Ensuring Quality Care Programs: Understanding Your Rights Under USDA Non-Discrimination Policies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is dedicated to providing Quality Care Programs and services to everyone, ensuring equal access and opportunity. In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, discrimination is strictly prohibited within any USDA program or activity. This commitment ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background, receive the quality care and support they deserve.

The USDA prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This comprehensive policy reflects the USDA’s dedication to fostering inclusive and accessible quality care programs for all members of the community. This commitment to non-discrimination is a cornerstone of our quality care program framework, ensuring fairness and equity in all our services.

To ensure that program information is accessible to everyone, the USDA provides resources in multiple formats. Individuals who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language (ASL), etc.) should contact the agency responsible for administering the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. This proactive approach to accessibility underscores the USDA’s commitment to quality care programs that are truly available to all, regardless of disability or communication needs.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint Regarding Quality Care Programs

If you believe you have been discriminated against in a USDA program or activity, you have the right to file a complaint. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form AD-3027, which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027s.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA.

The complaint letter should contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation.

Submit your completed AD-3027 form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

(2) Fax:

(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

(3) Email:

[email protected]

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender, dedicated to ensuring quality care programs are delivered without discrimination. This commitment to equal opportunity is fundamental to our mission of providing accessible and high-quality services to all communities.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *