EARN Newsletter: June 2025

EARN in Action

Accessibility and Accommodations: A Policy Toolkit for Employers

A new resource developed by EARN in collaboration with the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) helps employers foster success for all qualified workers, including employees with disabilities. The Workplace Accommodation and Accessibility Policy Toolkit covers disability-related laws and explains the benefits of integrating an organization’s accessibility efforts and accommodations process. The toolkit also offers related policy assessment information, sample policy language, and resources for use across an organization’s operations.

Disability Hiring: Financial Incentives for Small Businesses

Did you know the Federal Government and many state and local governments offer tax incentives to help small businesses hire and retain workers with disabilities? These financial incentives also help businesses improve accessibility for employees and customers with disabilities. To understand how your business can benefit from federal and state incentives—such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Disabled Access Tax Credit, and Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction—visit EARN’s webpage and related resources.

The Latest

New from DOL: Opinion Letter Program

Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling recently announced the launch of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) opinion letter program, a new initiative focused on improving compliance with the laws DOL enforces. Opinion letters, which can be requested by anyone—workers, employers, HR professionals, unions, and others—are official written opinions on how a labor law applies to a specific workplace situation. As the Deputy Secretary wrote on the DOL blog, opinion letters put “practical, tailored guidance into the hands of the public,” helping to support voluntary compliance, prevent costly violations, and foster informed decision-making. The program “demonstrates our commitment to transparency and customer experience—values that are central to the department’s mission,” Sonderling wrote.

Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Accommodation Strategies

A recording of JAN's latest webcast, “Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Accommodation Strategies,” is now available. The May 22 webcast provides practical guidance on making workplace accommodations and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to help employers retain valued workers who experience injury or illness. This and other JAN webcasts on accommodation and ADA compliance topics are available to anyone for training purposes or personal learning and development.

Ask EARN

Spotlight

Campaign for Disability Employment

Every day, people with disabilities bring valuable skills, talent, and drive to America’s workplaces, contributing to the success of businesses across all industries. To increase the hiring, retention, and advancement of workers with disabilities, DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) collaborates with businesses and disability organizations to bring you the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE). The CDE offers resources to help employers get started, including information on tax incentives, job accommodations, and effective workplace policies and practices. Explore the CDE’s full range of resources and public service announcements to learn more.

The content in this newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.