An Inclusive and Accessible Workplace

You’ll join a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as critical to mission success. NASA has a robust strategy to ensure diversity and inclusion is incorporated into our culture and business practices at all levels. We’re proud to exceed the federal workforce employment representation goals of 12% of employees with disabilities. But there is still more to do as we work to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace for all NASA employees. 

How does NASA define a disability? The Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an individual with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.

Hiring and Application Process

If you’re an individual with a disability, you may apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you may also be hired under a special hiring authority called Schedule A. If you’re a disabled veteran, you may also be eligible for veterans’ hiring authorities. Regardless of how you apply, NASA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for the job application or interview process to permit an individual with a disability to be considered for a job. Reasonable accommodations during the hiring process can take many forms, including providing written materials in accessible formats, such as large print or braille; providing sign language interpreters and ensuring that components of the application process are held in accessible locations or platforms.

If you are interested in a job opportunity or need an adjustment to the application process because of your medical condition, please contact NASA’s Selective Placement Program Coordinator to make your request. Selective Placement Program Coordinators help agencies recruit, hire, and accommodate people with disabilities. They can guide you through the application process and answer questions.

Schedule A Hiring Authority

If you’re an individual with a disability, you may apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you may also be hired under a special hiring authority. Federal agencies can use the Schedule A Hiring Authority to hire individuals with disabilities. View this video for more information.  

What is the Schedule A Authority? 
“Schedule A” is a special hiring authority that gives federal agencies an optional, and potentially
quicker, way to hire individuals with disabilities. Applying under Schedule A is an exception to the traditional competitive hiring process. You can apply for jobs under Schedule A if you are a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability or a psychiatric disability. 

Am I eligible for appointment under Schedule A? 
To be eligible under Schedule A, you must provide a “proof of disability” letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability. The letter must be from a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. 

Applying using Schedule A can be a great way to get a federal job. However, federal agencies
hire people using many options, so applying under Schedule A does not guarantee you a job. 

How do I apply for appointment under the Schedule A authority at NASA? 
You may apply to NASA vacancy announcements which are open to individuals eligible for Schedule A appointments. When you apply, you will be asked if you are Schedule A eligible, and will be required to submit supporting documentation of a Schedule A Letter.

Review current NASA jobs open to Schedule A eligible here. 

Standing Register: NASA accepts and manages a Standing Register for people who are eligible for a Schedule A Hiring Authority. As vacancies occur, this register can be used as a means of an alternate recruitment source using a non-competitive hiring authority. Apply here: https://nasa.usajobs.gov/job/813551900

Reasonable Accommodations and Services

NASA is committed to providing timely and effective reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. The accommodation should make it easier for the employee to successfully perform the duties of the role, such as providing sign language interpreters or flexible work schedules or telework options. All 10 NASA centers have designated Disability Program Managers to process reasonable accommodations requests and provide technical assistance to employees, interns, and supervisors in this area. 

NASA also provides Personal Assistance Services (PAS) to individuals who need them because of certain disabilities. PAS are services that help individuals who, because of targeted disabilities, require assistance to perform basic activities of daily living, like eating or using the restrooms.

NASA is working to expand our self-identification program to provide better support to our employees. Self-identification of disabilities is essential for a workplace that is truly inclusive and assists NASA in providing the right support for people who need it. This reporting helps us identify gaps in recruiting, hiring, retention and promotion of people with disabilities and aids in determining future diversity efforts and building budgets for various disability-related activities.

Employee Resource Groups

We support a diverse, welcoming, inclusive and equitable NASA community through Employee Resource Groups that focus on critical segments of our workforce. These voluntary, employee-led groups have the pulse of their constituent community and provide a sense of connection and belonging. They are powerful forums to support professional development, increase awareness and education, and help advance the agency’s mission and goals. NASA’s ERGs for individuals with disabilities promote the development, inclusion and innovation of NASA’s workforce with a focus on employees with disabilities and employees who are caregivers of family members with disabilities. This includes groups at local NASA centers, as well as an Agency 508 community and a neurodivergent employee resource development and support group.

Other Benefits

We believe if you take care of the people, they will take care of the mission. We offer fantastic benefits, like health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and a generous leave program, including paid holidays, paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time.  

We’re also committed to providing flexibility in your work hours and telecommuting or hybrid work options to help you achieve the balance that works for you. NASA is taking a progressive approach to providing the flexibility for work to be performed where and when best supports the mission and employees.   

Employee Spotlights

Spotlight: Meet Dana Bolles, External Information Technology Lead, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters.

Spotlight:  Meet Loria West, a program analyst in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. She came to work at NASA as a summer college student. 

Additional Resources 

For more information, visit USAJOB’s webpage on individuals with a disability or the Equal Opportunity Commission’s “Tips for Applicants with Disabilities Applying for Federal Jobs”. 

Join Our Talent Community

Join our talent community for people with disabilities to receive quarterly communications about job opportunities, career tips, and guidance from NASA employees on how to position yourself to join our team! Click here to sign up!