The Dying Disability Dream

Back in the 2010s, I polished up both my resume and my wheelchair wheels eager to join the federal workforce. My resume showed that most of my work experience came from a Department of Labor internship program specifically designed to train college students with disabilities on how to do well in a federal office. In the many years since, through multiple federal hiring freezes and financial downturns, I held onto my federal workforce aspirations

Living in the Trump era feels so much scarier. Due to federal and state financial restrictions, I am unable to afford my wheelchair and nursing care while earning a paycheck. Federal regulations make me and others with disabilities dependent on a social safety net that the Trump administration is gleefully dismantling. On top of all that, the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ (OFCCP) is now slashing employment opportunities for people with disabilities instead of fostering them.

During the Obama administration, efforts were made to increase employment among people with disabilities, including setting a goal for federal contractors to ensure that 7% of their workforce comprises individuals with disabilities. There is no outcry from contractors to change this goal—there is no reason to change this goal—and yet the Trump administration is trying to eliminate this goal just because they can.

Without significant public outcry between now and September 2nd, they will get away with this and very few people will know that yet another door is closed for people with disabilities who want to work. Personalize the template below and use the link to tell the Trump administration and their OFCCP that this is not okay.

Comment Template:

I [Your Name] am writing to express my opposition to the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ (OFCCP) proposed elimination of the requirement for federal contractors to inquire about applicants’ disability status, as well as the removal of the 7% disability utilization goal.

This issue is important to me because promoting the inclusion of individuals with disabilities not only aligns with our values of fairness and equal opportunity but also enhances the strength and diversity of our federal workforce. People with disabilities often bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills that can significantly benefit our teams and mission success.

[Write a few sentences about why this issue is important to you]

The rationale provided by the OFCCP regarding federal contractors' hiring practices and documentation of individuals with disabilities appears to misunderstand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The primary intent of the ADA is to promote equal opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities across all areas of life. The law has been instrumental in advancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing fairness and nondiscrimination.

I believe the OFCCP should reconsider these regulatory changes and continue to encourage federal contractors and subcontractors to actively seek and hire qualified individuals with disabilities to strengthen our national workforce.