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People with Disabilities
Commitment
We are committed to the belief that people with disabilities have the right to work with dignity, freedom and equality of opportunity.
Through the Americans with Disabilities Act, we can hire through traditional competitive hiring processes or by means of a noncompetitive, or special appointing authority. In addition, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process and employment.
Eligibility Requirements
Reasonable Accommodation
Special Appointing Authorities
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered an individual with a disability, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of your major life activities
- have a record of such an impairment, or
- are regarded as having such an impairment. For additional information, consult the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Website.
Reasonable Accommodation
EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, contact an EPA Human Resources Office at the location in which you are seeking employment, or send an email message to feedback.hr@epa.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Special Appointing Authorities
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established special appointing authorities for people with disabilities. EPA has the authority to use a special appointing authority to hire a qualified person with a disability for vacant positions. These special appointing authorities include:
- 5 CFR 213.3102(ll) for hiring readers, interpreters and personal assistants. This excepted authority is used to appoint readers, interpreters and personal assistants for employees with severe disabilities.
- 5 CFR 213.3102(t) for hiring people with mental retardation. This excepted authority is used to appoint persons with cognitive disabilities (mental retardation). They may qualify for conversion to permanent status after 2 years of satisfactory service.
- 5 CFR 213.3102(u) for hiring people with severe physical disabilities. This excepted authority is used to appoint persons with severe physical disabilities who have demonstrated satisfactory performance through a temporary appointment, or have been certified as likely to succeed in performing the duties of the job. After 2 years of satisfactory service, they may qualify for conversion to permanent status.
For additional information on the employment of people with disabilities within the Federal Government, please visit the Office of Personnel Management Web site: www.opm.gov/disability