Human Resource Blog

Rhode Island Rehabilitation Act

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What should employers in Rhode Island know about the Rehabilitation Act?

Employers in Rhode Island should be aware of the Rehabilitation Act especially if they are covered by the Act. Not all employers are covered by the Act, though. However, the Act is a federal Act that could cover employers in states across the country, including Rhode Island, as long as those employers meet specific criteria.

Employers that are covered by the Act may not discriminate against employee with disabilities for reasons that are based on their disabilities. The discrimination cannot occur during any time that the employer is making an employment-related decision, such as a decision about hiring, termination, training, compensation, or promotion.

A covered disability may be any physical or mental disability that impairs and individual’s ability to function normally. A physical disability could be a missing limb or a visual impairment. A mental disability may be depression or an addiction. Employers should make reasonable accommodations for employees that have disabilities.

Employers will need to abide by the Act if they meet any of the following qualifications:

·         Are a federal government agency or contractor that receives funds from the federal government, regardless of the division of the government.

·         State or local government offices or contractors that receive funds from the federal government, regardless of the division.

·         Federal contractors that receive federal funds

·         Educational institutions that receive federal funds

·         Public or private employers that receive federal funds

Some employers will have to take extra steps to hire workers that have disabilities. For example, if an employer has a contract worth at least $10,000, the employer needs to have an affirmative action plan in place to hire a worker with a disability. If a federal contractor has at least $50,000 in contracts and at least 50 employees, the contractor needs to have a written affirmative action plan in place to hire workers with disabilities. CB