10/21/03, Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability and Veteran Status

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability and Veteran Status

To: Penn Faculty and Staff:

Penn's Policy of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Nondiscrimination incorporates the intent of several federal and state laws governing non-discrimination in the employment and the promotion of qualified persons with disabilities and covered veterans which includes special disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, newly separated veterans, and other protected veterans.

The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs (OAA/EOP) coordinates and oversees the University Affirmative Action Program for Faculty and Staff with Disabilities and Covered Veterans, which includes a voluntary self-identification process.

In accordance with federal law, we invite employees to identify their disability or veteran status to the OAA/EOP website at www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/. Current employees may identify now or at any time during their employment with Penn.

Identification of covered veteran status is strictly voluntary. Identification of disability is strictly voluntary, except where the employee seeks reasonable accommodation for the disability. Reasonable accommodation(s) are provided on an individual basis.

We want you to know also that you will not be subjected to adverse treatment should you decide not to complete this self-identification form.

The voluntary self-identification process provides employees an opportunity to identify their disability and/or covered veteran status in order to participate or take advantage of the coverage provided by federal law under Penn's affirmative action programs for persons with disabilities and covered veterans.

For more information about the OAA/EOP or the University Affirmative Action Program for Persons with Disabilities and Covered Veterans, please contact the Associate Director, Pat Miller at (215) 898-6993 (voice) (215) 898-7803 (TDD) or e-mail pdmiller@pobox.upenn.edu.

-- Jeanne Arnold, Executive Director Office of Affirmative Action
& Equal Opportunity Programs

Definitions

Individual With A Disability

A person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

Persons also included within the definition of individuals with disabilities are those who:

(1) Have successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program and are no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs, or have otherwise been rehabilitated successfully and are no longer engaging in such use;

(2) Are participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and are no longer engaging in such use; or

(3) Are erroneously regarded as engaging in such use, but are not engaging in such use.

Special Disabled Veteran

A person who (1) is entitled to disability veteran compensation under laws administered by the Veterans Administration for a disability rated at 30 percent or more or rated 10-20 percent in the case of a veteran who has been determined under Section 38 U.S.C. 3106; or (2) was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

Vietnam Era Veteran

A veteran who is honorably discharged and served more than 180 days of active duty between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975; or (2) was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.

Newly Separated Veteran

A veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Military during the one year period beginning on the date of such discharge or release from active duty.

Other Protected Veteran

A veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized.