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individuals with disabilities. These protections are similar to those provided to individuals because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.

The ADA and Section 504 are intended to remove barriers that a person with a disability may have to employment, public accommodations, public services, and telecommunications. It prohibits discrimination in all employment practices, job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, training, terms, and conditions of employment, and to all employment-related activities.

Title II of the ADA and Section 504 prohibit discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability in all programs, activities, and services of public entities. It applies to all state and local governments, their departments, and agencies, and any entities with which a government agency contracts for services.

A qualified individual with a disability has the right to request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, and request a reasonable modification to DFCS policies, practices, or procedures when such modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination based on disability.

E. Confidentiality

The state statute that provides the legal basis for safeguarding the confidentiality of assistance- related information is the Official Code of Georgia Annotated 49-4-14. The statute restricts the use or disclosure of information concerning applicants for, or recipients of, public assistance to purposes directly connected to the administration of public assistance (See Appendix A).

F. Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012

In accordance with section 4004 of the Middle-Class Tax Relief Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-96), this describes Georgia’s policies and procedures to prevent access to the TANF cash assistance benefits through electronic transactions at casinos, liquor stores, and adult-oriented entertainment (strip clubs). This section will also explain how the State will ensure that the recipients have adequate access to their cash assistance and be allowed to withdraw the cash with minimal fees or charges.

Prevention Methods

• The Georgia Application for Benefits, Form 297, was revised to include the information on the Middle-Class Tax Relief Act of 2012, including restrictions and penalties. This form is completed by the customer at application and renewal. • The TANF Family Service Plan (TFSP), Form 196, was revised to include debit card restrictions for TANF customers. Each applicant and recipient is required to sign the form, acknowledging that it was discussed and understood. • TANF staff receive continuous refresher training on the debit card restrictions. • The Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 verbiage was added to the brochure that is mailed out to all recipients.