Helpful Tools for Workers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Their Employers

EEOC Technical Assistance and Guidance Addressing Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)  EEOC guidance and technical assistance can help employers, employees and stakeholder groups understand and prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, including people with I/DD.

File A Charge of Discrimination  If you believe that you or someone you know has been discriminated against at work because of an intellectual or developmental disability, you may want to seek EEOC assistance.

EEOC Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Case Resolutions Involving Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)  The EEOC has successfully resolved many lawsuits, helping workers with I/DD who alleged job discrimination obtain relief.

Testimony to the EEOC About Individuals with I/DD and Employment  EEOC sometimes hears the testimony of stakeholders to help make its decisions. Here is some testimony to the EEOC about individuals with I/DD.

Strategic Enforcement Plan: Fiscal Years 2024 - 2028  The EEOC is committed to assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are seeking work or currently working. This public commitment is spelled out in a document explaining the agency’s priorities for 2024 through 2028. In that document, called the Strategic Enforcement Plan, or SEP, the EEOC explains that it prioritizes work with I/DD individuals because they may be unaware of their rights under equal employment opportunity laws, they may be reluctant or unable to exercise their rights, or, historically, they may not have received sufficient protections from employment discrimination.

REACH Initiative: Enhancing OutREACH to Vulnerable Workers and Underserved Communities  The REACH initiative is focused on enhancing the agency’s outreach to vulnerable workers and underserved communities. In January 2024, the EEOC launched the multi-year initiative to build on existing efforts to ensure that the EEOC’s outreach and education efforts are reaching workers who often are the least likely to seek the agency’s assistance, despite their great need. The initiative is led by Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal.

Other Federal and Federally Funded Resources for Workers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities  The following federal and federally funded resources can help employers, employees and stakeholder groups understand and prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, including individuals with I/DD.