“Schedule A” refers to a special hiring authority that gives Federal agencies a potentially quicker way to hire individuals with disabilities. Individuals who have an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability, may be eligible to use the Schedule A process. The Department of Labor’ Schedule A Checklist – poses the following questions – if an individual answers yes to any of these questions, they may be eligible for Schedule A.

• Have you received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
• Were you ever identified as needing services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
• Did you receive services in elementary or high school through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan in school?
• Did you ever use Disabled Student Services on your college campus?
• Have you ever needed an accommodation?
• Have you ever received vocational rehabilitation services?
• Do you fit under the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) definition of an individual with a disability?

There are no specific definitions as to what qualifies as disability status under Schedule A, so Federal agencies are able to interpret the terms broadly. Examples of physical disabilities related to cancer treatment could be extreme fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, loss of limbs, or loss of operations of major bodily functions, etc.  “Chemo Brain” might also be considered an intellectual disability. This page from the EEOC may provide some additional information: https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/abc_applicants_with_disabilities.cfm Please note, that the EEOC specifically states that “The proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A. It does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation.” This is particularly important if an applicant would like to keep the specifics of their cancer diagnosis private. For more information about Disclosure, Privacy and Medical Certification, readhttps://triagecancer.org/QuickGuide-Disclosure.