Information for Job Seekers with Disabilities

Job seekers with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may be eligible to apply for non-competitive appointment under the Schedule A authority.  If this does not apply to you, please return to NASAJOBS for information about other employment opportunities.

What is the Schedule A Authority?

The Schedule A authority may be used to hire a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability to fill a position for which the person is qualified and able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  The Schedule A authority may be used to hire an individual on a permanent or temporary appointment.  An agency may hire an individual on a temporary appointment when the agency needs to determine whether the individual is likely to succeed in a particular position.  An individual hired on a temporary basis may be converted to a permanent appointment whenever the agency determines that the individual is able to successfully perform the job duties.

Am I eligible for appointment under Schedule A?

If you wish to be considered for appointment under the Schedule A authority, you must provide proof that you are an individual with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability.  This proof must be provided to the agency before you can be hired.  Acceptable proof is appropriate documentation (e.g. records, statements, or other appropriate information) issued by:

• A licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (State or private); OR
• A licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified
  by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, to practice medicine); OR
• A Federal agency, State agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory
  that issues or provides disability benefits (e.g., Social Security Administration).

How do I apply for appointment under the Schedule A authority at NASA?

NASA vacancies are posted on USAJOBS at http://www.usajobs.gov. You may apply to NASA vacancy announcements open to U.S. citizens. You may also apply to NASA vacancy announcements which are open to individuals eligible for non-competitive appointment under special authorities.

Where can I get more information about Federal employment of people with disabilities?

For more information, visit USAJOBS’s general information webpage on Individuals With Disabilities.

You may also contact a NASA Selective Placement Program Coordinator. For a list of NASA Selective Placement Program Coordinators, go to: Selective Placement Program Coordinators.