Frequently Asked Questions
The following are questions we receive often, and we hope they address your concern. If your question is not addressed, please feel free to contact us at the InfoODEP@dol.gov.
General
What is the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)? How many people with disabilities are there in the United States? How many people with disabilities are working? How does the federal government define "disability"? What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? Does the Office of Disability Employment Policy have "disability awareness" materials that can be used for NDEAM events, or for other trainings and workshops for employers and other organizations? Where can I find more information on specific disabilities or medical conditions?
Workers/Job Seekers with Disabilities
Can DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) help people with disabilities find jobs? I'm a person with a disability and I would like to work for the federal government. How do I get a job with the government? I am a person with a disability. Where can I get information and financial assistance to start my own business? What can I do if I think my employer or supervisor is discriminating against me because of my disability? I have recently become disabled and cannot do the work I had been doing in the past. Where can I get financial assistance for training or retraining? Is there anything that my employer must provide to help me do my job and accommodate my disability? Are there any specific financial assistance or scholarships available for individuals with disabilities who want to go to college? What can I do if I am having difficulty with disability payments from my insurance company? How do I file a worker's compensation claim or check on the status of my claim?
Employers
We're new to the disability arena. Where do we start? Where can I access employers who have had successful experiences hiring people with disabilities? What can we do to enhance our services to customers with disabilities? Who can help us ensure that our Web site is accessible to visitors with disabilities? Are there any tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities? What are my obligations as an employer under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act and where can I get technical assistance? Where can I get information about making workplace accommodations? Where can employers find qualified applicants with disabilities? How do I know whether I am complying with the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act?