As a recipient of federal financial assistance and a State or local government agency, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (MT DES) does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, political belief, genetic information, veteran status, culture, social origin or condition, or ancestry in admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in, its programs, activities, or services, whether carried out by MT DES directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which MT DES arranges to carry out its programs and activities.

This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. §§ 6101 et seq.), Montana Human Rights Act (Title 49, M.C.A.), and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Nondiscrimination (2.21.4005 A.R.M.).

If you have questions regarding this policy or wish to file a complaint alleging violations of this policy, please contact:

Montana Human Rights Bureau
33 S. Last Chance Gulch
P.O. Box 1728
Helena, MT 59624
Phone: (800) 542 – 0807
Phone: (406) 444 – 2884
Fax: (406) 444 – 2798
TTY: (406) 444 – 0532

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Federal Office Building
909 First Avenue, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98104 -1061
Phone: (800) 669 - 4000
Fax: (206) 220 – 6911
TTY: (800)669 – 6820

United States Department of Homeland Security
Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) Compliance Branch
245 Murray Lane, SW
Building 410, Mail Stop #0190
Washington, D.C. 20528
Phone: (202) 401-1474
Phone: 1-866-644-8360
Fax: 202-401-4708
Email: crclcompliance@hq.dhs.gov

Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (MT DES) is committed in providing equal access to employment, programs, services, and activities to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with Title I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), Montana Human Rights Act, and the Governmental Code of Fair Practices.

Employment: MT DES does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in any aspect of employment. MT DES provides reasonable accommodations upon request, to qualified individuals with disabilities during all phases of employment including the selection process. MT DES encourages applicants with disabilities including disabled veterans and their eligible relatives to apply for employment preference in accordance with Title 39, Montana Code Annotated, Chapters 29 and 30.

Effective Communication: MT DES, through the state, may provide requested auxiliary aids and services to promote equally effective communication to qualified individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in programs, services, and activities offered by the division. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services may include, but are not limited to, qualified sign language interpreters, amplified hearing devices, or other methods to promote effective communication. MT DES will provide alternative formats of written communications upon request (e.g., Braille, electronic, audio, etc.).

Modifications to Policies and Procedures: MT DES makes reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in department programs, services, and activities.

Anyone needing an auxiliary aid or service or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a MT DES program, service, or activity should contact the event organizer or the Department of Military Affairs ADA Coordinator at (406) 324-3334 or mtdes@mt.gov. Requests should be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.

MT DES does not place surcharges on individuals with disabilities to offset the cost of providing auxiliary aids, services, or reasonable modifications. For example, MT DES will not charge participants for the services of an interpreter when the participant is attending a program, service, or activity offered by MT DES.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require MT DES to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service, or activity or impose an undue financial or administrative burden on MT DES.