Key points
OEEOWE has created a Reasonable Accommodation Procedure to support individuals with disabilities who applying to or working at CDC. Additional resources are available for documentation and policies.
Process
In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), CDC adheres to all applicable federal laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodation (RA). This allows CDC to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
CDC provides reasonable accommodations when an:
- Applicant with a disability needs an accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process to be considered for a job.
- Employee with a disability needs an accommodation so they may perform essential functions of the job or gain access to the workplace.
- Employee with a disability needs an accommodation to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.
Where appropriate, CDC processes requests for reasonable accommodation and provides reasonable accommodations in a prompt, fair, and efficient manner. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also provides guidance for enforcement of these accommodations. CDC may take steps, as appropriate, beyond those required by the reasonable accommodation process.
Reassignment to another position may be appropriate in instances where there is no reasonable accommodation that would permit the employee to perform the essential functions of his or her current job.
Request
An employee or an employee's family member, health professional, or other representative may request a reasonable accommodation on behalf of an employee by contacting the employee's immediate supervisor, a member of their management team, or the RA team.
To request a reasonable accommodation, email RAinquiry@cdc.gov or call the Reasonable Accommodation hotline at (770) 488-1525.
Personal Assistance Services
In 2017, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission amended the regulations for implementing Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The regulations (29 C.F.R. § 1614.203(d)(5)) require federal agencies to provide Personal Assistance Services (PAS) to individuals who need them because of certain disabilities.
PAS are services that help individuals who, because of targeted disabilities, require assistance to perform basic activities of daily living. This includes assistance with removing and putting on clothing, eating, and using the restroom.
PAS are not the same services provided through reasonable accommodation, or services that help employees perform job-related tasks, such as sign language interpreters for employees who are deaf or readers for employees who are blind.
Employees with targeted disabilities are entitled to PAS when it enables an employee to perform the essential functions of their position.
CDC staff can request PAS by emailing RAInquiry@cdc.gov or calling 770-488-1525.