Important Regulations and Relevant Legislation

It's important to gain familiarity with the different laws and federal policies that protect employees with disabilities. Posted below are important and relevant legislation.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) - This law is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match businesses with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - IDEA is a law that makes a free appropriate public education available to eligible youth with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.

Wagner Peyser Act Employment Service - The Wagner Peyser Act established a nationwide system of public employment offices, known as the Employment Service. The Employment Service seeks to improve the functioning of the nation's labor markets by bringing together individuals seeking employment with employers seeking workers.

Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) - This law contains a number of important new provisions that improve access to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. Of particular note are several provisions that address financial aid and that create a new model demonstration program and coordinating center for students with intellectual disabilities.

Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) - This act creates tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities to cover qualified disability-related expenses (including education, housing, and transportation). This law aims to ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the funds contributed into these accounts will not negatively impact the person’s eligibility for public benefits, such as Medicaid.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment and in the employment practices of federal contractors.

Funding and Grants

Funding Opportunities | Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA)

Funding Opportunities | NY State Department of Labor Grants

Additional Information

Research - Visit this page of research and reports relevant to supporting job seekers and employees with disabilities in the workplace.