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North Carolina

52 North Carolina will phase in implementation, based on resources, training needed, and automation abilities. Any changes requiring modifications to the existing Client Services Data Warehouse (CSDW), Services Information System (SIS) or North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST) that support the Work First program will be delayed until the modifications can be implemented in the systems. Existing policies remain in effect until the required automation changes can be made effective or changes not requiring automation can be put into place.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTS (ALL COUNTIES)

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services policy, county departments of social services/agencies are prohibited from discriminating against any person based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or disability in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services activities, or in employment. All counties are required to have policies and practices in compliance with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the provision of interpreter services for its citizens who require such accommodations. Counties are asked to provide a detailed discussion on how the county complies with ADA as well as how they accommodate requests for interpreter services.

To ensure effective communication and meaningful access to programs and services, individuals with disabilities will be notified of the availability of services at no cost. Such services may include but are not limited to: sign language interpretation and foreign language interpretation services.

Documents notifying applicants and program participants of adverse actions will be communicated in plain language and provided in the applicant’s primary language or will include information on how to have the documents interpreted free of charge.

The Division will track statistical information as it relates to individuals with disabilities.

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act requires Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) apply to TANF programs. The ADA (42 USC Section 12101 et seq.; 28 CFR Part 35) applies to counties and other local governments administering all or part of the TANF program, and Section 504 (29 USC Section 794; 45 CFR Part 84) applies to entities that receive federal funding, either directly or indirectly, through a grant, contract, or subcontract. The two significant elements of Section 504 and Title II of the ADA are:

* Individualized treatment; and * Effective and meaningful opportunity.

Individualized treatment means that individuals with disabilities should be treated on a case-by-case basis and not on stereotypes and generalizations. Further, individuals with disabilities must be afforded the opportunity to benefit from Work First in the same manner as those individuals who do not have disabilities. Exempting individuals with disabilities from work requirements denies these individuals access to services and may result in discrimination.

Section 504 and ADA requires that agencies: