Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Policy
The Vermont Department of Public Service (Department) operates its programs, services, and activities without discriminating on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical challenge (including those with impaired vision or hearing), membership or non-membership in a union, or any other factor that is prohibited by law. The Department does not tolerate discrimination, intimidation, threats, coercion, or retaliation against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights protected by law.
In addition, the Department follows the State of Vermont’s ADA/ADAAA Grievance Procedure to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Executive Branch of the State of Vermont, because of employment practices and policies, or the provision of services, activities, programs, and benefits.
Further, the Department follows the state of Vermont’s adoption of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and W3C Web Accessibility Initiative standards and procedures to the best of its ability.
Federal Nondiscrimination Law
As a recipient of federal funding, the Department complies with (among others) the following federal nondiscrimination laws:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975
State Nondiscrimination Law
The Department complies with Vermont’s Public Accommodations law and Fair Employment law.
Nondiscrimination in Our Workplace
The Department complies with federal and state prohibitions on workplace discrimination. Workplace discrimination complaints are addressed in Department of Human Resources Personnel Policy Number 3.3. If you are a Department employee and have questions about discrimination, call the Department of Human Resources at 802-828-3491.
Questions or Complaints Regarding Nondiscrimination
If you have any questions about the Department’s nondiscrimination notice or programs, or if you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a Department program or activity, you may contact the Department’s Diversity Officer:
TJ Poor, Director of Efficiency and Energy Resources and Diversity Officer
112 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
tj.poor@vermont.gov
802-828-0544
LANGUAGE SERVICES: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 800-622-4496.