Funny You Should Mention It: New Disability EEO/AA Regulations Finalized for Federal Contractors

摘要

Santuzzi, Waltz, Finkelstein, and Rupp (2014) describe the many unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities, with particular emphasis on disclosure and accommodation concerns. The authors note that legislation, particularly regarding the ADA (1991) and ADAAA (2008), may not account for these unique challenges. One piece of legislation that was not discussed was the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which, among other functions, is the precursor to the ADA and provides protection for federal employees and applicants. Section 503 of this act establishes equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements for federal contractors and is enforced by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Importantly, in August 2013 Section 503 of the Rehab Act (as well as the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974) was updated via a final rule.1 That rule was published in the Federal Register on September 24 and becomes effective 180 days later in March 2014.