ABSTRACT
This chapter examines managing a workplace with workers of all abilities. It begins by looking at workforce demographics in the federal government. The chapter then explores the various strategies for ensuring that all workers, regardless of ability, are fully integrated into the organizational community that is ultimately responsible for meeting the needs and interests of the American public. A comprehensive program for managing diversity in public sector workforces must obviously include a component addressing disabled persons. Eradicating discrimination against disabled persons is a critical first step in successfully managing diversity in the workplace. A good deal of research shows that although disabled workers are making some inroads into public employment, they continue to be concentrated in lower-level, lower-paying jobs that carry no policymaking responsibilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act and sound public personnel and human resources policy require that disabled persons have equal access to health care benefits.
