Non-Discrimination Notice & Notice of Availability of Language Assistance Services and Auxiliary Aids

1. Our commitment

Empowered Services, Inc. complies with applicable federal and Oregon civil-rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, disability, religion, marital status, or any other class protected by law. We do not exclude people, deny benefits, or treat them differently because they belong to one of these groups. This commitment applies to all programs, services, employment, and activities of Empowered Services.

2. Laws we follow

Empowered Services complies with, among other authorities:

• Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (45 CFR Part 92, 2024 final rule);
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d);
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794);
• Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12131–12189);
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975;
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 where applicable;
• Oregon civil-rights law including ORS 659A (Oregon Equality Act and related provisions);
• Oregon Department of Human Services / ODDS rules including OAR 411-323 standards for IDD provider agencies.

3. Protected classes

We do not discriminate based on:

• Race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency, or LEP);
• Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex stereotypes, and sex characteristics;
• Age;
• Disability (including intellectual or developmental disability and behavioral health condition);
• Religion;
• Marital status;
• Source of income or lawful occupation;
• Veteran or military status;
• Any other class protected under federal or Oregon law.

4. Auxiliary aids and effective communication

In compliance with the ADA and Section 504, Empowered Services provides — free of charge and in a timely manner — auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication. These include qualified sign-language interpreters, real-time captioning, assistive listening devices, large print, Braille, audio recordings, accessible electronic formats, written summaries of oral communications, and other modes appropriate to the situation. We give primary consideration to the requested format.

5. Language assistance for LEP individuals

In compliance with Section 1557 (45 CFR 92.101) and Title VI, Empowered Services provides qualified interpreters, qualified translators, and translated written materials at no cost to individuals with limited English proficiency, in a timely manner. We do not require an LEP individual to provide their own interpreter, and we do not use minor children as interpreters except in true emergencies when no qualified interpreter is immediately available. Interpretation by accompanying adults is permitted only in emergencies or when the individual specifically requests it and the choice is appropriate.

6. Service animals

Service animals are welcome in all areas of Empowered Services where the public or program participants are normally allowed, in accordance with 28 CFR 36.302. We do not charge a fee or deposit for a service animal.

7. Reasonable modifications

If you need a change to our policies, practices, or procedures to access our programs and services, contact our Section 504 / ADA Coordinator (Section 12). We will make the modification unless doing so would fundamentally alter the program or pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

8. Website accessibility

Empowered Services is committed to ongoing conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA on this website and on connected mobile apps. We test with assistive technology users and remediate issues we find. To report a barrier or request an accessible alternative, email info@empowered-services.org or call (503) 855-3581. We respond within five (5) business days and provide an accessible alternative if a fix will take longer.

9. Grievance procedure

Any person who believes Empowered Services has discriminated against them on the basis of any protected class may file a grievance:

1. How to file: In writing (paper, email, or web form) or, if writing is a barrier, by phone or in person. We will help you put your complaint in writing if you ask. Use the contact information in Section 12 or 14. Anonymous complaints are accepted.
2. What to include: Your name and contact information (or an anonymous identifier); a description of what happened, including dates and people involved; what outcome you are seeking; copies of any related documents.
3. Deadline: Please file within 180 days of the alleged conduct so we can investigate while events are still fresh. We will accept later filings when good cause exists.
4. Acknowledgment: The Section 504 / ADA Coordinator will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days.
5. Investigation: We will investigate fairly and promptly, normally within 30 calendar days. We may extend by another 30 days for complex matters and will tell you if we do.
6. Decision: You will receive a written decision describing the findings, any corrective action, and your right to appeal internally and to file with external regulators (Section 10).

10. External complaint options

You may file an external complaint at any time, with or without using our internal grievance:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (Section 1557, ADA, Section 504, Title VI). Online: hhs.gov/ocr/complaints. Phone (Region X, Seattle): 1-800-368-1019. TDD: 1-800-537-7697. Mail: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, DC 20201.
• U.S. Department of Justice — ADA. Online: civilrights.justice.gov. Phone: 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264).
• Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Phone: 1-855-840-7726. Email: ODHS.equity@odhs.oregon.gov.
• Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), Civil Rights Division. Phone: 971-673-0764. Online: oregon.gov/boli/civil-rights.
• Oregon Department of Justice, Civil Rights Section. Phone: 1-844-924-7829.

11. No retaliation

Empowered Services prohibits retaliation against any person who files a grievance, testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing, or who opposes any practice made unlawful by federal or Oregon civil-rights law. Acts of retaliation should be reported using the same channels as the underlying grievance.

12. Section 504 / ADA Coordinator (Designated Civil Rights Officer)

13. Notice of availability of language assistance services and auxiliary aids — taglines

Free language assistance services and auxiliary aids and services are available. Call (503) 855-3581, TTY/Oregon Relay 711.

Translations are provided in conformance with HHS Section 1557 sample taglines. If your preferred language is not listed, call us — we will arrange interpretation in any language.

14. Contact