After months of anticipation by Federal contractors, OFCCP has released the final version of their form for self-identification of a disability.  Click here to view the form.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of OFCCP’s new regulations for Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, Federal contractors must use this new form to solicit disability status from all applicants at the pre-offer stage. The regulations make use of the form mandatory, so changing or shortening the language is prohibited.  Completion of the form is voluntary, so it is up to the applicant to decide if they want to self-identify.

Since the updated regulations won’t become effective until March 24, 2014, we recommend not using the form until after that date has passed. Contractors can delay implementing the new form until the start of their next AAP year. Therefore, if your AAP year starts on January 1 of each year, you are not required to use this form until January 1, 2015.  This extra time is part of OFCCP’s phased-in approach to compliance with the new regulations.

The following statement accompanied OFCCP’s release of the finalized document:

Federal contractors must use this form to invite job applicants and employees to voluntarily self-identify as an individual with a disability as required by 41 CFR 60-741.42 of the new regulations.  Written in plain English, the form is slightly more than one page long.  It provides employees and job applicants three options for self-disclosure, provides examples of disabilities, highlights that disclosure is voluntary and confidential, and includes a short paragraph on reasonable accommodation.

For more information on the new self-identification requirements go to:  http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/faqs/503_faq.htm