Civil Rights Compliance HOUSEHOLD PROGRAMS

What are Civil Rights?  Civil rights are the nonpolitical rights of a citizen; the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the 13 th and 14 th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and Acts of Congress.

Civil Rights Concepts  Stereotyping  Prejudice  Discrimination

Who’s Obligated to Comply  All programs and activities of a recipient of Federal financial assistance, whether those programs are federally funded in whole or not.

For More Info… FNS CR Instruction 113 Section X and Appendix B Assurances  Required for agreements at every operating level  Retailer  Federal  State  Local  Subrecipient  Additional information in program appendices

For More Info… Policy Memo : 5/27/08; update11/30/11 FNS CR Instruction 113 Section IX Public Notification Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC or call, toll free, (866) (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay at (800) or (800) (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP)  Assess for language needs in your population  Make sure all staff know what to do when an LEP client needs help  Provide translated materials if there are many people who speak another language  Hire bilingual staff when possible  Use professional or certified interpreters  Do not ask clients to bring their own interpreters. For More Information  FNS Instruction 113 Section VII, Limited English Proficiency  U.S. Department of Justice’s LEP website: “I Speak” materials available here

Reasonable Accommodation Ensure access for people with disabilities!  Parking lots, entrances and exits, halls, elevators, restrooms, sign language interpreters, Braille signage, service animals, special diet requests  Alternative arrangements for service