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Disability Services Handbook

Disability Resource Center (DRC) Services Handbook

This Handbook describes the services provided by the DOT Disability Resource Center. The Handbook is designed to be easily navigated on the web, with searchable terms and clickable links to sections and references.

The chapters are meant to stand each on its own, to make it easier for users to search and find relevant information. As such, similar information appears across multiple sections so users can avoid having to peruse the document to answer a specific question.

This document is intended to be dynamic in nature and is subject to change as individual services or processes are updated. It is, therefore, a good idea to check the latest version of the document on the web for information, even if you have previously printed a copy for personal use. A revision date will always appear just after the title at the beginning of the document.

DRC Handbook Chapter 9: Section 508

The DRC works closely with Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to provide technical assistance upon request, and to support their compliance program (which includes privacy, security and other IT regulatory requirements besides Section 508). This is accomplished through technical assistance and training. OCIO provides technical support for training as well as for other requests. DRC maintains the information contained on the OCIO Section 508 website including technical resources, various DOT policies, and functional guidelines. DRC also assists OCIO with the biennial Department of Justice report data collection.

DRC Handbook Chapter 8: Training and Outreach

DRC offers training and outreach to all DOT Departmental Offices/OAs on a range of disability-related employment topics. Managers and employees may request trainings or briefings to help improve understanding of disabilities, the use of assistive technology, and disability etiquette. When possible, employees with disabilities within the requesting organization's work group are encouraged to participate.

DRC Handbook Chapter 7: Technical Assistance

The DRC provides technical assistance to all DOT employees, offices and OAs. These services are separate from the products and services provided through the reasonable accommodation process. The DRC's technical assistance services can include answering disability related questions; working with third-parties such as IT to get assistive technology devices approved or supported by the Department/OA; 508 compliance; accessible meetings; program access, etc.

DRC Handbook Chapter 6: Recruitment and Retention

During Spring 2006, DOT became the first Federal agency to employ a full-time Selective Placement Program Manager with responsibilities at the national level.  The program was added to the Disability Resource Center to centralize this function and to help the Department coordinate efforts toward improving the recruitment, hiring, advancement and retention of persons with disabilities across DOT.

DRC Handbook Chapter 5: Program Access

“Program Access” refers to any service provided by DOT to ensure the access of persons with disabilities to any available public DOT program or service (i.e., not related to the reasonable accommodation of DOT employees. The Department is required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that the programs and services it provides to the public are accessible.

DRC Handbook Chapter 4: Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations can be defined as any change in the work environment or in the way things are usually done that results in equal employment opportunity for an individual with a disability. At DOT, reasonable accommodations can be provided to job applicants, to employees to enable them to perform essential job functions, or to employees when a modification is required to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment.

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