Disability Program

The Disability Program, also known as the Individuals with Disabilities Special Program, aims to:

• Increase the number of persons with disabilities employed across all job categories and levels.
• Offer opportunities in training, career development, and leadership programs to people with disabilities.
• Encourage individuals with disabilities to participate in all programs and activities sponsored by the BIA and the Department of the Interior (DOI).
• Provide professional support and mentoring for employees with disabilities. 
• Raise awareness among all DOI employees about workplace issues affecting people with disabilities.

Accommodations and Services

The Disability Program offers many accommodations. These include reasonable, disability, religious, and pregnancy accommodations. The Program also offers several services, including Family Leave, Medical Leave, and Nursing Mothers, Personal Assistance Services, and Interpreting and Relay Services.  

Disability Program Manager

The Disability Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and operating the Bureau’s disability programs to eliminate employment barriers and ensure the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities. The Manager also provides guidance on reasonable accommodations for matters related to employees and job applicants for employment.

Supervisors and managers review and approve reasonable accommodation requests, and Human Resources assists all parties during this process. 

Affirmative Action Plan for Individuals with Disabilities

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Management Directive 715 require agencies to describe how their Affirmative Action Plans (AAPs) will improve the recruitment, hiring, advancement, and retention of applicants and employees with disabilities. Agencies must post the AAPs on their public websites. Each Bureau’s AAP is available below.