EARN Newsletter: September 2024

EARN in Action

Supporting Employee Recovery in the Workplace

Did you know? One-third of adults with a mental health condition also experience co-occurring substance use disorder. EARN’s new resource, “Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the Workplace,” helps employers with strategies and tools to support their employees. Discover ways to better understand SUD and create recovery-ready workplaces. Access comprehensive workplace SUD guides for both employers and workers developed by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and EARN.

During National Recovery Month, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reaffirms its commitment to supporting workers with SUD, a condition that may be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act). Check out this recent DOL blog post, “Employment Supports Recovery: How Work Helps,” for guidance on supporting both employers and employees recovering in the workplace.

Celebrating 51 Years of the Rehabilitation Act

September 26^th marks the 51^st anniversary of the Rehab Act, landmark federal legislation that was the first to address access and equity for people with disabilities. It also helped to set the stage for future protections, including the ADA. The Rehab Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in federal employment and federal contractor employment, among other contexts. Explore EARN’s resources on the Act, including details on Sections 501 and 503, which specifically prohibits employment discrimination by federal agencies and federal contractors, respectively.

Observing Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to an analysis of deaths reported in 2021 conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 56 out of every 100,000 male construction workers died by suicide, compared to a national average of 32. EARN's resource, “Opioid Use and Mental Health in the Construction Industry: The Importance of Workplace Supports,” outlines strategies and offers resources for employers to support workers in construction.

Advancing Inclusion in Clean Energy Jobs

Clean energy jobs are increasing exponentially, and people with disabilities are a vital talent source to fuel this growth. Employers play an important role in including these qualified candidates. In July, EARN hosted the “Pathways for Hiring People with Disabilities into Clean Energy Jobs” webinar, which explored ways to create access to quality jobs and inclusive apprenticeships in the clean energy sector. EARN also released a new resource to accompany the webinar, providing employers with policy-to-practice tips and guidance for implementing inclusive hiring practices.

Disability Employment in the News

National Recovery Month: Promoting Recovery for All

To observe National Recovery Month, the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a new rule to improve access to mental health and substance use services and support. The steps detailed in this rule aim to lower costs and make care more accessible for both physical and mental health conditions. Learn more and review the rule today.

Skincare Company Builds Inclusive Workplace for People with Disabilities

Cleanlogic, a skincare company based in Pennsylvania, created an inclusive workplace designed for people with disabilities. Its approach emphasizes not only the importance of diversity in hiring but also how inclusive practices can lead to a more equitable and supportive work environment. Cleanlogic leadership highlights the value of empowering disabled people through meaningful employment.

Celebrating Labor Day with Access to Good Jobs for All

In a Labor Day announcement, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su emphasized DOL’s ongoing efforts to ensure good jobs are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. These efforts promote inclusive hiring practices and underscores the importance of equitable employment opportunities for all workers, particularly in industries where workforce diversity is essential to innovation and growth.

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Employer Spotlight

Building Inclusive Federal Workplaces Through Collaboration

The Federal Exchange on Employment and Disability (FEED) is a federal interagency working group focused on advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the Federal Government. Supported by EARN and managed by representatives from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), FEED members share and develop information, resources, and best practices that address a variety of topics related to disability-inclusive employment in the federal sector.

Membership is open to Federal Government employees at any level. Federal employees whose job duties involve recruiting, hiring, retaining, or advancing people with disabilities are especially encouraged to join.

The content in this newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.