ADA/Section 504 and Civil Rights
Notice of Nondiscrimination in DCH programs, services and activities:
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, and religion.
Read our full Notice of ADA/Section 504 Rights and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Notice of Nondiscrimination, below:
Notice
of ADA/Section 504 Rights English standard print format
Notice
of ADA/Section 504 Rights English large print format
Adviso
de derechos de la Lay ADA/Sección 504 Español
Adviso
de derechos de la Lay ADA/Seccion 504 Espanol letra grande
Customers with Disabilities: Requesting a Reasonable Modification and Communication Assistance
Qualified individuals with a disability have a right to request and DCH must provide Reasonable Modifications when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination based on disability. For example, we may change policies, practices, or procedures to provide equal access. Examples of Reasonable Modifications may include but are not limited to face-to-face interviews and telephonic signatures (if applicable). To ensure equally effective communication, we provide persons with disabilities or their companions with disabilities communication assistance, such as sign language interpreters. Our help is free. DCH is not required to make any modification that would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens.
Learn more about how to request a Reasonable Modification and Communication Assistance.
To print a Reasonable Modification or Communication Assistance form, click an option below:
Reasonable
Modification or Communication Assistance English standard print format
Reasonable
Modification or Communication Assistance English large print format
Requests for Reasonable Modification and Communication Assistance can be emailed to [email protected].
All eligibility workers have the responsibility and authority to offer, grant, and implement necessary reasonable modifications to customers with disabilities if they can be readily provided. Common examples of reasonable modifications and communication assistance but not all, include:
- Help filling out and explaining applications and re-certification forms for benefits,
- Help gathering documents required by the program to support initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits, and
- Providing notices, applications, re-certifications, and other program materials in alternate formats (e.g., Braille, data format, audio CD, large print, etc.), to customers with visual or hearing impairments.
Considerations of and decisions concerning a customer’s request for reasonable modification may incorporate the following factors, assessed cooperatively with the customer:
- How the disability limits the customer’s ability to comply with program eligibility procedures,
- Reasonable modification options that address those limitations, and
- The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed options.
Provisions of reasonable modifications are based on a fact-specific inquiry that is to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Once your Request for Reasonable Modification and Communication Assistance is received, it is reviewed by a staff member. If a staff member has questions or if the requested Reasonable Modification or Communication Assistance needs further explanation or clarification, the staff member will contact you using the information you provided.
Language Assistance
If you need help communicating with us in a language other than English, ask us or call (404) 656-4496. Our services, including interpreters, are free. If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking, you can call us at the number above by dialing 711 (Georgia Relay).
Additional Links
For a complete list of DCH ADA/Section 504 District and Regional Coordinators,
click
here
.
To request an alternate format other than large print, contact your caseworker or complete a
Reasonable
Modification and Communication Assistance Request Form
(
English
large print
,
Español
,
Español
letra grande
).
DCH Discrimination Compliant Procedures & Forms
Civil
Rights Complaint Process
FAQs
General Questions:
What kinds of Reasonable Modifications may be provided for help accessing programs and services?
Preference will be given to your request that you identify to help you access the services. Below are some (but not all) examples:
- Of you have an intellectual disability and you need help understanding forms that need to be completed to determine eligibility for benefits, our staff can provide help.
- If you have a disability that limits your ability to complete the forms that determine eligibility, we can assist with that.
- If you have ADHD and need a reminder of an upcoming appointment, we can provide that.
- If you need communication assistance and request application forms and other vital documents in alternative formats, such as Braille, we can provide that.
- If you are Deaf and need a sign language interpreter, we will provide one.
Reasonable Modifications are not the same as the programs for which you might apply. For example, asking for Medicaid itself is not considered a Reasonable Modification, but any aid or service that would allow you to participate in the Medicaid eligibility process may be considered a Reasonable Modification.
Questions specific to Medical Assistance:
Can I deduct shelter expenses from my income to qualify for Medicaid?
There are several medical assistance programs in Georgia. Available deductions depend upon the type of medical assistance program for which you apply.
Can I deduct medical expenses to qualify for Medicaid?
There are several medical assistance programs in Georgia. Available deductions depend upon the type of medical assistance program for which you apply.
What Medicaid services or benefits would my disability exclude me from receiving or participating in?
None. Your disability will not exclude you from receiving or participating in a Medicaid class of assistance.
Are reasonable modifications for my disability extended from third party entities of the state as it relates to Medicaid?
Yes. Any third-party entities involved in an interaction with the customer have guidelines set to address Reasonable Modifications. A common entity that may require contact with the customer is the care management organization (CMO) that partners with Medicaid and coordinates care services for certain Medical Assistance programs. These CMOs include WellCare, Amerigroup, CareSource, and Peach State Health. Modifications for customers, upon request to the CMO, may include TTY/TDY services for phone calls, language assistance, large print, Braille, audio assistance---please call your CMO Member Services phone number to inquire.