Services of Federal personnel; or

(c) Real and personal property or any interest in or use of such property, including: (1) Transfers or leases of such property for less than fair market value or for reduced consideration; and (2) Proceeds from a subsequent transfer or lease of such property if the Federal share of its fair market value is not returned to the Federal Government.

Government means the Government of the United States of America.

Handicap means any condition or characteristic that renders a person a handicapped individual as defined in this section.

Handicapped individual (a) Handicapped individual means any person who-- (1) Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) Has a record of such an impairment;

or

[[Page 317]]

(3) Is regarded as having such an impairment.

(b) As used in the proceeding paragraph of this section, the phrase:

(1) Physical or mental impairment means--

(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genito-urinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine;

(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

(iii) The term physical or mental impairment includes but is not limited to such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular distrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, and drug addiction and alcoholism.

(2) Substantially limits means the degree that the impairment affects an individual becoming a beneficiary of a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or affects an individual's employability. A handicapped individual who is likely to experience difficulty in securing or retaining benefits or in securing, or retaining, or advancing in employment would be considered substantially limited.

(3) Major life activities means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and receiving education or vocational training.

(4) Has a record of such an impairment means that the individual has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more life activity.

(5) Is regarded as having such an impairment means that the individual--

(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but that is treated by a recipient as constituting such a limitation;

(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or

(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section but is treated by a recipient as having such an impairment.

Qualified handicapped individual means:

(a) With respect to employment, an individual with a handicap who is capable of performing the essential functions of the job or jobs for which he or she is being considered with reasonable accommodation to his or her handicap;

(b) With respect to services, a handicapped individual who meets eligibility requirements relevant to the receipt of services provided in the program;

(c) With respect to employment and to employment related training programs, a handicapped individual who meets both the eligibility requirements for participation in the program and valid job or training qualifications with reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable accommodation means the changes and modifications which can be made in the structure of a job or employment and training program, or in the manner in which a job is performed or an employment and training program is conducted, unless it would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the recipient's program. Reasonable accommodation may include: (a) Making the facilities used by the employees or participants in the area where the program is conducted, including common areas used by all employees or participants such as hallways, restrooms, cafeterias and lounges, readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, and (b) Job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, the provision of readers or interpreters, and other similar actions.

Recipient means any state or its political subdivisions, any instrumentality of a State or its political subdivisions, any public or private agency, institution, organization, or other entity, or any person to which Federal financial assistance is extended directly or through another recipient, including

[[Page 318]]

any successor, assignee, or transferee of a recipient, but excluding the ultimate beneficiary of the assistance.

Secretary means the Secretary of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, or his or her designee.

Section 504 means section 504 of the Act.

Small recipient means a recipient who serves fewer than 15 beneficiaries, and employs fewer than 15 employees at all times during a grant year.

United States means the several states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.[45 FR 66709, Oct. 7, 1980, as amended at 61 FR 19985, May 3, 1996]

Reference to 29 CFR 32.6(c)

Sec. 32.6 Remedial action, voluntary action, and self-evaluation.

(c) Self-evaluation. (1) A recipient shall, within one year of the effective date of this part:

(i) Evaluate, with the assistance of interested persons who are selected by the recipient, including handicapped individuals or organizations representing handicapped individuals, its current policies and practices and the effects thereof that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part;

(ii) Modify, after consultation with interested persons who are selected by the recipient, including handicapped individuals or organizations representing handicapped individuals, any policies and practices that do not meet the requirements of this part; and

(iii) Take, after consultation with interested persons who are selected by the recipient, including handicapped individuals or organizations representing handicapped individuals, appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination that resulted from adherence to these policies and practices.

(2) A recipient, other than a small recipient, shall for at least three years following completion of the evaluation required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, maintain on file, make available for public inspection, and provide to the Assistant Secretary upon request:

(i) A list of the interested persons consulted;

(ii) A description of areas examined and any problems identified;

and

(iii) A description of any modifications made and of any remedial steps taken.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.7

Sec. 32.7 Designation of responsible employee.

A recipient, other than a small recipient shall designate at least one person to coordinate its efforts to comply with this part.

Reference to 29 CFR 32 Subpart B

29CFR32 Subpart B comprises 29CFR32.12 to 32.17. See following:

Reference to 29 CFR 32.12(a)

Sec. 32.12 Discrimination prohibited.

(a) General. (1) No qualified handicapped individual shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity to which this part applies. This subpart is applicable to employees and applicants for employment with all recipients and to participants in employment and training programs financed in whole or in part by Federal financial assistance.

(2) A recipient shall make all decisions concerning employment or training under any program or activity to which this subpart applies in a manner which ensures that discrimination on the basis of handicap does not occur and may not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees or participants in any way that adversely affects their opportunities or status because of handicap.

(3) A recipient may not participate in a contractual or other relationship that has the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped applicants, employees or participants to discrimination prohibited by this subpart. The relationships referred to in this subparagraph include relationships with employment and referral agencies, with labor unions, with organizations providing or administering fringe benefits to employees of the recipient, and with organizations providing training and apprenticeship programs.

(b) Specific activities. The provisions of this subpart apply to:

(1) Recruitment advertising, and the processing of applicants for employment;

(2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, right of return from layoff and rehiring;

(3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation and changes in compensation;

(4) Job assignments, job classifications, organizational structures, position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists;

(5) Leaves of absence, sick leave, or any other leave;

(6) Fringe benefits available by virture of employment, whether or not administered by the recipient;

(7) Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities, and selection for leaves of absence to pursue training;

(8) Employer-sponsored activities, including social or recreational programs; and

(9) Any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.

(c) Collective bargaining agreements. Whenever a recipient's obligation to comply with this subpart and to correct discriminatory practices impacts on and/or necessitates changes in a term of a collective bargaining agreement(s) to which the recipient is a party, the recipient shall attempt to achieve compliance consistent with the provisions of Sec. 32.17(a). However a recipient's obligation to comply with this subpart is not relieved by a term of any such collective bargaining agreement(s).

(d) Compensation. In offering employment or promotions to handicapped individuals, the recipient shall not reduce the amount of compensation offered because of any disability income, pension or other benefit the applicant or employee receives from other source.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.13

Sec. 32.13 Reasonable accommodation.

(a) A recipient shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified handicapped applicant, employee or participant unless the recipient can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its program.

(b) In determining pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of a recipient's program, factors to be considered include;

(1) The overall size of the recipient's program with respect to number of employees, number of participants, number and type of facilities, and size of budget;

(2) The type of the recipient's operation, including the composition and structure of the recipient's workforce, and duration and type of training program; and

(3) The nature and cost of the accommodation needed.

(c) A recipient may not deny any employment or training opportunity to aqualified handicapped employee, applicant or participant if the basis for the denial is the need to make reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental limitations of the employee, applicant or participant.

(d) Nothing in this paragraph shall relieve a recipient of its obligation to make its program accessible as required in subpart C of this part, or to provide auxiliary aids, as required by Sec. 32.4(b)(7).

Reference to 29 CFR 32.14

Sec. 32.14 Job qualifications.

(a) The recipient shall provide for, and shall adhere to, a schedule for the review of the appropriateness of all job qualifications to ensure that to the extent job qualifications tend to exclude handicapped individuals because of their handicap, they are related to the performance of the job and are consistent with business necessity and safe performance.

(b) Whenever a recipient applies job qualifications in the selection of applicants, employees or participants for employment or training or other change in employment status such as promotion, demotion or training, which would tend to exclude handicapped individuals because of their handicap, the qualifications shall be related to the specific job or jobs for which the individual is being considered and shall be consistent with business necessity and safe performance. The recipient shall have the burden to demonstrate that it has complied with the requirements of this paragraph.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.15

Sec. 32.15 Preemployment inquiries.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a recipient may not conduct preemployment medical examinations or make preemployment inquiry of an applicant for employment or training as to whether the applicant is a handicapped person or as to the nature or the severity of a handicap. A recipient may, however, make preemployment inquiry into an applicant's ability to perform job-related functions.

(b) When a recipient is taking remedial action to correct the effects of past discrimination, when a recipient is taking voluntary action to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited paticipation in its federally-assisted program or activity, or when a recipient is taking affirmative action pursuant to section 503 of the Act, the recipient may invite applicants for employment or training to indicate whether and to what extent they are handicapped if:

(1) The recipient states clearly on any written questionnaire used for this purpose or makes clear orally, if no written questionnaire is used, that the information requested is intended for use solely in connection with its remedial action obligations or its voluntary or affirmative action efforts.

(2) The recipient states clearly that the information is being requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, that refusal to provide it will not subject the applicant, employee or participant to any adverse treatment, and that it will be used only in accordance with this part.

(c) An employer who routinely requires medical examinations as part of the employment selection process must demonstrate that each of the requirements of this subsection are met:

(1) The medical examination shall be performed by a physician qualified to make functional assessments of individuals in a form which will express residual capacity for work or training. Such an assessment does not require clinical determinations of disease or disability, but shall provide selecting or referring officials sufficient information regarding any functional limitations relevant to proper job placement or referral to appropriate training programs. Factors which may be assessed may include, for example, use of limbs and extremities, mobility and posture, endurance and energy expenditure, ability to withstand various working conditions and environments, use of senses and mental capacity;

(2) The results of the medical examination shall be specific and objective so as to be susceptible to review by independent medical evaluators and shall be transmitted to the applicant or employee at the same time as the employing official;

(3) The results of the medical examination shall not be used to screen out qualified applicants and employees but o determine proper placement and reasonable accommodation. The employing official using physical or mental information obtained pursuant to this section should be familiar with physical or mental activities involved in performing the job, and the working conditions and environment in which it is carried out. If the applicant is being considered for a variety of jobs having different requirements or skills, the employing official should make a functional assessment of the physical or mental demands of the jobs in order to match the applicant with the most suitable vacancy;

(4) All of potential employees for the jobs are subjected to the medical examination;

(5) The procedures for using medical examinations or the medical information shall be constructed in such a manner that:

(i) A conditional job offer was made or the individual was conditionally placed in a job pool or conditionally placed on an eligibility list prior to the medical examination being performed; or

(ii) The results of the medical examination were considered by the employing official only after a conditional decision to make a job offer or the individual had been placed conditionally in a job pool or conditionally placed on an eligibility list; that is the medical results were the last factor evaluated by the employing officials before a final decision to make an offer of employment was made.

(6) Unless a conditional job offer is made prior to the medical examination, all potential employees for the job shall be informed at the time of the medical examination that:

(i) The results of the medical examination are the last factor evaluated by the employing official before a final decision to make an offer of employment is made, and

(ii) The medical examination results shall be transmitted to the employing official and the applicant only after a conditional decision to make a job offer has been made.

(d) Information obtained in accordance with this section as to the medical condition or history of the applicant shall be collected and maintained on separate forms that shall be accorded confidentiality as medical records, except that:

(1) Employing officials may obtain the information after making a conditional decision to make a job offer to the applicant or the applicant was placed conditionally in a job pool or placed conditionally on an eligibility list.

(2) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding restricions on the work or duties of qualified handicapped persons and regarding necessary accommodations;

(3) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, where appropriate, if the condition might require emergency treatment; and

(4) Government officials investigating compliance with the Act shall be provided information upon request.

Sec. 32.16 Listing of employment openings.

Recipients should request State employment security agencies to refer qualified handicapped individuals for consideration for employment.

Sec. 32.17 Labor unions and recruiting and training agencies.

(a) The performance of a recipient's obligations under the nondiscrimination provisions of these regulations may necessitate a revision in a collective bargaining agreement(s). The policy of the Department of Labor is to use its best efforts, directly or through the recipients, subgrantees, local officials, vocational rehabilitation facilities, and other available instrumentalities, to cause any labor union, recruiting and training agency or other representative or workers who are or may be engaged in work under programs of Federal financial assistance to cooperate with, and to comply in the implementation of section 504.

( b) To effectuate the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the Assistant Secretary may hold hearings, public or private, with respect to the practices and policies of any such labor union or recruiting and training agency.

[[Page 325]]

(c) Whenever compliance with section 504 necessitates a revision of a collective bargaining agreement or otherwise significantly affects a substantial number of employees represented by the union, the collective bargaining representatives shall be given an opportunity to present their views to the Assistant Secretary.

(d) The Assistant Secretary may notify any Federal, State, or local agency of his/her conclusions and recommendations with respect to any such labor organization or recruiting and training agency which in his/ her judgment has failed to cooperate with the Department of Labor, recipients, subgrantees or applicants in carrying out the purposes of section 504. The Assistant Secretary also may notify other appropriate Federal agencies when there is reason to believe that the practices of any such labor organization or agency violates other provisions of Federal law.

Reference to 29 CFR 32 Subpart C

29CFR32 Subpart C comprises 29CFR32.26 to 32.28. See following:

Reference to 29 CFR 32.26Sec. 32.26 Discrimination prohibited. No qualified handicapped individual shall, because a recipient's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped individuals, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity to which this part applies.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.27(a)

Sec. 32.27 Access to programs.

(a) Purpose. A recipient shall operate each program or activity to which this part applies so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to qualified handicapped individuals. This paragraph does not require a recipient to make each of its existing facilities or every part of a facility accessible to and usable by qualified handicapped individuals. However, if a particular program is available in only one location, that site must be made accessible or the program must be made available at an alternative accessible site or sites. Program accessibility requires nonpersonal aids to make the program accessible to mobility impaired persons. Reasonable accommodations, as defined in Sec. 32.3, are required for particular handicapped individuals in response to the specific limitations of their handicaps.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.27(b)

(b) Scope and application. (1) For the purpose of this subpart , prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and any other individual or organization which receives a grant directly from the Department to establish or operate any program or activity shall assure that the program or activity, including Public Service Employment, Work Experience, Classroom Training and On-the-Job-Training, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to qualified handicapped individuals.

(2) Job Corps. All agencies, grantees, or contractors which screen or recruit applicants for the Job Corps shall comply with the nondiscrimination provisions of this part. Each regional office of the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration which makes the decision on the assignment of a Job Corps applicant to a particular center may, where it finds, after consultation with the qualified handicapped person seeking Job Corps services, that there is no method of complying with Sec. 32.27(a) at a particular Job Corps Center, other than by making a significant alteration in its existing facilities or in its training programs, assign that individual to another Job Corps Center which is accessible in accordance with this section and which is offering comparable training. The Job Corps, and each regional office of the Employment and Training Administration, shall assure that the Job Corps Program, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to qualified handicapped individuals and that all future construction, including improvements to existing Centers, be made accessible to the handicapped.

(3) If a small recipient finds, after consultation with a qualified handicapped person seeking its services, that there is no method of complying with Sec. 32.27(a) other than making a significant alteration in its existing facilities or facility the recipient may, as an alternative, refer the qualified handicapped person to other providers of those services that are accessible.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.27(c)

Sec. 32.27 Access to programs.

(c) Methods. A recipient may comply with the requirement of Sec. 32.27(a) through such means as redesign of equipment, reassignment of classes or other services to accessible buildings, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities in conformance with the requirements of Sec. 32.28, or any other method that results in making its program or activity accessible to handicapped individuals. A recipient is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with Sec. 32.27(a). In choosing among available methods for meeting the requirement of Sec. 32.27(a), a recipient shall give priority to those methods that offer programs and activities to handicapped persons in the most integrated setting appropriate.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.28(a)

Sec. 32.28 Architectural standards.

(a) Design and construction. Each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a recipient shall be designed and constructed in such manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by qualified handicapped individuals, if the construction was commenced after the effective date of this part.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.28(b)

Sec. 32.28 Architectural standards.

(b) Alteration. Each facility or part of a facility which is altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of a recipient after the effective date of this part in a manner that affects or could affect the usability of the facility or part of the facility shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be altered in such manner that the altered portion of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by qualified handicapped individuals.

Reference to 29 CFR 32.28(c)

Sec. 32.28 Architectural standards.

(c) Standards for architectural accessibility. Design, construction, or alteration of facilities under this subpart shall meet the most current standards for physical accessibility prescribed by the General Services Administration under the Architectural Barriers Act at 41 CFR 101-19.6. Alternative standards may be adopted when it is clearly evident that equivalent or greater access to the facility or part of the facility is thereby provided.

Reference to 29 CFR 32 Appendix A

Appendix A to Part 32

Accommodations may take many forms based on the type of handicap and the needs of the individual. In developing appropriate accommodations, the individual should be consulted as to particular needs. The following is a list of possible types of accommodations provided for guidance and technical assistance. These suggestions are not mandatory, and other forms of accommodation not described herein may be required if they are appropriate to meet the needs of particular handicapped individuals.

Accommodations for Participants and Employees

(a) Job restructuring means the procedure which includes:

(1) Identifying the separate tasks that comprise a job or group of jobs;

(2) Developing new position descriptions which retain some of the tasks of the original job; and

(3) Developing a career ladder which builds upward from the new positions which contain the lesser skilled tasks to regular jobs. A restructured job can be clearly different from the original one in terms of skills, knowledge, abilities, and work experience needed to perform the work. Job restructuring is intended to maximize the abilities of the particular handicapped person and is not intended to permit a recipient to underemploy or job-stereotype that person. A restructured job, for example, could be one in which the more highly skilled but physically less demanding duties are retained, e.g. operating controls and switches in a steel mill, and less skilled, physically taxing duties, e.g. lifting, pulling, are reassigned to non-handicapped employees.

(b) Modify job or program schedules, for example, by allowing for a flexible schedule a few days a week so that a participant or employee may undergo medical treatment or therapy. Work-times or participation in program activities may also be altered to permit handicapped individuals to travel to and from work during non-rush hours. For employees or participants who become unable to perform the duties of their positions because of a physical or mental condition, recipients may be required to grant liberal time off or leave without pay when paid sick leave is exhausted and when the disability is of a nature that it is likely to respond to treatment of hospitalization. See, e.g., 339 Federal Personnel Manual-1-3(b)(1).

(c) Modify program and work procedures and training time.

(d) Relocate particular offices or jobs or program activities so that they are in facilities accessible to and usable by qualified handicapped persons. For example, an employee or participant with a respiratory ailment can be placed in a ``nonsmoking'' and/or well- ventilated office.

(e) Acquire or modify equipment or devices. For hearing-impaired participants or employees, this may include placing amplifiers on telephone receivers, making telephone equipment compatible with hearing aids, providing flashing lights to supplement telephone rings or installing telecommunications devices (TDD's or TTY's). For blind participants or employees, this may include providing tape recorders or dictating machines for those who cannot type. For wheelchair-users, this may include raising on blocks a desk that is otherwise too low for the employee, rather than purchasing a specially-made desk. A recipient is not obligated to acquire or modify equipment that enables a participant or employee to perform a particular job or participate in a particular program until after an employee with a need for these modifications is hired for a particular office or admitted to a program.

(f) Provide readers, interpreters, and similar assistance as needed for deaf, blind and other handicapped participants or employees. In most instances, this would not require a full-time assistant.

(g) Decrease reliance solely on one form of communication. For example, for deaf participants or employees this may include supplementing program or job orientation sessions with written manuals and other visual materials. If appropriate, a visual warning system should be installed. It may also include providing flashing lights to supplement auditory signals such as sirens and alarm bells. For blind employees, this may include making some communications available in braille, enlarged print, or on cassette recordings. A recipient should tailor the accommodations listed above to the needs of the individual participants or employees who have been admitted to a particular program or hired for a particular office.

(h) Provide human relations-sensitivity training on issues pertaining to handicapped discrimination to all recipient employees.

(i) Conduct ongoing training and planning sessions with recipient supervisors, managers, personnel, technical experts and disability rights advocates to implement and evaluate methods of reasonable accommodation.

Accommodations for Applicants

(a) Announce program and job vacancies in a form readily understandable by mentally handicapped persons and by persons with impaired vision or hearing, for example, by making the announcements available in braille or on cassette tapes. Sec. 32.4(e) of DOL's proposed section 504 regulations requires recipients to insure that communications with applicants are available to persons with impaired vision or hearing. Recipients shall undertake to explain, as appropriate, program and job announcements to mentally handicapped participants or employees or applicants. For example, this might entail notifying known mentally handicapped participants or employees of openings for positions that they might be able to perform and taking specific steps to clearly explain the nature of the program or job and its benefits to that individual.

Handicapped Persons

(b) Provide readers, interpreters, and other similar assistance during the application, testing, and interview process.

(c) Appropriately adjust or modify examinations so that the test results accurately reflect the applicant's skills, aptitude or whatever other factor the test purports to measure, rather than reflecting the applicant's impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills (except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure). This may require the extension of traditional time deadlines or allowing, for example, a blind person to answer an examination orally.

(d) If necessary waive traditional tests and permit the applicant to demonstrate his or her skills through alternate techniques and utilization of adapted tools, aids, and devices.

Reference to 29 CFR Part37

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/29cfr37_02.html

Reference to 29 CFR 37 Subpart A

Subpart A comprises 29CFR37.1 to 37.16. See full document at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/29cfr37_02.html

Reference to 29 CFR 37.1

Sec. 37.1 What is the purpose of this part?

The purpose of this part is to implement the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), which are contained in section 188 of WIA. Section 188 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in a WIA Title I- financially assisted program or activity. This part clarifies the application of the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and provides uniform procedures for implementing them.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.3

Sec. 37.3 How does this part affect a recipient's other obligations?

(a) A recipient's compliance with this part will satisfy any obligation of the recipient to comply with 29 CFR part 31, the Department of Labor's regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VI), and with Subparts A, D and E of 29 CFR part 32, the Department's regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504).

(b) 29 CFR part 32, Subparts B and C and Appendix A, the Department's regulations which implement the requirements of Section 504 pertaining to employment practices and employment-related training, program accessibility, and reasonable accommodation, are hereby incorporated into this part by reference. Therefore, recipients must comply with the requirements set forth in those regulatory sections as well as the requirements listed in this part.

(c) Recipients that are also public entities or public accommodations, as defined by Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), should be aware of obligations imposed by those titles.

(d) Similarly, recipients that are also employers, employment agencies, or other entities covered by Title I of the ADA should be aware of obligations imposed by that title.

(e) Compliance with this part does not affect, in any way, any additional obligation that a recipient may have to comply with the following laws and their implementing regulations:

(1) Executive Order 11246, as amended;

(2) Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 793 and 794);

(3) The affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (38 U.S.C. 4212);

(4) The Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended (29 U.S.C. 206d);

(5) Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. and 2000e et seq.);

(6) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101);

(7) The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (29 U.S.C. 621);

(8) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (Title IX) (20 U.S.C. 1681);

(9) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); and

(10) The anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1324b).

(f) This rule does not preempt consistent State and local requirements.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.3(a)

Sec. 37.3 How does this part affect a recipient's other obligations?

(a) A recipient's compliance with this part will satisfy any obligation of the recipient to comply with 29 CFR part 31, the Department of Labor's regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VI), and with Subparts A, D and E of 29 CFR part 32, the Department's regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504).

Reference to 29 CFR 37.3(b)

Sec. 37.3 How does this part affect a recipient's other obligations?

(b) 29 CFR part 32, Subparts B and C and Appendix A, the Department's regulations which implement the requirements of Section 504 pertaining to employment practices and employment-related training, program accessibility, and reasonable accommodation, are hereby incorporated into this part by reference. Therefore, recipients must comply with the requirements set forth in those regulatory sections as well as the requirements listed in this part.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.3(c)

Sec. 37.3 How does this part affect a recipient's other obligations?

(c) Recipients that are also public entities or public accommodations, as defined by Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), should be aware of obligations imposed by those titles.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.3(d)

Sec. 37.3 How does this part affect a recipient's other obligations?

(d) Similarly, recipients that are also employers, employment agencies, or other entities covered by Title I of the ADA should be aware of obligations imposed by that title.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.4

Disability means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.

(1)(i) The phrase physical or mental impairment means--

(A) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine;

(B) Any mental or psychological disorder such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

(ii) The phrase physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such contagious and noncontagious diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), tuberculosis, drug addiction, and alcoholism. The phrase ``physical or mental impairment'' does not include homosexuality or bisexuality.

(2) The phrase major life activities means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

(3) The phrase has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

(4) The phrase is regarded as having an impairment means--

(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but that is treated by the recipient as being such a limitation;

(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or

(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the recipient as having such an impairment.

LWIA (Local Workforce Investment Area) grant recipient means the entity that receives WIA Title I financial assistance for a Local Workforce Investment Area directly from the Governor and disburses those funds for workforce investment activities.

Qualified individual with a disability means:

(1) With respect to employment, an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, is capable of performing the essential functions of the job in question;

(2) With respect to aid, benefits, services, or training, an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation and/or reasonable modification, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of such aid, benefits, services, or training.

See 29CFR37.4

Sec. 37.4 What definitions apply to this part?

Small recipient means a recipient who:

(a) Serves a total of fewer than 15 beneficiaries during the entire grant year, and

(b) Employs fewer than 15 employees on any given day during the grant year. Solicitor means the Solicitor of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, or his or her designee. State means the individual states of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Wake Island, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Palau.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.6

Sec. 37.6 What specific discriminatory actions, based on prohibited grounds other than disability, are prohibited by this part?

(a) For the purposes of this section, ``prohibited ground'' means race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in any WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity.

(b) A recipient must not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on a prohibited ground:

(1) Deny an individual any aid, benefits, services, or training provided under a WIA Title I--funded program or activity;

(2) Provide to an individual any aid, benefits, services, or training that is different, or is provided in a different manner, from that provided to others under a WIA Title I--funded program or activity;

(3) Subject an individual to segregation or separate treatment in any matter related to his or her receipt of any aid, benefits, services, or training under a WIA Title I--funded program or activity;

(4) Restrict an individual in any way in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any aid, benefits, services, or training under a WIA Title I--funded program or activity;

(5) Treat an individual differently from others in determining whether he or she satisfies any admission, enrollment, eligibility, membership, or other requirement or condition for any aid, benefits, services, or training provided under a WIA Title I--funded program or activity;

(6) Deny or limit an individual with respect to any opportunity to participate in a WIA Title I--funded program or activity, or afford him or her an opportunity to do so that is different from the opportunity afforded others under a WIA Title I--funded program or activity;

(7) Deny an individual the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning or advisory body that is an integral part of the WIA Title I--funded program or activity; or

(8) Otherwise limit on a prohibited ground an individual in enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving any WIA Title I--financially assisted aid, benefits, services, or training.

(c) A recipient must not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements:

(1) Aid or perpetuate discrimination by providing significant assistance to an agency, organization, or person that discriminates on a prohibited ground in providing any aid, benefits, services, or training to registrants, applicants or participants in a WIA Title I--funded program or activity; or

(2) Refuse to accommodate an individual's religious practices or beliefs, unless to do so would result in undue hardship, as defined in section 37.4.

(d) (1) In making any of the determinations listed in paragraph

(d)(2) of this section, either directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, a recipient must not use standards, procedures, criteria, or administrative methods that have any of the following purposes or effects:

(i) Subjecting individuals to discrimination on a prohibited ground; or

(ii) Defeating or substantially impairing, on a prohibited ground, accomplishment of the objectives of either:

(A) The WIA Title I--funded program or activity; or

(B) the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part.

(2) The determinations to which this paragraph applies include, but are not limited to:

(i) The types of aid, benefits, services, training, or facilities that will be provided under any WIA Title I--funded program or activity;

(ii) The class of individuals to whom such aid, benefits, services, training, or facilities will be provided; or

(iii) The situations in which such aid, benefits, services, training, or facilities will be provided.

(3) Paragraph (d) of this section applies to the administration of WIA Title I--funded programs or activities providing aid, benefits, services, training, or facilities in any manner, including, but not limited to:

(i) Outreach and recruitment;

(ii) Registration;

(iii) Counseling and guidance;

(iv) Testing;

(v) Selection, placement, appointment, and referral;

(vi) Training; and

(vii) Promotion and retention.

(4) A recipient must not take any of the prohibited actions listed in paragraph (d) of this section either directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements.

(e) In determining the site or location of facilities, a grant applicant or recipient must not make selections that have any of the following purposes or effects:

(1) On a prohibited ground:

(i) Excluding individuals from a WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity;

(ii) Denying them the benefits of such a program or activity; or

(iii) Subjecting them to discrimination; or

(2) Defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of either:

(i) The WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity; or

(ii) The nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part.

(f) (1) A recipient must not permit participants to be employed or trained in sectarian activities.

(2) This paragraph applies to any facility that is, or will be, primarily used or inherently devoted either:

(A) For sectarian instruction; or

(B) As a place of worship,

(ii) A recipient must not permit participants to be employed or trained in any way to:

(A) Construct any part of such a facility,

(B) Operate any part of such a facility, or

(C) Maintain any part of that facility.

(3) If a facility is not primarily or inherently devoted to sectarian instruction or religious worship, a recipient may permit the use of WIA Title I funds to employ participants to maintain the facility, if the organization that operates the facility is part of a program or activity that provides services to participants.

(g) The exclusion of an individual from programs or activities limited by Federal statute or Executive Order to a certain class or classes of individuals of which the individual in question is not a member is not prohibited by this part.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.7

Sec. 37.7 What specific discriminatory actions based on disability are prohibited by this part?

(a) In providing any aid, benefits, services, or training under a WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity, a recipient must not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the ground of disability:

(1) Deny a qualified individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefits, services, or training;

(2) Afford a qualified individual with a disability an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefits, services, or training that is not equal to that afforded others;

(3) Provide a qualified individual with a disability with an aid, benefit, service or training that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;

(4) Provide different, segregated, or separate aid, benefits, services, or training to individuals with disabilities, or to any class of individuals with disabilities, unless such action is necessary to provide qualified individuals with disabilities with aid, benefits, services or training that are as effective as those provided to others;

(5) Deny a qualified individual with a disability the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or

(6) Otherwise limit a qualified individual with a disability in enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving any aid, benefit, service or training.

(b) A recipient must not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, aid or perpetuate discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities by providing significant assistance to an agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of disability in providing any aid, benefits, services or training to registrants, applicants, or participants.

(c) A recipient must not deny a qualified individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in WIA Title I--financially assisted programs or activities despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.

(d) A recipient must administer WIA Title I--financially assisted programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities.

(e) A recipient must not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, use standards, procedures, criteria, or administrative methods:

(1) That have the purpose or effect of subjecting qualified individuals with disabilities to discrimination on the ground of disability;

(2) That have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the WIA Title I-- financially assisted program or activity with respect to individuals with disabilities; or

(3) That perpetuate the discrimination of another entity if both entities are subject to common administrative control or are agencies of the same state.

(f) In determining the site or location of facilities, a grant applicant or recipient must not make selections that have any of the following purposes or effects:

(1) On the basis of disability:

(i) Excluding qualified individuals from a WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity;

(ii) Denying them the benefits of such a program or activity; or

(iii) Subjecting them to discrimination; or

(2) Defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the disability-related objectives of either:

(i) The WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity; or

(ii) The nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part.

(g) A recipient, in the selection of contractors, must not use criteria that subject qualified individuals with disabilities to discrimination on the basis of disability.

(h) A recipient must not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified individuals with disabilities to discrimination on the basis of disability, nor may a recipient establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified individuals with disabilities to discrimination on the basis of disability. The programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by a recipient are not, themselves, covered by this part.

(i) A recipient must not impose or apply eligibility criteria that screen out or tend to screen out an individual with a disability or any class of individuals with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying any aid, benefit, service, training, program, or activity, unless such criteria can be shown to be necessary for the provision of the aid, benefit, service, training, program, or activity being offered.

(j) Nothing in this part prohibits a recipient from providing aid, benefits, services, training, or advantages to individuals with disabilities, or to a particular class of individuals with disabilities, beyond those required by this part.

(k) A recipient must not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability, or any group of individuals with disabilities, to cover the costs of measures, such as the provision of auxiliary aids or program accessibility, that are required to provide that individual or group with the nondiscriminatory treatment required by WIA Title I or this part.

(l) A recipient must not exclude, or otherwise deny equal aid, benefits, services, training, programs, or activities to, an individual or entity because of the known disability of an individual with whom the individual or entity is known to have a relationship or association.

(m) The exclusion of an individual without a disability from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive Order to individuals with disabilities, or the exclusion of a specific class of individuals with disabilities from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive Order to a different class of individuals with disabilities, is not prohibited by this part.

(n) This part does not require a recipient to provide any of the following to individuals with disabilities:

(1) Personal devices, such as wheelchairs;

(2) Individually prescribed devices, such as prescription eyeglasses or hearing aids;

(3) Readers for personal use or study; or

(4) Services of a personal nature, including assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing.

(o)(1) Nothing in this part requires an individual with a disability to accept an accommodation, aid, benefit, service, training, or opportunity provided under WIA Title I or this part that such individual chooses not to accept.

(2) Nothing in this part authorizes the representative or guardian of an individual with a disability to decline food, water, medical treatment, or medical services for that individual.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.7(a)(4)

Sec. 37.7 What specific discriminatory actions based on disability are prohibited by this part?

(a) In providing any aid, benefits, services, or training under a WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity, a recipient must not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the ground of disability:

(4) Provide different, segregated, or separate aid, benefits, services, or training to individuals with disabilities, or to any class of individuals with disabilities, unless such action is necessary to provide qualified individuals with disabilities with aid, benefits, services or training that are as effective as those provided to others;

Reference to 29 CFR 37.7(c)

Sec. 37.7 What specific discriminatory actions based on disability are prohibited by this part?

(c) A recipient must not deny a qualified individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in WIA Title I--financially assisted programs or activities despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.7(d)

Sec. 37.7 What specific discriminatory actions based on disability are prohibited by this part?

(d) A recipient must administer WIA Title I--financially assisted programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities

Reference 29 CFR 37.7(e)

Sec. 37.7 What specific discriminatory actions based on disability are prohibited by this part?

(e) A recipient must not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, use standards, procedures, criteria, or administrative methods:

(1) That have the purpose or effect of subjecting qualified individuals with disabilities to discrimination on the ground of disability;

(2) That have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the WIA Title I-- financially assisted program or activity with respect to individuals with disabilities; or

(3) That perpetuate the discrimination of another entity if both entities are subject to common administrative control or are agencies of the same state.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.8

Sec. 37.8 What are a recipient's responsibilities regarding reasonable accommodation and reasonable modification for individuals with disabilities?

(a) With regard to aid, benefits, services, training, and employment, a recipient must provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants, registrants, eligible applicants/registrants, participants, employees, or applicants for employment, unless providing the accommodation would cause undue hardship. See the definitions of ``reasonable accommodation'' and ``undue hardship'' in Sec. 37.4 of this part.

(1) In those circumstances where a recipient believes that the proposed accommodation would cause undue hardship, the recipient has the burden of proving that the accommodation would result in such hardship.

(2) The recipient must make the decision that the accommodation would cause such hardship only after considering all factors listed in the definition of ``undue hardship'' in Sec. 37.4. The decision must be accompanied by a written statement of the recipient's reasons for reaching that conclusion. The recipient must provide a copy of the statement of reasons to the individual or individuals who requested the accommodation.

(3) If a requested accommodation would result in undue hardship, the recipient must take any other action that would not result in such hardship, but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with disabilities receive the aid, benefits, services, training, or employment provided by the recipient.

(b) A recipient must also make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity. See the definition of ``fundamental alteration'' in Sec. 37.4 of this part.

(1) In those circumstances where a recipient believes that the proposed modification would fundamentally alter the program, activity, or service, the recipient has the burden of proving that the modification would result in such an alteration.

(2) The recipient must make the decision that the modification would result in such an alteration only after considering all factors listed in the definition of ``fundamental alteration'' in Sec. 37.4. The decision must be accompanied by a written statement of the recipient's reasons for reaching that conclusion. The recipient must provide a copy of the statement of reasons to the individual or individuals who requested the modification.

(3) If a modification would result in a fundamental alteration, the recipient must take any other action that would not result in such an alteration, but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with disabilities receive the aid, benefits, services, training, or employment provided by the recipient.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.9

Sec. 37.9 What are a recipient's responsibilities to communicate with individuals with disabilities?

(a) Recipients must take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with beneficiaries, registrants, applicants, eligible applicants/registrants, participants, applicants for employment, employees, and members of the public who are individuals with disabilities, are as effective as communications with others.

(b) A recipient must furnish appropriate auxiliary aids or services where necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, the WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity. In determining what type of auxiliary aid or service is appropriate and necessary, such recipient must give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with a disability.

(c) Where a recipient communicates by telephone with beneficiaries, registrants, applicants, eligible applicants/registrants, participants, applicants for employment, and/or employees, the recipient must use telecommunications devices for individuals with hearing impairments (TDDs/TTYs), or equally effective communications systems, such as telephone relay services.

(d) A recipient must ensure that interested individuals, including individuals with visual or hearing impairments, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.

(e)(1) A recipient must provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The signage provided must meet the most current standards prescribed by the General Services Administration under the Architectural Barriers Act at 41 CFR 101-19.6. Alternative standards for the signage may be adopted when it is clearly evident that such alternative standards provide equivalent or greater access to the information.

(2) The international symbol for accessibility must be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.

(f) This section does not require a recipient to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity.

(1) In those circumstances where a recipient believes that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the WIA Title I--financially assisted program, activity, or service, the recipient has the burden of proving that compliance with this section would result in such an alteration.

(2) The decision that compliance would result in such an alteration must be made by the recipient after considering all resources available for use in the funding and operation of the WIA Title I--financially assisted program, activity, or service, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion.

(3) If an action required to comply with this section would result in the fundamental alteration described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the recipient must take any other action that would not result in such an alteration, but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with disabilities receive the benefits or services provided by the recipient.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.9(a)

Sec. 37.9 What are a recipient's responsibilities to communicate with individuals with disabilities?

(a) Recipients must take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with beneficiaries, registrants, applicants, eligible applicants/registrants, participants, applicants for employment, employees, and members of the public who are individuals with disabilities, are as effective as communications with others.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.9(b)

Sec. 37.9 What are a recipient's responsibilities to communicate with individuals with disabilities?

(b) A recipient must furnish appropriate auxiliary aids or services where necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, the WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity. In determining what type of auxiliary aid or service is appropriate and necessary, such recipient must give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with a disability.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.9(c)

Sec. 37.9 What are a recipient's responsibilities to communicate with individuals with disabilities?

(c) Where a recipient communicates by telephone with beneficiaries, registrants, applicants, eligible applicants/registrants, participants, applicants for employment, and/or employees, the recipient must use telecommunications devices for individuals with hearing impairments (TDDs/TTYs), or equally effective communications systems, such as telephone relay services.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.9(d) and .9(e)

Sec. 37.9 What are a recipient's responsibilities to communicate with individuals with disabilities?

(d) A recipient must ensure that interested individuals, including individuals with visual or hearing impairments, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.9(e)

Sec. 37.9 What are a recipient's responsibilities to communicate with individuals with disabilities?

(e)(1) A recipient must provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The signage provided must meet the most current standards prescribed by the General Services Administration under the Architectural Barriers Act at 41 CFR 101-19.6. Alternative standards for the signage may be adopted when it is clearly evident that such alternative standards provide equivalent or greater access to the information.

(2) The international symbol for accessibility must be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.10

Sec. 37.10 To what extent are employment practices covered by this part?

(a) Discrimination on the ground of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation or belief is prohibited in employment practices in the administration of, or in connection with:

(1) Any WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity; and

(2) Any program or activity that is part of the One-Stop delivery system and is operated by a One-Stop partner listed in Section 121(b) of WIA, to the extent that the program or activity is being conducted as part of the One-Stop delivery system.

(b) Employee selection procedures. In implementing this section, a recipient must comply with the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures, 41 CFR part 60-3.

(c) Standards for employment-related investigations and reviews. In any investigation or compliance review, the Director must consider Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations, guidance and appropriate case law in determining whether a recipient has engaged in an unlawful employment practice.

(d) As provided in Sec. 37.3(b) of this part, 29 CFR part 32, subparts B and C and Appendix A, which implement the requirements of Section 504 pertaining to employment practices and employment-related training, program accessibility, and reasonable accommodation, have been incorporated into this part by reference. Therefore, recipients must comply with the requirements set forth in those regulatory sections as well as the requirements listed in this part.

(e) Recipients that are also employers, employment agencies, or other entities covered by Titles I and II of the ADA should be aware of obligations imposed by those titles. See 29 CFR part 1630 and 28 CFR part 35.

(f) Similarly, recipients that are also employers covered by the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act should be aware of the obligations imposed by that provision. See 8 U.S.C. 1324b, as amended.

(g) This rule does not preempt consistent State and local requirements.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.10(d)

Sec. 37.10 To what extent are employment practices covered by this part?

(d) As provided in Sec. 37.3(b) of this part, 29 CFR part 32, subparts B and C and Appendix A, which implement the requirements of Section 504 pertaining to employment practices and employment-related training, program accessibility, and reasonable accommodation, have been incorporated into this part by reference. Therefore, recipients must comply with the requirements set forth in those regulatory sections as well as the requirements listed in this part.

Reference 29 CFR 37.10(e)

Sec. 37.10 To what extent are employment practices covered by this part?

(e) Recipients that are also employers, employment agencies, or other entities covered by Titles I and II of the ADA should be aware of obligations imposed by those titles. See 29 CFR part 1630 and 28 CFR part 35.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.20

Sec. 37.20 What is a grant applicant's obligation to provide a written assurance?

Assurances

(a) (1) Each application for financial assistance under Title I of WIA, as defined in Sec. 37.4, must include the following assurance: As a condition to the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under Title I of WIA, the grant applicant assures that it will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the following laws: Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), which prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States or participation in any WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color and national origin; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs. The grant applicant also assures that it will comply with 29 CFR part 37 and all other regulations implementing the laws listed above. This assurance applies to the grant applicant's operation of the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, and to all agreements the grant applicant makes to carry out the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity. The grant applicant understands that the United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance.

(2) The assurance is considered incorporated by operation of law in the grant, cooperative agreement, contract or other arrangement whereby Federal financial assistance under Title I of the WIA is made available, whether or not it is physically incorporated in such document and whether or not there is a written agreement between the Department and the recipient, between the Department and the Governor, between the Governor and the recipient, or between recipients. The assurance also may be incorporated by reference in such grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other arrangements.

(b) Continuing State programs. Each Strategic Five-Year State Plan submitted by a State to carry out a continuing WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity must provide a statement that the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity is (or, in the case of a new WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, will be) conducted in compliance with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and this part, as a condition to the approval of the Five-Year Plan and the extension of any WIA Title I financial assistance under the Plan. The State also must certify that it has developed and maintains a Methods of Administration under Sec. 37.54.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.20(a)(1)

Sec. 37.20 What is a grant applicant's obligation to provide a written assurance?

Assurances

(a) (1) Each application for financial assistance under Title I of WIA, as defined in Sec. 37.4, must include the following assurance: As a condition to the award of financial assistance from the Department of Labor under Title I of WIA, the grant applicant assures that it will comply fully with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the following laws: Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), which prohibits discrimination against all individuals in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against beneficiaries on the basis of either citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States or participation in any WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color and national origin; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs. The grant applicant also assures that it will comply with 29 CFR part 37 and all other regulations implementing the laws listed above. This assurance applies to the grant applicant's operation of the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, and to all agreements the grant applicant makes to carry out the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity. The grant applicant understands that the United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance.

Sec. 37.20 What is a grant applicant's obligation to provide a written assurance?

Reference to 29 CFR 37.20(a)(2)

Assurances

(a)

(2) The assurance is considered incorporated by operation of law in the grant, cooperative agreement, contract or other arrangement whereby Federal financial assistance under Title I of the WIA is made available, whether or not it is physically incorporated in such document and whether or not there is a written agreement between the Department and the recipient, between the Department and the Governor, between the Governor and the recipient, or between recipients. The assurance also may be incorporated by reference in such grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other arrangements.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.21

Sec. 37.21 How long will the recipient's obligation under the assurance last, and how broad is the obligation?

(a) Where the WIA Title I financial assistance is intended to provide, or is in the form of, either personal property, real property, structures on real property, or interest in any such property or structures, the assurance will obligate the recipient, or (in the case of a subsequent transfer) the transferee, for the longer of:

(1) The period during which the property is used either:

(i) For a purpose for which WIA Title I financial assistance is extended; or

(ii) For another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits; or

(2) The period during which either:

(i) The recipient retains ownership or possession of the property; or

(ii) The transferee retains ownership or possession of the property without compensating the Departmental grantmaking agency for the fair market value of that ownership or possession.

(b) In all other cases, the assurance will obligate the recipient for the period during which WIA Title I financial assistance is extended.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.22

Sec. 37.22 How must covenants be used in connection with this part?

(a) Where WIA Title I financial assistance is provided in the form of a transfer of real property, structures, or improvements on real property or structures, or interests in real property or structures, the instrument effecting or recording the transfer must contain a covenant assuring nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for the period described in Sec. 37.21.

(b) Where no Federal transfer of real property or interest therein from the Federal Government is involved, but real property or an interest therein is acquired or improved under a program of WIA Title I financial assistance, the recipient must include the covenant described in paragraph (a) of this section in the instrument effecting or recording any subsequent transfer of such property.

(c) When the property is obtained from the Federal Government, the covenant described in paragraph (a) of this section also may include a condition coupled with a right of reverter to the Department in the event of a breach of the covenant.

References to 29 CFR 37.23

Sec. 37.23 Who must designate an Equal Opportunity Officer?

Every recipient must designate an Equal Opportunity Officer (``EO Officer''), except small recipients and service providers, as defined in Sec. 37.4. The responsibilities of small recipients and service providers are described in Secs. 37.27 and 37.28.

References to 29 CFR 37.24

Sec. 37.24 Who is eligible to serve as an Equal Opportunity Officer?

A senior-level employee of the recipient should be appointed as the recipient's Equal Opportunity Officer. Depending upon the size of the recipient, the size of the recipient's WIA Title I-financially assisted programs or activities, and the number of applicants, registrants, and participants served by the recipient, the EO Officer may, or may not, be assigned other duties. However, he or she must not have other responsibilities or activities that create a conflict, or the appearance of a conflict, with the responsibilities of an EO Officer.

References to 29 CFR 37.25

Sec. 37.25 What are the responsibilities of an Equal Opportunity Officer?

An Equal Opportunity Officer is responsible for coordinating a recipient's obligations under this part. Those responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

(a) Serving as the recipient's liaison with CRC;

(b) Monitoring and investigating the recipient's activities, and the activities of the entities that receive WIA Title I funds from the recipient, to make sure that the recipient and its subrecipients are not violating their nondiscrimination and equal opportunity obligations under WIA Title I and this part;

(c) Reviewing the recipient's written policies to make sure that those policies are nondiscriminatory;

(d) Developing and publishing the recipient's procedures for processing discrimination complaints under Secs. 37.76 through 37.79, and making sure that those procedures are followed;

(e) Reporting directly to the appropriate official (including, but not limited to, the State WIA Director, Governor's WIA Liaison, Job Corps Center Director, SESA Administrator, or LWIA grant recipient) about equal opportunity matters;

(f) Undergoing training (at the recipient's expense) to maintain competency, if the Director requires him or her, and/or his or her staff, to do so; and

(g) If applicable, overseeing the development and implementation of the recipient's Methods of Administration under Sec. 37.54.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.25(b)

Sec. 37.25 What are the responsibilities of an Equal Opportunity Officer?

An Equal Opportunity Officer is responsible for coordinating a recipient's obligations under this part. Those responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

(b) Monitoring and investigating the recipient's activities, and the activities of the entities that receive WIA Title I funds from the recipient, to make sure that the recipient and its subrecipients are not violating their nondiscrimination and equal opportunity obligations under WIA Title I and this part;

Reference to 29 CFR 37.25(d)

Sec. 37.25 What are the responsibilities of an Equal Opportunity Officer?

(d) Developing and publishing the recipient's procedures for processing discrimination complaints under Secs. 37.76 through 37.79, and making sure that those procedures are followed;

References to 29 CFR 37.26

Sec. 37.26 What are a recipient's obligations relating to the Equal Opportunity Officer?

A recipient has the following obligations: (a) Making the Equal Opportunity Officer's name, and his or her position title, address, and telephone number (voice and TDD/TTY) public;

(b) Ensuring that the EO Officer's identity and contact information appears on all internal and external communications about the recipient's nondiscrimination and equal opportunity programs;

(c) Assigning sufficient staff and resources to the Equal Opportunity Officer, and providing him or her with the necessary support of top management, to ensure compliance with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and this part; and

(d) Ensuring that the EO Officer and his/her staff are afforded the opportunity to receive the training necessary and appropriate to maintain competency.

References to 29 CFR 37.27

Sec. 37.27 What are the obligations of small recipients regarding Equal Opportunity Officers?

Although small recipients do not need to designate Equal Opportunity Officers who have the full range of responsibilities listed above, they must designate an individual who will be responsible for developing and publishing of complaint procedures, and the processing of complaints, as explained in Secs. 37.76 through 37.79.

References to 29 CFR 37.28

Sec. 37.28 What are the obligations of service providers regarding Equal Opportunity Officers?

Service providers, as defined in Sec. 37.4, are not required to designate an Equal Opportunity Officer. The obligation for ensuring service provider compliance with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and this part rests with the Governor or LWIA grant recipient, as specified in the State's Methods of Administration.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.29

Sec. 37.29 What are a recipient's obligations to disseminate its equal opportunity policy?

(a) A recipient must provide initial and continuing notice that it does not discriminate on any prohibited ground. This notice must be provided to:

(1) Registrants, applicants, and eligible applicants/registrants;

(2) Participants;

(3) Applicants for employment and employees;

(4) Unions or professional organizations that hold collective bargaining or professional agreements with the recipient;

(5) Subrecipients that receive WIA Title I funds from the recipient; and

(6) Members of the public, including those with impaired vision or hearing.

(b) As provided in Sec. 37.9, the recipient must take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.29(a)

Sec. 37.29 What are a recipient's obligations to disseminate its equal opportunity policy?

(a) A recipient must provide initial and continuing notice that it does not discriminate on any prohibited ground. This notice must be provided to:

(1) Registrants, applicants, and eligible applicants/registrants;

(2) Participants;

(3) Applicants for employment and employees;

(4) Unions or professional organizations that hold collective bargaining or professional agreements with the recipient;

(5) Subrecipients that receive WIA Title I funds from the recipient; and

(6) Members of the public, including those with impaired vision or hearing.

Reference to 37.29(b)

Sec. 37.29 What are a recipient's obligations to disseminate its equal opportunity policy?

(b) As provided in Sec. 37.9, the recipient must take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.30

Sec. 37.30 What specific wording must the notice contain?

The notice must contain the following specific wording:

Equal Opportunity Is the Law

It is against the law for this recipient of Federal financial assistance to discriminate on the following bases:

against any individual in the United States, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief; and

against any beneficiary of programs financially assisted under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), on the basis of the beneficiary's citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or his or her participation in any WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity.

The recipient must not discriminate in any of the following areas:

deciding who will be admitted, or have access, to any WIA Title I- financially assisted program or activity;

providing opportunities in, or treating any person with regard to, such a program or activity; or

making employment decisions in the administration of, or in connection with, such a program or activity.

What to Do If You Believe You Have Experienced Discrimination

If you think that you have been subjected to discrimination under a WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, you may file a complaint within 180 days from the date of the alleged violation with either:

the recipient's Equal Opportunity Officer (or the person whom the recipient has designated for this purpose); or

the Director, Civil Rights Center (CRC), U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-4123, Washington, DC 20210.

If you file your complaint with the recipient, you must wait either until the recipient issues a written Notice of Final Action, or until 90 days have passed (whichever is sooner), before filing with the Civil Rights Center (see address above).

If the recipient does not give you a written Notice of Final Action within 90 days of the day on which you filed your complaint, you do not have to wait for the recipient to issue that Notice before filing a complaint with CRC. However, you must file your CRC complaint within 30 days of the 90-day deadline (in other words, within 120 days after the day on which you filed your complaint with the recipient).

If the recipient does give you a written Notice of Final Action on your complaint, but you are dissatisfied with the decision or resolution, you may file a complaint with CRC. You must file your CRC complaint within 30 days of the date on which you received the Notice of Final Action.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.31

Sec. 37.31 Where must the notice required by Secs. 37.29 and 37.30 be published?

(a) At a minimum, the notice required by Secs. 37.29 and 37.30 must be:

(1) Posted prominently, in reasonable numbers and places;

(2) Disseminated in internal memoranda and other written or electronic communications;

(3) Included in handbooks or manuals; and

(4) Made available to each participant, and made part of each participant's file.

(b) The notice must be provided in appropriate formats to individuals with visual impairments. Where notice has been given in an alternate format to a participant with a visual impairment, a record that such notice has been given must be made a part of the participant's file.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.31(a)

Sec. 37.31 Where must the notice required by Secs. 37.29 and 37.30 be published?

(a) At a minimum, the notice required by Secs. 37.29 and 37.30 must be:

(1) Posted prominently, in reasonable numbers and places;

(2) Disseminated in internal memoranda and other written or electronic communications;

(3) Included in handbooks or manuals; and

(4) Made available to each participant, and made part of each participant's file.

Reference to 37.31(b)

(b) The notice must be provided in appropriate formats to individuals with visual impairments. Where notice has been given in an alternate format to a participant with a visual impairment, a record that such notice has been given must be made a part of the participant's file.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.32

Sec. 37.32 When must the notice required by Secs. 37.29 and 37.30 be provided?

The notice required by Secs. 37.29 and 37.30 must be initially provided within 90 days of the effective date of this part, or of the date this part first applies to the recipient, whichever comes later.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.33

Sec. 37.33 Who is responsible for meeting the notice requirement with respect to service providers?

The Governor or the LWIA grant recipient, as determined by the Governor and as provided in that State's Methods of Administration, will be responsible for meeting the notice requirement provided in Sections 37.29 and 37.30 with respect to a State's service providers.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.34

Sec. 37.34 What type of notice must a recipient include in publications, broadcasts, and other communications?

(a) Recipients must indicate that the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity in question is an ``equal opportunity employer/program,'' and that ``auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities,'' in recruitment brochures and other materials that are ordinarily distributed or communicated in written and/or oral form, electronically and/or on paper, to staff, clients, or the public at large, to describe programs financially assisted under Title I of WIA or the requirements for participation by recipients and participants. Where such materials indicate that the recipient may be reached by telephone, the materials must state the telephone number of the TDD/TTY or relay service used by the recipient, as required by Sec. 37.9(c).

(b) Recipients that publish or broadcast program information in the news media must ensure that such publications and broadcasts state that the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity in question is an equal opportunity employer/program (or otherwise indicate that discrimination in the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity is prohibited by Federal law), and indicate that auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

(c) A recipient must not communicate any information that suggests, by text or illustration, that the recipient treats beneficiaries, registrants, applicants, participants, employees or applicants for employment differently on any prohibited ground specified in Sec. 37.5, except as such treatment is otherwise permitted under Federal law or this part.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.34(a)

Sec. 37.34 What type of notice must a recipient include in publications, broadcasts, and other communications?

(a) Recipients must indicate that the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity in question is an

``equal opportunity employer/program,'' and that ``auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities,'' in recruitment brochures and other materials that are ordinarily distributed or communicated in written and/or oral form, electronically and/or on paper, to staff, clients, or the public at large, to describe programs financially assisted under Title I of WIA or the requirements for participation by recipients and participants. Where such materials indicate that the recipient may be reached by telephone, the materials must state the telephone number of the TDD/TTY or relay service used by the recipient, as required by Sec. 37.9(c).

Reference to 29 CFR 37.34(b)

Sec. 37.34 What type of notice must a recipient include in publications, broadcasts, and other communications?

(b) Recipients that publish or broadcast program information in the news media must ensure that such publications and broadcasts state that the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity in question is an equal opportunity employer/program (or otherwise indicate that discrimination in the WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity is prohibited by Federal law), and indicate that auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.35

Sec. 37.35 What are a recipient's responsibilities to provide services and information in languages other than English?

(a) A significant number or proportion of the population eligible to be served, or likely to be directly affected, by a WIA Title I- financially assisted program or activity may need services or information in a language other than English in order to be effectively informed about, or able to participate in, the program or activity. Where such a significant number or proportion exists, a recipient must take the following actions:

(1) Consider:

(i) The scope of the program or activity, and

(ii) The size and concentration of the population that needs services or information in a language other than English; and

(2) Based on those considerations, take reasonable steps to provide services and information in appropriate languages. This information must include the initial and continuing notice required under Secs. 37.29 and 37.30, and all information that is communicated under Sec. 37.34.

(b) In circumstances other than those described in paragraph (a) of this section, a recipient should nonetheless make reasonable efforts to meet the particularized language needs of limited-English-speaking individuals who seek services or information from the recipient.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.36

Sec. 37.36 What responsibilities does a recipient have to communicate information during orientations?

During each presentation to orient new participants, new employees, and/or the general public to its WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity, a recipient must include a discussion of rights under the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and this part, including the right to file a complaint of discrimination with the recipient or the Director.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.37

Sec. 37.37 What are a recipient's responsibilities to collect and maintain data and other information?

(a) The Director will not require submission of data that can be obtained from existing reporting requirements or sources, including those of other agencies, if the source is known and available to the Director.

(b)(1) Each recipient must collect such data and maintain such records, in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Director, as the Director finds necessary to determine whether the recipient has complied or is complying with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part. The system and format in which the records and data are kept must be designed to allow the Governor and CRC to conduct statistical or other quantifiable data analyses to verify the recipient's compliance with section 188 of WIA and this part.

(2) Such records must include, but are not limited to, records on applicants, registrants, eligible applicants/registrants, participants, terminees, employees, and applicants for employment. Each recipient must record the race/ethnicity, sex, age, and where known, disability status, of every applicant, registrant, eligible applicant/registrant, participant, terminee, applicant for employment, and employee. Such information must be stored in a manner that ensures confidentiality, and must be used only for the purposes of recordkeeping and reporting; determining eligibility, where appropriate, for WIA Title I-financially assisted programs or activities; determining the extent to which the recipient is operating its WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity in a nondiscriminatory manner; or other use authorized by law.

(c) Each recipient must maintain, and submit to CRC upon request, a log of complaints filed with it that allege discrimination on the ground(s) of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship, and/or participation in a WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity. The log must include: the name and address of the complainant; the ground of the complaint; a description of the complaint; the date the complaint was filed; the disposition and date of disposition of the complaint; and other pertinent information. Information that could lead to identification of a particular individual as having filed a complaint must be kept confidential.

(d) Where designation of individuals by race or ethnicity is required, the guidelines of the Office of Management and Budget must be used.

(e) A service provider's responsibility for collecting and maintaining the information required under this section may be assumed by the Governor or LWIA grant recipient, as provided in the State's Methods of Administration.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.38

Sec. 37.38 What information must grant applicants and recipients provide to CRC?

In addition to the information which must be collected, maintained, and, upon request, submitted to CRC under Sec. 37.37:

(a) Each grant applicant and recipient must promptly notify the Director when any administrative enforcement actions or lawsuits are filed against it alleging discrimination on the ground of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and for beneficiaries only, citizenship or participation in a WIA Title I-financially assisted program or activity. This notification must include:

(1) The names of the parties to the action or lawsuit;

(2) The forum in which each case was filed; and

(3) The relevant case numbers.

(b) Each grant applicant (as part of its application) and recipient (as part of a compliance review conducted under Section 37.63, or monitoring activity carried out under Sec. 37.65) must provide the following information:

(1) The name of any other Federal agency that conducted a civil rights compliance review or complaint investigation, and that found the grant applicant or recipient to be in noncompliance, during the two years before the grant application was filed or CRC began its examination; and

(2) Information about any administrative enforcement actions or lawsuits that alleged discrimination on any protected basis, and that were filed against the grant applicant or recipient during the two years before the application or renewal application, compliance review, or monitoring activity. This information must include:

(i) The names of the parties;

(ii) The forum in which each case was filed; and

(iii) The relevant case numbers.

(c) At the discretion of the Director, grant applicants and recipients may be required to provide, in a timely manner, any information and data necessary to investigate complaints and conduct compliance reviews on grounds prohibited under the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and this part.

(d) At the discretion of the Director, recipients may be required to provide, in a timely manner, the particularized information and/or to submit the periodic reports that the Director considers necessary to determine compliance with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part.

(e) At the discretion of the Director, grant applicants may be required to submit, in a timely manner, the particularized information necessary to determine whether or not the grant applicant, if financially assisted, would be able to comply with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part.

(f) Where designation of individuals by race or ethnicity is required, the guidelines of the Office of Management and Budget must be used.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.39

Sec. 37.39 How long must grant applicants and recipients maintain the records required under this part?

(a) Each recipient must maintain the following records for a period of not less than three years from the close of the applicable program year:

(1) The records of applicants, registrants, eligible applicants/ registrants, participants, terminees, employees, and applicants for employment; and

(2) Such other records as are required under this part or by the Director.

(b) Records regarding complaints and actions taken on the complaints must be maintained for a period of not less than three years from the date of resolution of the complaint.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.40

Sec. 37.40 What access to sources of information must grant applicants and recipients provide the Director?

(a) Each grant applicant and recipient must permit access by the Director during normal business hours to its premises and to its employees and participants, to the extent that such individuals are on the premises during the course of the investigation, for the purpose of conducting complaint investigations, compliance reviews, monitoring activities associated with a State's development and implementation of a Methods of Administration, and inspecting and copying such books, records, accounts and other materials as may be pertinent to ascertain compliance with and ensure enforcement of the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part.

(b) Asserted considerations of privacy or confidentiality are not a basis for withholding information from CRC and will not bar CRC from evaluating or seeking to enforce compliance with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and this part.

(c) Whenever any information that the Director asks a grant applicant or recipient to provide is in the exclusive possession of another agency, institution, or person, and that agency, institution, or person fails or refuses to furnish the information upon request, the grant applicant or recipient must certify to CRC that it has made efforts to obtain the information and that the agency, institution, or person has failed or refused to provide it. This certification must list the name and address of the agency, institution, or person that has possession of the information and the specific efforts the grant applicant or recipient made to obtain it.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.41

Sec. 37.41 What responsibilities do grant applicants, recipients, and the Department have to maintain the confidentiality of the information collected?

The identity of any individual who furnishes information relating to, or assisting in, an investigation or a compliance review, including the identity of any individual who files a complaint, must be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with a fair determination of the issues. An individual whose identity it is necessary to disclose must be protected from retaliation (see Sec. 37.11).

Reference to 29 CFR 37.42

Sec. 37.42 What are a recipient's responsibilities under this part to provide universal access to WIA Title I-financially assisted programs and activities?

Recipients must take appropriate steps to ensure that they are providing universal access to their WIA Title I-financially assisted programs and activities. These steps should involve reasonable efforts to include members of both sexes, various racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals in differing age groups. Such efforts may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Advertising the recipient's programs and/or activities in media, such as newspapers or radio programs, that specifically target various populations;

(b) Sending notices about openings in the recipient's programs and/ or activities to schools or community service groups that serve various populations; and

(c) Consulting with appropriate community service groups about ways in which the recipient may improve its outreach and service to various populations.

Reference to 29 CFR 37.54

Sec. 37.54 What are a Governor's obligations to develop and maintain a Methods of Administration?

(a) (1) Each Governor must establish and adhere to a Methods of Administration for State programs as defined in Sec. 37.4. In those States in which one agency contains both SESA or unemployment insurance and WIA Title I-financially assisted programs, the Governor should develop a combined Methods of Administration.

(2) Each Methods of Administration must be designed to give a reasonable guarantee that all recipients will comply, and are complying, with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA and this part.

(b) The Methods of Administration must be:

(1) In writing, addressing each requirement of Sec. 37.54(d) with narrative and documentation;

(2) Reviewed and updated as required in Sec. 37.55; and

(3) Signed by the Governor.

(c) [Reserved]

(d) At a minimum, each Methods of Administration must:

(1) Describe how the State programs and recipients have satisfied the requirements of the following regulations:

(i) Sections 37.20 through 37.22 (assurances);

(ii) Sections 37.23 through 37.28 (Equal Opportunity Officers);

(iii) Sections 37.29 through 37.36 (Notice and Communication);

(iv) Sections 37.37 through 37.41 (Data and Information Collection and Maintenance);

(v) Section 37.42 (Universal Access);

(vi) Section 37.53 (Governor's Oversight Responsibilities Regarding Recipients' Recordkeeping); and

(vii) Sections 37.76 through 37.79 (Complaint Processing Procedures); and

(2) Include the following additional elements:

(i) A system for determining whether a grant applicant, if financially assisted, and/or a training provider, if selected as eligible under section 122 of the Act, is likely to conduct its WIA Title I--financially assisted programs or activities in a nondiscriminatory way, and to comply with the regulations in this part;

(ii) A system for periodically monitoring the compliance of recipients with WIA section 188 and this part, including a determination as to whether each recipient is conducting its WIA Title I--financially assisted program or activity in a nondiscriminatory way. At a minimum, each periodic monitoring review required by this paragraph must include:

(A) A statistical or other quantifiable analysis of records and data kept by the recipient under Sec. 37.37, including analyses by race/ ethnicity, sex, age, and disability status;

(B) An investigation of any significant differences identified in paragraph (A) of this section in participation in the programs, activities, or employment provided by the recipient, to determine whether these differences appear to be caused by discrimination. This investigation must be conducted through review of the recipient's records and any other appropriate means; and

(C) An assessment to determine whether the recipient has fulfilled its administrative obligations under section 188 or this part (for example, recordkeeping, notice and communication) and any duties assigned to it under the MOA;

(iii) A review of recipient policy issuances to ensure they are nondiscriminatory;

(iv) A system for reviewing recipients' job training plans, contracts, assurances, and other similar agreements to ensure that they are both nondiscriminatory and contain the required language regarding nondiscrimination and equal opportunity;

(v) Procedures for ensuring that recipients comply with the requirements of Section 504 and this part with regard to individuals with disabilities;

(vi) A system of policy communication and training to ensure that EO Officers and members of the recipients' staffs who have been assigned responsibilities under the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part are aware of and can effectively carry out these responsibilities;

(vii) Procedures for obtaining prompt corrective action or, as necessary, applying sanctions when noncompliance is found; and

(viii) Supporting documentation to show that the commitments made in the Methods of Administration have been and/or are being carried out. This supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to:

(A) policy and procedural issuances concerning required elements of the Methods of Administration;

(B) copies of monitoring instruments and instructions;

(C) evidence of the extent to which nondiscrimination and equal opportunity policies have been developed and communicated as required by this part;

(D) information reflecting the extent to which Equal Opportunity training, including training called for by Secs. 37.25(f) and 37.26(c), is planned and/or has been carried out;

(E) reports of monitoring reviews and reports of follow-up actions taken under those reviews where violations have been found, including, where appropriate, sanctions; and

(F) copies of any notices made under Secs. 37.29 through 37.36.

Reference to 29 CFR 37 Subpart D

Subpart D comprises 29CFR37.60 to 37.105. See full document at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/29cfr37_02.html

Reference to 29 CFR 37.70-37.80

Sec. 37.70 Who may file a complaint concerning discrimination connected with WIA Title I?

Any person who believes that either he or she, or any specific class of individuals, has been or is being subjected to discrimination prohibited by WIA or this part, may file a written complaint, either by him/herself or through a representative.

Sec. 37.71 Where may a complaint be filed?

A complainant may file a complaint with either the recipient or the Director. Complaints filed with the Director should be sent to the address listed in the notice in Sec. 37.30.

Sec. 37.72 When must a complaint be filed?

Generally, a complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. However, for good cause shown, the Director may extend the filing time. The time period for filing is for the administrative convenience of CRC, and does not create a defense for the respondent.

Sec. 37.73 What information must a complaint contain?

Each complaint must be filed in writing, and must contain the following information:

(a) The complainant's name and address (or another means of contacting the complainant);

(b) The identity of the respondent (the individual or entity that the complainant alleges is responsible for the discrimination);

(c) A description of the complainant's allegations. This description must include enough detail to allow the Director or the recipient, as applicable, to decide whether:

(i) CRC or the recipient, as applicable, has jurisdiction over the complaint;

(ii) The complaint was filed in time; and

(iii) The complaint has apparent merit; in other words, whether the complainant's allegations, if true, would violate any of the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIA or this part; and

(d) The complainant's signature or the signature of the complainant's authorized representative.

Sec. 37.74 Are there any forms that a complainant may use to file a complaint?

Yes. A complainant may file a complaint by completing and submitting CRC's Complaint Information and Privacy Act Consent Forms, which may be obtained either from the recipient's EO Officer, or from CRC at the address listed in the notice contained in Sec. 37.30.

Sec. 37.75 Is there a right of representation in the complaint process?

Yes. Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to be represented by an attorney or other individual of their choice.

Sec. 37.76 What are the required elements of a recipient's discrimination complaint processing procedures?

(a) The procedures that a recipient adopts and publishes must provide that the recipient will issue a written Notice of Final Action on discrimination complaints within 90 days of the date on which the complaint is filed.

(b) At a minimum, the procedures must include the following elements:

(1) Initial, written notice to the complainant that contains the following information:

(i) An acknowledgment that the recipient has received the complaint, and

(ii) Notice that the complainant has the right to be represented in the complaint process;

(2) A written statement of the issue(s), provided to the complainant, that includes the following information: (i) A list of the issues raised in the complaint, and (ii) For each such issue, a statement whether the recipient will accept the issue for investigation or reject the issue, and the reasons for each rejection; (3) A period for fact-finding or investigation of the circumstances underlying the complaint; (4) A period during which the recipient attempts to resolve the complaint. The methods available to resolve the complaint must include alternative dispute resolution (ADR), as described in paragraph (c) of this section (5) A written Notice of Final Action, provided to the complainant within 90 days of the date on which the complaint was filed, that contains the following information: (i) For each issue raised in the complaint, a statement of either: (A) The recipient's decision on the issue and an explanation of the reasons underlying the decision, or (B) A description of the way the parties resolved the issue; and (ii) Notice that the complainant has a right to file a complaint with CRC within 30 days of the date on which the Notice of Final Action is issued if he or[[Page 413]]she is dissatisfied with the recipient's final action on the complaint. (c) The procedures the recipient adopts must provide for alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The recipient's ADR procedures must provide that: (1) The choice whether to use ADR or the customary process rests with the complainant; (2) A party to any agreement reached under ADR may file a complaint with the Director in the event the agreement is breached. In such circumstances, the following rules will apply: (i) The non-breaching party may file a complaint with the Director within 30 days of the date on which the non-breaching party learns of the alleged breach; (ii) The Director must evaluate the circumstances to determine whether the agreement has been breached. If he or she determines that the agreement has been breached, the complainant may file a complaint with CRC based upon his/her original allegation(s), and the Director will waive the time deadline for filing such a complaint. (3) If the parties do not reach an agreement under ADR, the complainant may file a complaint with the Director as described in Secs. 37.71 through 37.74.

Sec. 37.77 Who is responsible for developing and publishing complaint processing procedures for service providers? The Governor or the LWIA grant recipient, as provided in the State's Methods of Administration, must develop and publish, on behalf of its service providers, the complaint processing procedures required in Sec. 37.76. The service providers must then follow those procedures.

Sec. 37.78 Does a recipient have any special obligations in cases in which the recipient determines that it has no jurisdiction over a complaint?

Yes. If a recipient determines that it does not have jurisdiction over a complaint, it must notify the complainant, in writing, immediately. This Notice of Lack of Jurisdiction must include: (a) A statement of the reasons for that determination, and (b) Notice that the complainant has a right to file a complaint with CRC within 30 days of the date on which the complainant receives the Notice.

Sec. 37.79 If, before the 90-day period has expired, a recipient issues a Notice of Final Action with which the complainant is dissatisfied, how long does the complainant have to file a complaint with the Director?

If, during the 90-day period, the recipient issues its Notice of Final Action, but the complainant is dissatisfied with the recipient's decision on the complaint, the complainant or his/her representative may file a complaint with the Director within 30 days after the date on which the complainant receives the Notice.

Sec. 37. 80 What happens if a recipient fails to issue a Notice of Final Action within 90 days of the date on which a complaint was filed?

If, by the end of 90 days from the date on which the complainant filed the complaint, the recipient has failed to issue a Notice of Final Action, the complainant or his/her representative may file a complaint with the Director within 30 days of the expiration of the 90-day period. In other words, the complaint must be filed with the Director within 120 days of the date on which the complaint was filed with the recipient.

Reference to 29 CFR 37 Subpart E

 

Subpart E comprises 29CFR37.110 to 37.115. See full document at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/29cfr37_02.html

Reference to 20 CFR 670.400(a)(1)

Sec. 670.400 Who is eligible to participate in the Job Corps program?

To be eligible to participate in the Job Corps, an individual must be:

(a) At least 16 and not more than 24 years of age at the time of enrollment, except

(1) There is no upper age limit for an otherwise eligible individual with a disability; and

Reference to 29 CFR PART 1630

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/29cfr1630_02.html

Reference to 29 CFR 1630.14

Sec. 1630.14 Medical examinations and inquiries specifically permitted.

(a) Acceptable pre-employment inquiry. A covered entity may make pre-employment inquiries into the ability of an applicant to perform job-related functions, and/or may ask an applicant to describe or to demonstrate how, with or without reasonable accommodation, the applicant will be able to perform job-related functions.

(b) Employment entrance examination. A covered entity may require a medical examination (and/or inquiry) after making an offer of employment to a job applicant and before the applicant begins his or her employment duties, and may condition an offer of employment on the results of such examination (and/or inquiry), if all entering employees in the same job category are subjected to such an examination (and/or inquiry) regardless of disability.

(1) Information obtained under paragraph (b) of this section regarding the medical condition or history of the applicant shall be collected and maintained on separate forms and in separate medical files and be treated as a confidential medical record, except that:

(i) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding necessary restrictions on the work or duties of the employee and necessary accommodations;

(ii) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, when appropriate, if the disability might require emergency treatment; and

(iii) Government officials investigating compliance with this part shall be provided relevant information on request.

(2) The results of such examination shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with this part.

(3) Medical examinations conducted in accordance with this section do not have to be job-related and consistent with business necessity. However, if certain criteria are used to screen out an employee or employees with disabilities as a result of such an examination or inquiry, the exclusionary criteria must be job-related and consistent with business necessity, and performance of the essential job functions cannot be accomplished with reasonable accommodation as required in this part. (See Sec. 1630.15(b) Defenses to charges of discriminatory application of selection criteria.)

(c) Examination of employees. A covered entity may require a medical examination (and/or inquiry) of an employee that is job-related and consistent with business necessity. A covered entity may make inquiries into the ability of an employee to perform job-related functions.

(1) Information obtained under paragraph (c) of this section regarding the medical condition or history of any employee shall be collected and maintained on separate forms and in separate medical files and be treated as a confidential medical record, except that:

(i) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding necessary restrictions on the work or duties of the employee and necessary accommodations;

(ii) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, when appropriate, if the disability might require emergency treatment; and

(iii) Government officials investigating compliance with this part shall be provided relevant information on request.

(2) Information obtained under paragraph (c) of this section regarding the medical condition or history of any employee shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with this part.

(d) Other acceptable examinations and inquiries. A covered entity may conduct voluntary medical examinations and activities, including voluntary medical histories, which are part of an employee health program available to employees at the work site.

(1) Information obtained under paragraph (d) of this section regarding the medical condition or history of any employee shall be collected and maintained on separate forms and in separate medical files and be treated as a confidential medical record, except that:

(i) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding necessary restrictions on the work or duties of the employee and necessary accommodations;

(ii) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, when appropriate, if the disability might require emergency treatment; and

(iii) Government officials investigating compliance with this part shall be provided relevant information on request.

(2) Information obtained under paragraph (d) of this section regarding the medical condition or history of any employee shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with this part.