The United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) policy is to fully comply with the reasonable accommodation requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. sec. 791 et seq. (Act); 29 C.F.R. pts. 1614, 1630.
The USPTO is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees and job applicants who are qualified individuals with disabilities, in order to ensure that they enjoy access to all employment opportunities at the USPTO.
Reasonable accommodation is a cooperative, interactive process between the individual with a disability and the USPTO. The USPTO will process requests for reasonable accommodation and, where required by law, provide reasonable accommodations in a prompt, fair, and efficient manner.
You may request a reasonable accommodation for an upcoming interview through the USPTO's Accommodation Point.
Laws, regulations, and policies
Laws
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sections 501 and 505 - The text of Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93-112) (Rehab. Act), as amended, as these sections appear in volume 29 of the United States Code, beginning at section 791. Section 501 prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the federal sector. Section 505 contains provisions governing remedies and attorney's fees under Section 501. Relevant definitions that apply to sections 501 and 505 precede these sections.
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 - Requires that federal agencies must ensure comparable accessibility to persons with disabilities whenever that agency uses electronic or information technology, unless such access would impose an undue burden. This web site contains the text of Section 508, as amended, as well as other materials.
Guidance and regulations
- Federal Sector Equal Employment Opportunity: 29 C.F.R. pt. 1614
- Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act: 29 C.F.R. pt. 1630
- EEOC Policy Guidance on Executive Order 13164: Establishing Procedures to Facilitate the Provision of Reasonable Accommodation
- Questions And Answers: Policy Guidance On Executive Order 13164: Establishing Procedures To Facilitate The Provision Of Reasonable Accommodation
Executive Orders
- Executive Order 13078 - Increasing Employment of Adults with Disabilities, March 13, 1998.
- Executive Order 13124 - Amending the Civil Service Rules Relating To Federal Employees With Psychiatric Disabilities, June 4, 1999.
- Executive Order 13164 - Requiring Federal Agencies to Establish Procedures to Facilitate the Provision of Reasonable Accommodation, October 20, 2000.
Resources
- GSA's Assistive Technology (AT) Showcase is now open to federal workers. This showcase displays assistive technology devices and equipment, as well as a variety of ergonomic workplace solutions. The facility is at the General Services Administration, 1800 F Street, NW, Room 1216. For information on walk-in hours or to schedule an appointment, call 202-501-3322.
- Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) publishes a variety of fact sheets and other publications on disability issues on its website.