NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
We comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate, exclude, or deny benefits to any person based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or limited English proficiency in the admission to, participation in, or receipt of services and benefits under any of our programs and activities, or in employment. This policy is per Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, as implemented in 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 91, and 92.
We ensure that appropriate auxiliary aids and services are available at no cost to individuals with disabilities to support effective communication, including for those with vision, hearing, or speech impairments. We also provide free language assistance services—such as qualified interpreters and translated materials—to individuals with limited English proficiency to ensure meaningful access to our services.
For questions about this policy, to request auxiliary aids or interpreter services, or to report a concern, please contact the Chief Operating Officer at 662-892-2660 or operations@psychosocial-solutions.com.
Procedure for Communicating Information to Persons with Sensory Impairments
We are committed to ensuring that all individuals, including those with sensory or speech impairments, receive effective communication regarding services, benefits, and their rights. All communication aids and services described below are provided at no cost to the person being served.
For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who use sign language as their primary mode of communication, we will arrange for a qualified sign language interpreter. Our designated staff member will maintain a list of approved interpreter services and is authorized to coordinate interpreter scheduling. In situations where no interpreters are available locally or when interpreters cannot be secured within a reasonable timeframe, the use of telephonic or video remote interpreting services may be utilized. Family members or friends will not be used as interpreters unless the client, after being informed of the availability of free, qualified interpreter services, voluntarily chooses to use them. This choice will be documented in the record.
For individuals who are blind or have low vision, key written information—such as consent forms, program descriptions, rights information, and financial agreements—will be communicated by trained staff reading the content aloud. Upon request, large-print, audio-recorded, or braille formats will be made available. Staff are trained to ask individuals their preferred method of communication and to respond accordingly.
For individuals with speech impairments, staff will offer alternative communication methods such as written notes, digital typing devices, or communication apps. Staff are trained to be patient, maintain eye contact, and confirm understanding without making assumptions about cognitive ability.
Requests for these aids can be made at any time by informing a staff member or by contacting the Chief Operating Officer at 662-892-2660 or operations@psychosocial-solutions.com.
Procedure for Communication with Persons of Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
It is our policy to provide meaningful access to services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). We do not discriminate based on national origin and ensure that all LEP individuals can access, participate in, and benefit from our services through free, competent language assistance services.
1. Designation of LEP Coordinator
The responsibility for coordinating language access services is assigned to our practice manager. She is responsible for ensuring that effective LEP communication procedures are implemented, updated, and followed. She can be reached at 662-892-2660 or admin@psychosocial-solutions.com.
2. Identification of LEP Individuals
Upon intake or initial contact, staff members will assess whether an individual has limited English proficiency by asking: “What is your preferred language for receiving services?” If an individual appears to have difficulty understanding or communicating in English, staff will not rely on assumptions and will offer language assistance.
3. Notification of Free Language Services
All LEP individuals will be informed both verbally and in writing that free language assistance services are available.
4. Provision of Interpreters
A list of qualified bilingual staff, external interpreter services, and telephonic/video interpreting providers is maintained and accessible to front-line staff. Interpreters will be provided in person or via phone/video conferencing, depending on the situation and availability. Interpreter services are provided at no cost to the client.
5. Use of Family or Friends as Interpreters
Family members or friends will not be used as interpreters unless the client has been informed of the availability of a qualified interpreter at no cost and has voluntarily chosen to use a friend or family member. In such cases, staff will document the client’s informed decision in the clinical record. Children under the age of 18 will not be used as interpreters under any circumstances.
6. Translation of Written Materials
Vital documents, including but not limited to consent forms, financial agreements, treatment descriptions, and grievance procedures, will be translated into any language spoken by at least 5% of the eligible service population or 1,000 individuals (whichever is less). If written translations are not available, the documents will be explained verbally by a qualified interpreter or bilingual staff member.
Procedure for Communication with Persons of Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
7. Staff Training
All staff members receive initial and annual training on identifying LEP individuals and accessing language services. Training covers how to use interpreter services, cultural sensitivity, and the obligation to provide meaningful access under Title VI and Section 1557.
8. Documentation
Each client record will document whether the individual has LEP, what language assistance was provided, and whether they declined a qualified interpreter. Interpreter name, language spoken, and method of interpretation (in-person, phone, video) will also be noted.
9. Monitoring and Review
The Civil Rights Coordinator will review LEP service usage at least annually to assess whether current procedures are effective and if additional languages or materials need to be added. Feedback from clients and staff will be used to improve services.
10. Complaint Process
If an LEP individual believes that they were denied access to language assistance services, they may file a grievance. Complaints should be directed to the contact listed above. All complaints will be handled promptly per our civil rights grievance procedures.
Section 504 Notice of Program Accessibility
Per Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (45 C.F.R. § 84.22), we affirm that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity we operate.
All of our programs, services, and facilities are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including those with visual, hearing, mobility, and speech impairments. Accessibility features include, but are not limited to:
· Designated accessible parking spaces
· Curb cuts and ramps between parking areas and facility entrances
· Level access or elevator access to all service areas
· Fully accessible entrances, reception areas, group rooms, therapy offices, restrooms, and meeting spaces
We also provide a range of auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with individuals who have disabilities. These aids include large print materials, written communication aids, readers, and other methods of making orally delivered information available to individuals with hearing or visual impairments. These services are provided at no cost to the individual.
If you require any of the accommodations or aids described above, please notify a staff member or the practice manager on site.