Clarifying Information - WAC 388-426-0005

Department policy on equal opportunity and access: The Washington state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Discrimination complaints filed with the department: The DSHS Human Resources Investigations Unit investigates complaints we receive on discrimination. Someone may file a complaint with the unit using one of the numbers below or by requesting a copy of either form listed below and sending the complaint to Human Resources. DSHS 22-552(X), Nondiscrimination in the Basic Food Program brochure DSHS 22-171 , Nondiscrimination Policy HR Investigations Unit 1115 S. Washington, OB2 2nd Floor NE Wing PO Box 45839 Olympia, WA 98504-5839 (360) 725-5821 or Toll Free TTY (360) 586-4289 or Toll Free TDD

Hearings / Judicial review: If we receive a complaint that a future hearing or judicial review covers, we can tell the person that the hearing or review will resolve the issue.

Equal Access (EA), previously known as Necessary Supplemental Accommodation (NSA): When handling a complaint from an EA client, be sure to follow the client's EA Plan and applicable EA Policy.