In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) removed 11 guidance documents from its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) resources.

These documents covered crucial topics such as mask exemptions, service animal policies, and how businesses could best serve customers and employees with disabilities.

While these removals do not change the law, they raise concerns for job seekers with disabilities who rely on clear guidance and accessible practices in the hiring process.

In a climate where disability inclusion feels increasingly under pressure, job seekers must know how to protect themselves, what to look for in potential employers, and how to recognize true inclusion beyond public statements.

The Good News: Your Rights Are Still Protected

Despite the removal of these resources, the ADA remains federal law. Employers are still legally obligated to:

• Provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and on the job

• Ensure accessible workplace environments (physical and digital)

• Avoid discriminatory practices in recruitment and employment decisions (ADA.gov, 2025)

If an employer fails to uphold these standards, they can face legal action.

What Job Seekers Should Watch For

1. Review the Careers Page Carefully

An inclusive employer will:

• State that accommodations are available during the application process

• Highlight their commitment to disability inclusion in clear, specific language

• Feature accessibility certifications or partnerships (such as with Disability:IN)

2. Observe the Application Process

If the application form is not screen-reader friendly or doesn’t allow for adjustments in font size or contrast, it may signal that accessibility is not a priority.

3. Look for Employer Accreditations

Check if the company is listed as a Disability Equality Index (DEI) participant or has recognition from organizations like Disability:IN.

4. Ask Questions During the Interview

It’s perfectly acceptable to ask how the company supports employees with disabilities. Questions you might ask include:

• How do you accommodate employees with disabilities?

• Are Employee Resource Groups available for disabled employees?

• Can you describe how accessibility is built into your workplace culture?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• The company’s DEI messaging lacks any mention of disability inclusion

• They are unwilling or slow to provide accommodations during the interview

• The website and application portal are difficult to navigate for those with disabilities

• Avoidance or discomfort when you ask about inclusion policies

Positive Signs of Inclusion

• Accessible, user-friendly application processes

• Clear and visible accommodations statements

• Ongoing disability-focused programs, mentorships, and ERGs

• Public partnerships with organizations like The Arc, Disability:IN, or local disability advocacy groups

How to Advocate for Yourself

• Know Your Rights: Visit ADA.gov and familiarize yourself with your protections.

• Request Accommodations Early: Be clear about what you need and confirm that the company can support it.

• Follow Up: If a company falls short, consider following up with their HR department or DEI leader to give feedback — or, if necessary, file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Conclusion

The removal of ADA guidance documents may cause confusion, but it should not cause job seekers with disabilities to feel powerless.

Your rights are protected, and inclusive companies still exist — though finding them may require more scrutiny.

Trust your instincts, research carefully, and know that you deserve a workplace where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a core value.

How Diversity.com Supports Employers & Job Seekers

At Diversity.com, we help businesses, organizations, and institutions build diverse, inclusive teams that reflect the world we live in.

We support hiring managers, HR professionals, and job seekers in navigating the evolving DEI landscape across every industry.

Whether you're expanding your team, strengthening leadership diversity, or looking for career opportunities in inclusive workplaces, we provide resources, job board solutions, and expert insights to support your goals.

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✔ Create a free employer account — Start hiring with inclusion in mind. Choose from single job postings or subscription-based plans for ongoing recruitment.
✔ Access a diverse talent pool — Connect with qualified professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds to drive innovation and growth.
✔ Stay informed with expert DEI insights — Stay up-to-date on diversity trends, compliance updates, and best hiring practices to stay competitive.

For Job Seekers:

✔ Find job opportunities with inclusive employers — Discover employers that value diversity, equity, and inclusion, across multiple industries and sectors.
✔ Create a free job seeker account — Apply for roles that align with your values, skills, and professional aspirations.
✔ Gain insights into workplace inclusion — Learn about company DEI commitments, hiring practices, and career-building resources before applying.

We’re committed to helping both employers and job seekers build stronger, more inclusive teams and workplaces.

Explore our platform today and take the next step toward building a more diverse and equitable workforce.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to Contact Us Here. Our dedicated support team is ready to help!

Related Articles

• DOJ Removes ADA Guidance: What Employers Need to Know in 2025

• The Future of ADA Compliance: Why Employers Must Be Proactive

• The Business Risks of Ignoring Accessibility Amid Changing ADA Guidelines

• How to Communicate Your Company’s Commitment to Disability Inclusion in 2025

• Disability Inclusion and DEI: Why They Cannot Be Overlooked in Your 2025 Strategy

• Beyond Guidelines: How Companies Can Foster Disability-Friendly Workplaces Without Mandates

• What HR Leaders Should Watch: The Legal Landscape of ADA and DEI in 2025

• The Ethics of Inclusion: Why Doing the Bare Minimum Won’t Cut It

• The Cost of Rollbacks: How DEI Retractions Affect People with Disabilities

Sources & References:

• ADA.gov. (2025). The Americans with Disabilities Act. Retrieved from https://www.ada.gov

• Justice.gov. (2025, March 18). Justice Department announces actions to combat cost-of-living crisis, including rescinding 11 guidance documents. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-actions-combat-cost-living-crisis-including-rescinding-11

• Disability:IN. (2024). Disability Equality Index 2024. Retrieved from https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/