On October 19, 2011, the DOL announced proposed changes to the Current Population Survey Disability Supplement that would “provide information about the labor market challenges facing persons with a disability and will contribute to improvements in policies and programs designed to assist these individuals.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) is seeking comments related to the following topics concerning the Survey:
• “Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility.”
• “Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.”
• “Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.”
• “Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.”
Interested parties can send comments to Carol Rowan, BLS Clearance Officer, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20212 or by fax to 202-691-5111. Comments must be submitted on or before December 19, 2011.
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) is planning to issue proposed changes to its disability regulations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. These comments may help shape those regulations, including what information contractors will be required to collect, the sources contractors will be required to use to establish hiring benchmarks for individuals with disabilities, and the format contractors will be required to report that information to the OFCCP.