Government Jobs for Persons with a Disability

Introduction

This article provides a handy starting point, and a number of resources, for those seeking U.S. Federal Government employment if you have a disability.

Main Digest

Did you know that currently, over 209,284 people with disabilities, or 7% of the total federal civilian workforce, work for the U.S. federal government

Employment opportunities exist at all levels of United States government in hundreds of occupations. However, The National Council on Disability (NCD) has stated that current efforts to employ people with disabilities in the Federal Government have not worked well, and makes recommendations for reversing this trend, Create More Federal Job Opportunities for People With Disabilities.

Note: For mainstream employment opportunities see the Disabled World resources on Jobs for People with Disabilities.

I've heard the term "reasonable accommodation" but what does it mean

Reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, which includes adjustments to assure a qualified individual with a disability has rights and privileges in employment equal to those of employees without disabilities. The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) enforces these laws. EEOC also provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies.

Federal Employment of People with Disabilities

This website helps users with or without disabilities, better understand how to hire and retain persons with disabilities by helping both job seekers and employees find laws and executive orders related to the employment of people with disabilities. In addition they provide information and a number of employment resources for the disabled. For more information visit The Federal Employment of People with Disabilities (www.opm.gov/DISABILITY/). Another website, Disability.gov (formerly DisabilityInfo.gov), provides quick and easy access to comprehensive information about disability programs, services, laws and benefits in their Find a job section.

The U.S. Government Social Security (SSA) The Ticket to Work Program (www.socialsecurity.gov/work/aboutticket.html) provides most people receiving Social Security benefits (beneficiaries) more choices for receiving employment services. Under this U.S. Government program the Social Security Administration issues ticket to eligible beneficiaries who, in turn, may choose to assign those tickets to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice to obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services necessary to achieve a vocational goal.

You can also use Federaljobs.net (Federaljobs.net) to research job options and to locate information on many agencies including direct links to agency recruitment web sites and telephone contact information.

In addition OPM has developed USAJobs which is the official job site of the US Federal Government and provides worldwide job vacancy information, employment information fact sheets, job applications and forms, and has on-line resume development and electronic transmission capabilities. At the time of this article USAJOBS listed 33,341 U.S. Government job opportunities worldwide, so it's definitely a good website to start looking for a Government job. In many instances, job seekers can apply for positions on-line. An example of a search bought up a list of available job vacancies in the U.S. Department of Agriculture for employees.

CAP (Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program) works every day to help the Federal government become the model employer for people with disabilities by providing assistive technology and services to people with disabilities, Federal managers, supervisors, IT professionals, and Wounded Services Members. The CAP Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) is a demonstration and assessment facility where Managers and individuals seeking solutions to accessibility challenges can see assistive technology, compare different solutions, and ensure equipment compatibility. CAP works with the U.S. Federal government to increase the recruitment, placement, promotion and retention of people with disabilities and Wounded Service Members, by eliminating the cost of accommodations. For more information visit the CAP (www.tricare.mil/cap/index.cfm) website.

About one in five of American women today have a disability. As the number of older Americans grows, so does the number of people living with a disability. Keep in mind that having a disability doesn't necessarily mean a person is unable to seek employment and lead an active and fulfilling life. The U.S. Governments Women's Health web site (www.womenshealth.gov/illness-disability/) provides a great deal of information and handy resources important to women with disabilities, as well as caretakers, friends, family members, and others.

Students with Disabilities Seeking Employment - The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP) (www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/brochures/wrp4Cstd.htm) is a vital resource for federal agencies and private businesses nationwide to identify qualified temporary and permanent employees from a variety of fields. Applicants are highly motivated post-secondary students and recent graduates eager to prove their abilities in today's workforce.

For further information on Federal employment read our article titled How to Get a Government Job.

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Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2009, August 3 - Last revised: 2015, March 12). Government Jobs for Persons with a Disability. Disabled World. Retrieved September 7, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/employment/usa/government-disability-employment.php

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