Nydia M. Velazquez: “a complaint was filed with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) because of…”

“a complaint was filed with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) because of discriminatory practices against limited English speaking persons as well as hearing impaired clients who applied for TANF and Medicaid benefits. In October 1999, the Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) found the New York City Human Resources Administration, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties guilty of discriminatory practices against limited English speaking and hearing-impaired persons. These local, county, and state entities were found in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act as well as the Americans With Disabilities Act. Those who already are challenged with navigating a massive bureaucracy should not have to be penalized further because they do not speak the language and dared to ask for help. This is appalling. The Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services came to some very troubling revelations. Limited English-speaking clients were asked to bring their own language interpreters.”