Policy and Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is an essential piece of civil rights legislation. Learn more about what the ADA requires of employers and job seekers, as well as policies and laws affecting employees with disabilities, employers, and employment service agencies.
Social Enterprises and Agency-Owned Businesses: Guidelines for Providers
This brief gives an overview of guidelines developed for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) providers seeking to develop a social enterprise/agency-owned business that will employ individuals who receive employment supports from DDS.
Volunteering, Internships, and Unpaid Work Experiences: Legal and Practical Guidelines
This publication examines these issues, and provides guidelines on the role of volunteer activities, internships and unpaid work when assisting and supporting individuals with disabilities. (Policy and Law/CBDS)
Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act Issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this fact sheet addresses common questions about how the ADA protects applicants with disabilities during the hiring process. Topics include asking for reasonable accommodations, handling disclosure, the meaning of “being qualified,” and filing discrimination charges.
The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability This pamphlet produced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides a comprehensive overview of the ADA as it relates to employment - who is covered, types of reasonable accommodation, range of covered employment practices, disclosure guidelines, etc.
Questions and Answers About Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) This U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) document explains how the ADA applies to job applicants and employees with intellectual disabilities, in particular.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - ADA Library The JAN website houses a wide array of publications, targeted to various audiences, about the ADA - rights, responsibility, compliance guidelines, etc.
ADA Amendments Act Fact Sheet Cornell University developed this brief overview, which summarizes new features of the ADA Amendments Act that was passed in 2009.
This document lists a variety of state and national resources offering legal assistance, information and/or advocacy around ADA related issues and discrimination.
WIA IS NOW WIOA: What the New Bill Means for People with Disabilities
This ICI brief outlines the features of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which reauthorizes the Workforce Investment Act of 1009, including the Rehabilitation Act, through 2020.
WIOA Resources - Section 511, Subminimum Wage Policy
• PowerPoint handout from 11/7/16 WIOA Restrictions on Subminimum Wage webinar
• DOL Wage and Hour Division Letter
• DOL Wage and Hour Division Bulletin
• DOL Wage and Hour Fact Sheet
Blueprint for Success: Employing Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Massachusetts
In November 2013, MA DDS, the Association of Developmental Disability Providers, and the ARC of MA released a plan aligned with the Employment First Policy. The plan aims to phase out sheltered workshops and to increase integrated employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Goals and milestones have been targeted over four fiscal years.
Employment First Policy, MA Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Passed in July 2010, this policy establishes that for working age adults served by the Massachusetts DDS, integrated, individual employment is the preferred service option and optimal outcome.