Washington, DC -- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued the final regulation concerning the excepted-service appointment of persons with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities.  In tandem with the release of the regulation, OPM provided a “Questions and Answers” fact sheet that gives additional guidance.

“These provisions represent a significant step toward removing possible barriers to the employment of people with disabilities,” said OPM Director Linda M. Springer.  “This is especially important as we prepare for the pending retirement wave from the federal government.”

The regulatory changes are in support of the President’s “New Freedom Initiative,” and encourage federal agencies to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. 

In addition, the regulation expands the types of entities from which an agency can accept proof of disability and certification of an applicant’s job readiness, it consolidates three separate appointing authorities pertaining to persons with disabilities and it clarifies employment options.

For further information on the regulation, federal employees should contact their OPM Human Capital Officer or visit http://www.opm.gov/disability.