The FAA’s hiring initiative emphasizes diversity and inclusion, targeting severely disabled individuals as part of its workforce strategy.

By yourNEWS Media Staff

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing a hiring initiative targeting individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions. This effort is part of the agency’s broader “Diversity and Inclusion” plan, aiming to incorporate diverse talents into its workforce.

According to the FAA’s website, “Targeted disabilities are those disabilities that the Federal government, as a matter of policy, has identified for special emphasis in recruitment and hiring.” These include a range of conditions such as hearing and vision impairments, missing extremities, various forms of paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability, and dwarfism.

The agency, overseen by Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Department of Transportation and employing approximately 45,000 people, is responsible for regulating civil aviation. The diversity hiring guidelines on the FAA’s website were updated on March 23, 2022.

Recent events have brought increased scrutiny to the FAA and the airline industry. On January 5, a Boeing 737 Max 9 experienced a door malfunction during an Alaska Airlines flight. This incident led to the grounding of all 737 MAX 9 planes and an extensive inspection and oversight increase of Boeing’s production line and its suppliers.

Public figures and social media users have expressed concerns over the safety implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the airline industry. Elon Musk, in a post last week, questioned the prioritization of DEI hiring over safety. Matt Walsh of the Daily Wire commented similarly in an op-ed. In response, civil rights groups have criticized these views, labeling them as “abhorrent and pathetic.”

The FAA’s website states that individuals with severe disabilities are significantly underrepresented in the federal workforce. The agency emphasizes the importance of diversity, claiming that “Our people are our strength,” and highlights its commitment to investing in and valuing a diverse workforce.

Regarding the roles to be filled by people with disabilities, the FAA communicated to Fox News Digital that it seeks and vets qualified candidates for a variety of positions, all of whom must meet the job’s rigorous qualifications.

Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of Do No Harm, stressed the importance of safety in both the aviation and healthcare industries. He highlighted that while people with disabilities should not face discrimination if they can successfully complete their tasks, the safety of travelers and patients should be paramount.

The FAA’s website details that managers can hire disabled individuals and veterans through an “On-the-Spot hiring process” with proper documentation. Additionally, the agency ensures “reasonable accommodation” for employees with disabilities, including facility modifications and special equipment as needed.