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Employment

UCP’s Employment Channel provides information on public policy, legislation and options for persons with disabilities seeking employment, as well as information for disability employers who are sensitive to people with disabilities and provide jobs for the disabled.

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Employment

For Job Seekers

Federal Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking to Move from Benefits

Three federal government agencies have released a new guide explaining rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that apply to individuals with disabilities who are receiving Social Security disability benefits but who want to become employed. The document, entitled A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment, was the result of a joint effort involving the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"The new guide is significant because it will help benefits recipients with disabilities, many of whom may be new to the workplace, understand their rights to be free from employment discrimination," said EEOC Chairwoman Ida L. Castro. "This collaborative effort by the federal government will bring about tangible results by assisting people with disabilities enter the workforce at an increasing rate."

The guide sets out the ADA's key provisions, including the definition of "disability" (which is different under the Social Security Act), and an employer's obligation to make "reasonable accommodation" for applicants and employees with disabilities. The guide also explains the process for filing a charge with EEOC if an individual believes that his or her rights under the ADA have been violated.

Review Guide now: HTML Version or PDF Version