U.S. Department of Labor Announces Disability-Related Compliance Assistance Resources for Employers and Employees

WASHINGTON, DC – With the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Compliance Initiatives (OCI) and its Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is helping raise awareness of disability-related nondiscrimination laws and regulations.

"We want to ensure both employees and employers have access to clear and accurate information, through a variety of channels, about protections for applicants and employees with disabilities," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. "Our easy-to-implement compliance resources are designed to help employers benefit from the many talents that employees with disabilities bring to America's workforce."

The ODEP-funded Job Accommodation Network helps employers comply with disability nondiscrimination laws by advising about workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.  The ODEP-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) helps employers foster disability-inclusive workplace cultures and recruit, hire, retain, and advance people with disabilities. 

OCI is a cross-agency effort that complements the Department's enforcement activities by strengthening and innovating compliance assistance outreach to provide employers and workers with access to information about their rights and responsibilities. As part of this, OCI launched Worker.gov and Employer.gov, both of which address a range of employment issues, including disability nondiscrimination.

Held in October, NDEAM offers an annual opportunity for employers to communicate their commitment to a workplace welcoming of qualified people with disabilities, and employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to take part. For ideas and resources to plan observances, including this year's official poster, visit ODEP's NDEAM webpage.