Guide Issued for People with Disabilities Seeking to Move From Benefits Rolls to Work

October, 2000

Three federal government agencies released a 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.

The text of the guide (http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/workta.htm), as well as further information about EEOC (www.eeoc.gov), SSA (www.ssa.gov/work), and DOJ (http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm), is available on the respective web sites of the three agencies.

This brochure answers questions you may have about your employment rights under the ADA.

• How do I know if I am protected by the ADA?
• What are my rights under the ADA?
• What is a "reasonable accommodation"?
• What should I do if I think I might need a reasonable accommodation?
• How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
• What happens after I make a request for a reasonable accommodation?
• What should I do if I think my ADA rights have been violated?

To contact the EEOC, look in your telephone directory under U.S. Government or call 1-800-669-4000 (voice) or 1-800-669-6820 (TTY).

For more information about work support, contact the Social Security Administration at:
1-800-772-1213 (voice) 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) www.ssa.gov/work

For more information about the ADA, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) at:
EEOC 1-800-669-4000 (voice) 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) www.eeoc.gov
DOJ 1-800-514-0301 (voice) 1-800-514-0383 (TTY) http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

For free information about many types of reasonable accommodations, contact the Job Accommodation Network at:
1-800-526-7234 (voice/TTY) http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/

This posting originated via a service of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, a statewide coalition of people who use and/or provide community mental health services dedicated to improving services and social conditions for people with psychiatric disabilities. To join our their e-mail list, send a request and, where appropriate, the name of your organization to NYAPRS@aol.com