Civil Rights
Individuals eligible for, receiving services from, or benefiting from programs funded through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services are protected by various laws, regulations, rules, and policies against unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and national origin.
The ODJFS Bureau of Civil Rights provides technical assistance to county agencies on civil rights issues and ensures that all the functions, services, and programs administered by the agency are carried out in compliance with state and federal civil rights laws. This includes, but is not limited to, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA), and the civil rights laws of Ohio.
The bureau also monitors accessibility and oversees accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities. It also ensures that those with limited English proficiency are protected against discrimination based on national origin. For example, it can provide qualified interpreters, language cards or lines, oral translation, and/or written translation of documents.
To learn more, go to http://jfs.ohio.gov/civilrights/index.stm.