Notice of Nondiscrimination, Americans with Disabilities Act Public Notice and Equal Employment Opportunity Action Plan

Notice of Nondiscrimination

As a recipient of federal financial assistance and a State or local government agency, Department of Public Health & Human Services does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, political belief, genetic information, veteran status, culture, social origin or condition, or ancestry in admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in, its programs, activities, or services, whether carried out by DPHHS directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which DPHHS arranges to carry out its programs and activities. Likewise, DPHHS will not tolerate discrimination or harassment because of a person’s marriage to or association with individuals in one of the previously mentioned protected classes.

This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. §§ 6101 et seq.), Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C §§ 18116), Montana Human Rights Act (Title 49, M.C.A.), and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Nondiscrimination (2.21.4005 A.R.M.).

If you have questions regarding this policy or you wish to file a complaint alleging violations of this policy, please contact:

Americans with Disabilities Act Public Notice

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is committed in providing equal access to employment, programs, services, and activities to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with Title I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), Montana Human Rights Act, and the Governmental Code of Fair Practices.

Employment:   DPHHS does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in any aspect of employment. DPHHS provides reasonable accommodations upon request, to qualified individuals with disabilities during all phases of employment including the selection process. DPHHS encourages applicants with disabilities including disabled veterans and their eligible relatives to apply for employment preference in accordance with Title 39, Montana Code Annotated, Chapters 29 and 30.

Effective Communication:   DPHHS generally provides requested auxiliary aids and services to promote equally effective communication to qualified individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in programs, services, and activities offered by the department. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services may include, but are not limited to, qualified sign language interpreters, amplified hearing devices, or other methods to promote effective communication. DPHHS will provide alternative formats of written communications upon request (e.g., Braille, electronic, audio, etc.).

Modifications to Policies and Procedures:  DPHHS makes reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in department programs, services, and activities. For example, DPHHS welcomes service animals in areas where it generally prohibits pets.

Anyone needing an auxiliary aid or service or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a DPHHS program, service, or activity should contact the event organizer or the DPHHS ADA Coordinator at (406) 444-1386 or Margaret.McNivens2@mt.gov . Requests should be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.

DPHHS does not place surcharges on individuals with disabilities to offset the cost of providing auxiliary aids, services or reasonable modifications. For example, DPHHS will not charge participants for the services of an interpreter when the participant is attending a program, service, or activity offered by DPHHS.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require DPHHS to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service, or activity or impose an undue financial or administrative burden on DPHHS.

Contact the   DPHHS ADA Coordinator   at (406) 444-1386 or Margaret.McNivens2@mt.gov  if you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of employment, services, or activities, or if you wish to file a complaint.