Section IV Notices | LEPSI-2001-MANUAL

DHS, its local offices, and subrecipients must notify constituents with LEP about the availability of free communication assistance and how to request it in a language that they can understand. Likewise, notices of the availability of free reasonable modifications and auxiliary aids and services and how to request these must be available in a format that constituents with disabilities can understand.

For example, a Notice of Free Interpretation Services (see Attachment 14) is posted in DHS local office waiting rooms and/or reception areas. This poster informs the public of DHS’s LEP/SI policy to provide free interpretation services (in the major languages spoken in Georgia, including sign language and Braille). Wall posters are available through the DHS LEP/SI Office. Multilingual notices should appear on webpages and online automated systems used for DHS programs and activities. Multilingual notices also may be provided through program brochures, program-related education videos, booklets, local newspapers (including non-English newspapers), job fair leaflets, radio/television announcements, and other forms of outreach. Regardless of the form of public notice used, notice of availability of free language assistance services must be given in the appropriate language(s).

Additional notices informing constituents with disabilities about the availability of free auxiliary aids and services and reasonable modifications must be posted in a prominent area where DHS programs and activities are provided. These notices must be in a language and format that constituents with disabilities can understand. DHS, its local offices, and subrecipients must ensure that interested constituents, including those with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.

Please refer to Attachment 7 DAS and DCSS Limited English Proficiency / Sensory Impairment (LEP/SI) Service Delivery Checklist for a list of required notices to be posted in all DHS offices.

For DFCS, please refer to Attachment 8 DFCS Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Service Delivery Checklist for a list of required notices to be posted in all DFCS offices.

DHS must ensure program websites and online systems are accessible to constituents with LEP and with SI. DHS should ensure that in-house staff and contractors responsible for web page and content development are properly trained. DHS must provide a way for visitors to request accessible information or services to the extent required by law. Federal guidance documents regarding access to websites and digital services can be found at Improving Access to Public Websites and Digital Services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Persons and Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities (ada.gov).