Human Resource Blog

Rehabilitation Act in Ohio

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What should employers know, in general, about the Rehabilitation Act in Ohio?

Employers should know that the Rehabilitation Act is a federal Act that may apply to employers in all states across the country, including employers in Ohio. However, they should also be aware that the Act does not apply to all employers or employees.

In order for an employee to be covered by the Act, the employee needs to have a record of having a disability. Both mental and physical disabilities could qualify for coverage under the Act. For example, a missing limb may qualify for physical disability coverage and depression could qualify for mental disability coverage.

When employees have a disability, the Act prohibits employers from discriminating against them for reasons that are directly related to the disability. Also, employers should make reasonable accommodations for employees that have disabilities. Therefore, if an employee in a wheelchair requires a modified work station so that he or she can reach his or her desk, the employer should provide such a work station.

Employers cannot discriminate against current employees or job applicants during any employment-related period, including hiring, compensation, training, terminating, promotion, or otherwise. They also cannot take the additional expense of the accommodations into account when making employment-related decisions.

Not all employers are covered by the Act. In order to be covered, employers need to meet at least one of the following conditions:

·         The employer should be a federal government agency, office, or contractor working in any branch of the government

·         The employer could also be a local or state government agency, office or contractor working in any branch of the government that also receives federal funds

·         Public and private institutions could be covered if they receive federal funds

·         Educational institutions may be covered if they receive federal funds

When an employer is covered by the Act, the employer may also have to take affirmative action steps to hire workers with disabilities as long as the employers have contracts worth at least $10,000. CB