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DCF discrimination settlement provides for interpreters for deaf - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
The Florida Department of Children and Families will provide qualified sign language interpreters under a settlement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The settlement followed an investigation by the HHS department’s office for civil rights that concluded the state violated federal discrimination laws by failing to provide interpreters to deaf persons in critical situations, a release said. The release cited child protective services investigations and treatment in state mental health facilities as examples of critical situations.
DCF employs about 14,000 persons statewide to deliver a variety of health and human service programs, including programs and services available to about 3 million deaf or hard-of-hearing residents, the release said.
Among the key provisions of the settlement are requirements that Florida hire an independent consultant to oversee implementation of the settlement’s terms, convene an advisory committee in partnership with the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, establish an interpreter quality assessment and certification program, and designate ADA coordinators and single points of contract in the more than 100 direct service facilities operated by DCF and across the 800 entities that contract with DCF for service.
The Florida Department of Children and Families will provide qualified sign language interpreters under a settlement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The settlement followed an investigation by the HHS department’s office for civil rights that concluded the state violated federal discrimination laws by failing to provide interpreters to deaf persons in critical situations, a release said. The release cited child protective services investigations and treatment in state mental health facilities as examples of critical situations.
DCF employs about 14,000 persons statewide to deliver a variety of health and human service programs, including programs and services available to about 3 million deaf or hard-of-hearing residents, the release said.
Among the key provisions of the settlement are requirements that Florida hire an independent consultant to oversee implementation of the settlement’s terms, convene an advisory committee in partnership with the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, establish an interpreter quality assessment and certification program, and designate ADA coordinators and single points of contract in the more than 100 direct service facilities operated by DCF and across the 800 entities that contract with DCF for service.