Section 218-RICR-10-00-1.8 - Civil Rights ComplianceThe Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to the impartial and equitable treatment of all individuals in the administration of all its programs and in the provision of its services.
1.8.1Nondiscrimination NoticeA. The nondiscrimination notice, which is posted in all the DHS offices, reflects the state agency's recognition of its responsibility to ensure that services are rendered to residents of the State of Rhode Island in compliance with all applicable Federal and state laws. This notice is also available in tape-recorded format in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Cambodian, Laotian and Russian.B. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.), Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 794), Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.). Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), the Food Stamp Act, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implementing regulations (45 C.F.R. Parts 80 and 84), the U.S. Department of Education implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Parts 104 and 106), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (7 C.F.R. § 272.6), the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, political beliefs, or sex in acceptance for or provision of services, employment or treatment, in its educational and other programs and activities. Under other provisions of applicable law, DHS does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. 1. For further information about these laws, regulations and the DHS' discrimination complaint procedures for resolution of complaints of discrimination, contact the DHS at R.I. Department of Human Services, 206 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907, telephone number 401-415-8216 TDD 401-462-6239.C. The Community Relations Liaison Officer is the coordinator for implementation of Title VI; the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) Administrator or his/her designee is the coordinator for implementation of Title IX, Section 504, and ADA. The Director of DHS or his/her designee has the overall responsibility for the DHS' civil rights compliance.D. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to DHS may also be made directly to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202 or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921.E. The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities). 1. For an individual requesting to file a complaint of discrimination, the individual shall complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form.2. An individual may also write a letter containing all the information requested in the form. The completed complaint form or letter should be mailed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at: program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339, or (800) 845-6136(Spanish).218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-10-00-1.8