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OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Affirmative Action Program for Women and Minorities

The primary objective of affirmative action is to correct underrepresentation of protected classes in the work force. In the affirmative action program plan and implementation, OEO follows instructions issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Protected classes are: Blacks, Hispanics, Asian Americans, American Indians, and White women. Annual Institution-wide goals are set for underrepresented groups by occupational group. Program staff review and assess progress in affirmative action,and develop plans and programs designed to achieve a balanced work force. Each bureau and major office is responsible for goal achievement and implementing affirmative action initiatives and corrective actions.

Affirmative Action Program for Handicapped Individuals

The OEO works within instructions issued by the EEOC to operate the Affirmative Action Program for Handicapped Employees. The EEOC has selected certain impairments identified as specified severe disabilities for special affirmative action efforts. Since disclosure of a handicap is voluntary, only some employees choose to identify their handicap status. All handicapped persons employed by the Institution, therefore, probably are not being counted.

Hiring goals are established annually to increase both the number and percentage of disabled employees in the work force. Program staff provide leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to disabled employees and applicants, and to supervisors and managers in the areas of recruitment employment, placement, advancement, training and reasonable accommodation.

Program Accessibility for Disabled Persons

Accessibility is the equal opportunity of disabled persons to participate in or benefit from exhibitions, programs, and activities as found in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The OEO has responsibility for implementing regulations, monitoring the Institution's programs, and processing complaints brought under 504. Program staff provide leadership, guidance, and technical assistance regarding program accessibility to museums and major offices. Each major bureau is responsible for making programs, activities and exhibitions accessible to visitors.

Physical Accessibility for Disabled Persons

In cooperation with the Office of Design and Construction, the OEO evaluates architectural/physical accessibility concerns and recommends modifications in accordance with existing standards, and reviews plans and designs for new construction for adherence to existing standards.

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