Telework Exchange

A recent study, conducted by Telework Exchange and the Federal Managers Association (FMA), revealed that 71 percent of Federal employees feel their agency is committed to hiring employees with disabilities. While a step in the right direction, there is opportunity for improvement. Just half of surveyed managers say their agency is equipped to make good on this commitment. Nearly half of Federal managers report they have not received adequate training to effectively manage employees with disabilities – an unnecessary barrier in employing and retaining disabled Americans.

The study, "Unnecessary Barriers," revealed room for the Federal government to implement employment policies to provide Americans with disabilities a chance to reach their full potential. Currently, there is an eligible workforce available - Americans with disabilities hold only one percent of Federal positions and 54 percent of people with disabilities 21-64 were unemployed in the past year.

Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, The White House, discussed the survey's findings during the morning keynote address, "Reducing Unemployment for People with Disabilities," at the Spring 2010 Telework Exchange Town Hall Meeting on April 8, in Washington, D.C. Dale illustrated the progress America has made through laws, regulations, court cases, and our presidents. However, employment of people with disabilities continues to be a high priority and there is work to be done.

Today, the Federal government has another opportunity to lead by example. Successful agencies rely on hiring programs, flexible working arrangements, and employee training. The study uncovered these best practices on how to walk the talk:

• Management: Agencies with committed senior management monitor progress, provide adequate training, and offer technical support to employees with disabilities at nearly double the rate compared to agencies not specifically focused on supporting workers with disabilities. Management buy-in directly impacts agency accommodation of employees with disabilities.
• Education: The study revealed 36 percent of managers involved in approving or authorizing new hires or promotions are not familiar with Schedule A and 58 percent are not familiar with Executive Order 13163, Increasing the Opportunity for Individuals With Disabilities to be Employed in the Federal Government. Agencies must educate managers responsible for hiring on key mandates and advocate for equal opportunity.
• Equipment: Eighty-four percent of respondents believed their organization offers reasonable accommodations, yet few offer telework, technical support, job-share options, or personal care assistance. Agencies must offer improved physical, access, communications, and technical accommodations.

The "Unnecessary Barriers" study is based on a survey of 513 Federal employees directly responsible for hiring and managing employees. Readers who are interested in learning more about the survey findings and recommendations can view the full report at www.teleworkexchange.com/unnecessarybarriers. In addition, Kareem Dale's keynote can be viewed at www.teleworkexchange.com/townhallmeeting/video/2010/dale-video.