OFCCP Webinar - Accessible Online Application Systems and Tools for Achieving Them
Date: 1/9/09
Title: OFCCP Webinar - Accessible Online Application Systems and Tools for Achieving Them
The webinar titled Accessible Online Application Systems and Tools for Acheiving Them elaborates on OFCCP's directive titled Online Application Process Accessibility (addressed in our compliance update of 10/20/08). Contractor obligations apply to all job application procedures, including online, paper, and other electronic methods of accepting applications. Your procedures must allow the individual with disabilities to submit an application in a timely fashion for consideration.
Key points about your employment section/careers page of your website:
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Your online application process and procedures must be prominently displayed at the beginning of the page. These procedures should address the process for requesting an accommodation as well as a contact person and telephone number.
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The application process should use universal design techniques and "Interoperable" technology.
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Definitions:
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Universal design - physical space accessible to a wide range of people
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Interoperability - degree to which assistive technology can operate compatibly with a website or other type of information technology.
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Assistive Technology - technology that makes work possible. Helps people with different types of disabilities - visual, hearing, cognitive, neurological.
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Accessibility - degree in which people can use a product or service, possible using assistive technology.
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Web accessibility - degree in which people can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with a website.
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Someone with a visual disability may not be able to interpret graphics or the graphics may not work with assistive devices (speech activited software)
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Ensure that text is included to describe all tables, charts, graphics, etc. so that assistive devices can read them.
Contractors must allow those who cannot apply online because of a disability the opportunity to apply in an alternate way, even if the company policy is to only accept online applications. The individual with disabilities cannot be penalized for applying using an alternate method.
All OFCCP compliance evaluations will include a review of the contractor's online application system to ensure equal opportunity is provide to people with disabilities. Employee complaints will be handled by OFCCP and not referred to EEOC.
Resources for Employers:
The ODEP, EARN, and JAN have jointly developed the Accessible Systems Racing League. This is a free diagnostic tool available to employers for web accessibility. The tool focuses on 10 areas and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. An Accessibility expert from EARN is also available to companies to test online accessibility. To use the tool, go to http://earnworks.com/508racing.asp.
For a copy of the OFCCP webinar, go to http://www.dol.gov/esa/ofccp/index.htm
The foregoing has been prepared for the general information of clients and friends of Workplace Dynamics LLC. It is not meant to provide legal advice with respect to any specific matter and should not be acted upon without professional counsel.