AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY ON EQUAL EMPLOYMENT FOR EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES

This legislation requires Federal agencies to develop and implement plans for the hiring, placement, promotion, and retention of disabled individuals. To facilitate employment of the disabled, Federal agencies may use either competitive or special appointing authorities. Realistic standards, based on the tasks of the position, require that applicants possess only the qualifications necessary for safe and efficient performance of the duties of a particular position. Federal agencies are responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for individuals who meet the definitions in the Act, which include a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of their major life activities, a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such impairment. The Agency for International Development's policy aims to prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of physical or mental impairment, promote equal employment opportunity for the disabled through a continuing affirmative employment program, and comply with all laws and regulations governing equal employment opportunity and affirmative employment for persons with disabilities. This policy is implemented through a range of initiatives, including recruitment, promotions, assignments, and training. To support the implementation of this policy, the Agency for International Development has designated a Disability Employment Manager/EOP and a Selective Placement Coordinator/HRDM. These officials can be contacted for more information on the implementation of the policy, with the Disability Employment Manager/EOP available at (202) 663-1510 and the Selective Placement Coordinator/HRDM available at (202) 663-1521. The policy's emphasis on reasonable accommodations and affirmative employment practices aims to create a more inclusive work environment for employees with disabilities. By promoting equal employment opportunity and complying with relevant laws and regulations, the Agency for International Development seeks to ensure that all employees have access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their abilities.