Disability Emphasis Program
The Disability Emphasis Program Manager encourages employment of qualified persons with disabilities. These opportunities include a broad range of grade levels and occupational series within NRCS.
The program seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of individuals with disabilities, create full participation in a work environment that capitalizes on creativity and richness, promote understanding of the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, provide reasonable accommodations and accessibilities, and encourage managers to provide career enhancement and promotions for people with disabilities.
The Disability Emphasis Program (DEP) focuses on issues such as employment, retention, promotion, training, career development, and advancement opportunities affecting disabled applicants and employees in NRCS. The policy of NRCS is to conduct a positive workplace and provide employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in all personnel management policies and practices and in NRCS-sponsored programs and activities. The DEP also provides a network of professional support for persons with disabilities and provides mentoring support as well.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits the discrimination on the basis of disability in federal employment and requires the Federal Government to engage in affirmative action for people with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 covers employers in the private sector and State and local governments.
The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 requires that facilities designed, built, altered or leased with federal funds be accessible to the public.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act amended title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit sex discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Executive Order 13163 Increases the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to be employed in the federal government, promotes an increase in the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be employed at all levels and occupations of the federal government.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Equal Employment Opportunities
October is National Disability Awareness Month and it raises awareness about employment issues for disabled people and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The National Disability Employment Awareness Month is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Links of Interest:
DOL Office of Disability Employment Policy
Technology & Accessible Resources Give Employment Today (TARGET) Center created in 1992 to utilize the power of technology and provide impactful services related to improving accessibility and contributing to the complete employment experience of individuals with disabilities.
Vermont Interpreter Referral Service - http://www.virs.org/ - Provides information on how to obtain a sign language interpreter.