The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently issued two revised publications addressing employers’ obligations to veterans and disabled service members under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC published both “A Guide for Employers” and A Guide for Veterans.”
Employers should regard the publications as important for two reasons. First, a large number of veterans have returned to civilian life over the last several years and are reentering the workforce. Second, the expanded definition of “disability” under the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 means that more veterans and disabled service members will fall within the ADA’s protections and be entitled to reasonable accommodations with respect to their employment.
The publications also address the protections afforded to veterans and disabled service members under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). The USERRA prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based upon their military status or military obligations. It also protects service members’ reemployment rights upon returning from service.
If you have any questions regarding your company’s employment of veterans or regarding the ADA in general, please contact Rachel Felton at 412-918-1173 or rfelton@metzlewis.com.
