Reasonable Accommodation Services Policy

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In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), CDC has a policy  to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

CDC adheres to applicable federal laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities. A flexible, interactive process that involves both qualified individuals with a disability and CDC officials will be used to identify the appropriate reasonable accommodation. Where possible and appropriate, reasonable accommodations shall be provided in a timely and cost-effective manner. Accommodations may include such things as: special equipment; readers; or interpreters; altering the work environment; job restructuring; and part-time or modified work schedules, accessibility, assistive devices, etc. Reassignment to another position may be appropriate in instances where there is no reasonable accommodation that would permit the employee to perform the essential functions of his or her current job.

CDC provides reasonable accommodations:

  • when an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process in order to be considered for a job;
  • when an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to enable him or her to perform the essential functions of the job or to gain access to the workplace; and
  • when an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.

CDC processes requests for reasonable accommodation and, where appropriate, provide reasonable accommodations in a prompt, fair, and efficient manner. As a model employer, CDC may take steps, as appropriate, beyond those required by the reasonable accommodation process.

To request a reasonable accommodation, email RAinquiry@cdc.gov or call the Reasonable Accommodation hotline at (770) 488-1525.

Personal Assistance Services

In 2017, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) amended the regulations for implementing Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The regulations (29 C.F.R. § 1614.203(d)(5)) require federal agencies to provide Personal Assistance Services (PAS) to individuals who need them because of certain disabilities.

Personal Assistance Services Policy

PAS are services that help individuals who, because of targeted disabilities, require assistance to perform basic activities of daily living such as assistance with removing and putting on clothing, eating, and using the restroom.

PAS are not the same services provided through reasonable accommodation, or services that help employees perform job-related tasks such as sign language interpreters for employees who are deaf or readers for employees who are blind.

Employees with targeted disabilities are entitled to PAS when it enables an employee to perform the essential functions of their position. CDC staff can request PAS by emailing dpaccessibility@cdc.gov or calling 770-488-3206.

For more information, read the PAS policy.