Federal contractors can now apply for the Excellence in Disability Inclusion (EDI) award. The EDI award is a joint initiative between the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to distinguish companies not only embracing their obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, but exemplifying best practices for disability inclusion. The goal is to recognize effective programs in attracting, selecting, advancing, and retaining individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
There are two tracks for receiving an award. The Gold Award level is an establishment level award in which two large and two small contractors may win. By achieving the Gold Award level, the establishment will receive a three-year moratorium on compliance evaluations. There is an expectation, with the support of ODEP and OFCCP, for Gold Award winners to share best practice guidance to the industry in a post-award “Year of Engagement” program (e.g., speaking, materials, mentoring). Also, a second track to achieving recognition from the OFCCP and ODEP is through a Pacesetter award, which is an honorable mention with no three-year moratorium on compliance evaluations.
For more information on the award, eligibility, and application process, visit this website: https://www.dol.gov/ediaward
By Keli Wilson, M.A., Senior Manager of EEO Compliance, Diversity & Inclusion and Principal Consultant at DCI Consulting Group
