People with Disabilities
OPM Issues Rule to Remove Barriers to Hiring People with Disabilities
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a final rule that will simplify how the Federal Government hires people with disabilities by removing the requirement of certification of job readiness. Currently, people with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities and psychiatric disabilities are required to submit written proof from a doctor, vocational rehabilitation specialist or disability benefits agency stating that the individual can perform the work. This regulation supports Executive Order 13548, Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities.
Disability Information
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. The ADA covers employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations. The ADA’s nondiscrimination standards also apply to federal sector employees under section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, and its implementing rules. Please click Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act for information.
Disability History from the Presidential Libraries
By Susan K. Donius, Director of the Office of Presidential Libraries, U.S. National Archives
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Act into law on the White House South Lawn in front of an audience of 3,000 people. On that day, America became the first country to adopt a comprehensive civil rights declaration for people with disabilities. The ADA was a landmark moment in history, designed to provide universal accessibility in the areas of employment, public service, public accommodations and telecommunications…
Click here Disability History from the Presidential Libraries for information.
New Online Training Video on Increasing Federal Government Hiring of People with Disabilities
This online training from the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) provides information for federal government hiring managers on recruiting, hiring and retaining people with disabilities. The training provides information about accommodations and assistive technologies that can help people with a broad range of disabilities perform the essential functions of their jobs. You’ll also learn about Administration efforts to increase the employment of people with disabilities in the Federal Government.
Need help finding the information you’re looking for on Disability.gov? Visit How to Use this Site
Here is a sample of a wonderful biography by Barbara Schmidt.
ARCHANGELS UNAWARE
“The Story of Thomas Bethune also known as Thomas Wiggins also known as "Blind Tom" (1849 - 1908)
Safely tucked away in a few scattered archives across the nation are pages of sheet music--compositions with titles such as "Battle of Manassas" and "Virginia Polka" that are dormant testimony to the life of the child named Tom who composed them--a child who lived a century past and whose musical abilities still remain a medical and scientific mystery. One common thread of explanation found in all attempts to explain Tom by those who witnessed his performances is that he embodied the spirit of a higher power. For the rest click here.
To visit Barbara Schmidt’s site click here. (It’s wonderful).