Resources for People with Disabilities

 

Schedule A Hiring Authority for Individuals with Disabilities

Schedule A is a hiring authority that allows federal agencies to hire qualified individuals with certain disabilities through an excepted service appointment without using the traditional competitive hiring process.    

While Schedule A does not guarantee employment, it may allow agencies to consider eligible applicants more quickly. It can be helpful to indicate your eligibility in your application materials so the hiring agency knows you may be considered under Schedule A. 

Eligibility for Schedule A

To receive a Schedule A appointment, you must: 

• Meet the qualification requirements for the position, including the education and/or experience listed in the job announcement
• Provide documentation of a qualifying disability 

Documentation of disability can be satisfied with a simple letter stating that you have a disability. This letter can come from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed rehabilitation professional, or any entity that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter does not have to detail your disability, medical history or need for an accommodation.

Unsure if you qualify as an individual with a disability? Visit OPM’s Schedule A guidance to learn more about eligibility. 

Applying with Schedule A

As an individual with a disability, you may apply to positions online through USAJOBS or through postings on an agency’s website. Some agencies may also accept Schedule A resumes directly through disability hiring programs. For help applying, you should reach out to the agency’s selective placement program or disability employment coordinator.   

To ensure your application is considered under Schedule A, you must include your Schedule A proof of disability letter with your application materials and any other documents required in the job announcement. 

Disclosure by Individuals with Disabilities

Disclosure, or sharing information about your disability with others, by law, is a personal decision that individuals must make for themselves. An interviewer is prohibited from asking you questions about your disability that are not relevant to job responsibilities. An interviewer should ask questions about your qualifications and how you can perform the essential functions of the job.  

 During a job interview, you should present yourself in a positive manner, emphasizing your abilities and assets. You are not required to disclose your disability during an interview. However, you may choose to if you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the interview itself.

 

Accommodations

Agencies are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless doing so will result in undue hardship to the agency. This law is designed to ensure applicants and employees with disabilities have an equal opportunity to apply for jobs, perform essential job duties, and access the benefits and privileges of employment. 

Accommodations include adjusting the interview process, essential job functions, access to the workplace, and benefits and privileges of employment. Accommodations may include assistive technology, accessible workplace adjustments, modified work schedules or adjustments to how job tasks are performed. 

 

Workforce Recruitment Program for Students

The Workforce Recruitment Program connects federal employers nationwide to eligible students and recent graduates with disabilities. Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, this program provides  numerous advantages  to jobseekers with disabilities. Contact your school’s disability services or career services coordinator early in the spring semester to ensure successful completion of the online application for phone interviews in October and early November. Contact the WRP coordinator at  wrp@dol.gov  for more information about the program. The WRP works directly with college coordinators and cannot respond to inquiries from individual students.

 

Requesting Accommodations

To receive accommodations at work or in the application process, you must inform the employer that you need an adjustment because of a medical condition or disability. This request may be made to a supervisor, a human resources office or the agency’s selective placement program coordinator.  

Procedures to request accommodation may be included on an agency’s job posting, website or onboarding materials. You can request an accommodation verbally or in writing; no specific language is needed. 

 

Workforce Recruitment Program for Students 

The Workforce Recruitment Program connects federal employers nationwide to eligible students and recent graduates with disabilities.   

Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, this program provides opportunities to job seekers with disabilities. Students should begin this process early in the spring semester by connecting with their campus Workforce Recruitment Program coordinator in disability services or career services.   

Applications are typically submitted in early fall, followed by interviews conducted in October and early November. Students should work directly with their campus Workforce Recruitment Program coordinator, typically located in disability services or career services, to participate in the program and receive application instructions.