Your Rights

Language access

The DHS website uses Google Translate language translation service. Vital documents have been previously translated into safe harbor languages in accordance with federal law. Google Translate is a free translation service that provides instant translations between different languages. DHS does not provide endorsement of Google Translate nor is DHS responsible for the accuracy of language translation. DHS is not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate translations. DHS will not be held responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using Google Translate. Some files and other items cannot be translated including but not limited to graphical buttons, embedded content, and images. No automated or computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace human or traditional translation methods. Anyone with questions about a translation or considering taking any action in reliance upon the translation, should consult a human or traditional translation method. Language assistance services are available to you, free of charge. If you need assistance with health care and/or nutritional assistance benefit programs, language services are available to you through your local agency or by calling ForwardHealth Member Services at 800-362-3002. For other DHS-related questions, call 844-201-6870 (TTY: 711) and the DHS Civil Rights Coordinator will connect you to an interpreter and guide you to the appropriate area for assistance. Questions related to language access can also be sent to us at DHSLEP@wisconsin.gov.

Nondiscrimination notice for health care-related programs: Discrimination is against the law

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. The Department of Health Services does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

The Department of Health Services:

Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with DHS, such as:
- Qualified sign language interpreters
- Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)
Provides free language services to help people communicate with DHS, such as:
- Qualified interpreters
- Information written in other languages

If you need these services and have questions about health care and/or nutritional assistance benefit programs, call your local agency or ForwardHealth Member Services at 800-362-3002. For other DHS-related questions, call 844-201-6870 (TTY:711) and the DHS Civil Rights Coordinator will guide you to the appropriate area for assistance.

If you believe that the Department of Health Services has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, you can file a grievance with: Department of Health Services, Attn: Civil Rights Coordinator, 1 West Wilson Street, Room 651, PO Box 7850, Madison, WI 53707-7850, 608-267-4955, TTY: 711, Fax: 608-267-1434, dhscrc@dhs.wisconsin.gov. You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, the Department of Health Services civil rights coordinator is available to help you.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf, or by mail or phone at:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)

Complaint forms are available at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.

USDA nondiscrimination statement for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)(FoodShare) and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must 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. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

1. mail:

Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or

2. fax:

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

3. email:

fnscivilrightscomplaints@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

USDA nondiscrimination statement for all other Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) assistance programs

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers 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.