Discrimination is the act of treating a person, or group of people, differently based on federal and state protected class status. Protected class status includes age, race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, marital status, disability, sex, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Prohibited actions that occur in service deliver or employment, based on the factors above, violate DSHS Administrative Discrimination, Harassment, and other Inappropriate Behaviors Policy 18.66. Examples include:
- Denial of services or benefits
- Verbal conduct including derogatory remarks about another staff, client or other individual
- Refusal to hire or promote
- Failure to provide appropriate interpreter services, including American Sign Language (ASL)
- Limiting access to services because of inaccessible facilities
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations to allow full participation of persons with disabilities in all programs, activities, and services
- Denying the opportunity to act as a consultant or volunteer or serve on committees and boards.
Accessibility
DSHS is committed to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all individuals. The Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) serves as a fundamental pillar in our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our communities. The ADA is a civil rights law enacted to prevent discrimination against individuals
with disabilities. It ensures equal opportunities in various areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces. DSHS wholeheartedly embraces the principles of the ADA. We strive to uphold its mandates by offering accessible services, accommodations, and resources to individuals with disabilities across all our programs and facilities.
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment, service delivery, programs, or activities.