NASA Employees’ and Applicants’ Rights under the Architectural Barriers Act
aba_statement_final_tagged.pdf
NASA is intentional in its efforts to hire and retain employees who reflect the diverse world in which we live and serve. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens our mission, creates innovation, and enhances employee engagement. Individuals with disabilities are an important component of our diverse workforce. NASA continually works to cultivate and maintain a work environment that is inclusive of and accessible to all.
The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) was enacted by Congress to ensure access to Federal facilities for individuals with disabilities. The law requires that buildings or facilities that were designed, built, or altered with Federal dollars or leased by Federal agencies after August 12, 1968, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Facilities that predate the law generally are not covered, but alterations or leases undertaken after the law took effect can trigger coverage.
The ABA is enforced through standards for accessible design. The standards indicate where access is required and provide detailed specifications for ramps, parking, doors, elevators, restrooms, assistive listening systems, fire alarms, signs, and other building elements. Facilities covered by the ABA must meet these standards.
For NASA, the ABA Accessibility Standards are implemented through the General Services Administration’s Federal Management Regulation, Part 102-76-Design and Construction, Subpart C. Individuals who have concerns regarding accessibility at NASA-owned facilities should contact the appropriate Center Disability Program Manager or Facilities Manager.
|
Ames Research Center |
|
|
Armstrong Flight Research Center |
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/about/Organizations/Huma nRes/equalopp.html |
|
Glenn Research Center |
|
|
Goddard Space Flight Center |
|
|
NASA Headquarters |
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/hq/eodm/reasonable_accommodations |
|
Johnson Space Center |
https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oeod/ |
|
Kennedy Space Center |
|
|
Langley Research Center |
|
|
Marshall Space Flight Center |
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/diversity/about.html |
|
NASA Special Services Center |
https://www.nssc.nasa.gov/eo |
|
Stennis Space Center |
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/about/organization/odeo/index .html |
Internal Resources
To request a sign language interpreter, reader, scribe, or captioning services: Go to the Equal Accessibility Accommodation Scheduler (EAAS) website or contact Merechia Davis for assistance.
External Resources
Established by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 1990, the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) is a centrally funded program that provides assistive technology (AT) and reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities and wounded Service members. CAP’s mission is to ensure that people with disabilities and wounded Service members have equal access to the information environment and opportunities in the DoD and throughout the Federal government.
The Computer Electronics Accommodation Program can provide assistive technology for free to civil servants. Employees can request screen magnification software, phone amplification devices, dictation software, and other devices. To learn about CAP or even make a CAP request, contact Merechia Davis and go to Computer Electronics Program Website at https://www.cap.mil.
Employee-to-Employee Support
The Equal Accessibility Advisory Committee can serve as an employee to employee resource for individuals with disabilities, accessibility needs, or have family members who have disabilities.
Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance his/her employment opportunities, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent people with disabilities add to the workplace.