USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclosure
We are an equal opportunity employer that practices Native employment preference where practicable. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
Title VI Civil Rights Act Statement
No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Click for more information about Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Section 504 Compliance Statement
The Sequoyah Fund, Inc. is dedicated to ensuring equal access and opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, we adhere to the requirements outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The Sequoyah Fund, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have full and equal enjoyment of our offerings.
Commitment to Compliance:
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We recognize the importance of complying with Section 504 and strive to eliminate barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from participating in our programs and services.
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Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure compliance with Section 504 and to promote accessibility for all individuals.
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We provide ongoing training to our staff to foster awareness and understanding of disability rights and accommodations.
Contact Information: If you require assistance or accommodations to access our programs or services, please contact Russ Seagle, CEO at 828-359-5001 or russseagle@sequoyahfund.org.
The Sequoyhah Fund, Inc. is committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of our operations. We value diversity and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to participate fully.
To file a program discrimination complaint, send it to: Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20220.
Additional Resources:
For more information, please visit the U.S Department of the Treasury website.
Language Assistance Plan (LAP)
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Introduction
Sequoyah Fund’s Language Assistance Plan (LAP) is designed to ensure meaningful access to our programs and services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). We are committed to complying with the Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance on LEP services and the U.S. Treasury Language Access Guidance.
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Needs Assessment
Based on current demographics and our 26-year history of service, LEP needs in our service area appear minimal. The primary language spoken is English by approximately 96% of the population as demonstrated in the table below. However, we recognize that demographics can shift, and we are committed to conducting periodic needs assessments (every 2-3 years) to stay updated on any potential changes. This may include reviewing new demographic data or conducting outreach to local community organizations serving LEP populations. We acknowledge the presence and resurgence of the Cherokee language in our service area, though it is not currently the primary language for our population.
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LEP Services
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Interpretation: Qualified interpreters will be available upon request for in-person meetings and conferences. We will explore the feasibility of providing telephone interpretation services to further enhance accessibility.
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Translation: While there haven't been requests for translated documents, we will translate vital documents (applications, notices) into any language identified as a potential need during future needs assessments.
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Training: Necessary accommodations to provide proper services to LEP individuals include staff training that encompasses:
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The LAP.
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Who to contact for language assistance.
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Identifying language needs of LEP persons.
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Location of documents available in other languages.
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How to effectively communicate with LEP individuals.
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Tracking the use of language assistance services.
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Bilingual staff will be periodically assessed and trained in correct interpreting and translation techniques, specialized terminology, ethics, and other topics, as necessary.
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Communication
We are committed to informing LEP individuals of their right to access language assistance services. We will develop and implement strategies such as:
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Including a brief statement on our website and brochures mentioning the availability of language assistance upon request.
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Multilingual signage may be considered if future needs assessments identify a specific language group.
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Written language policy, that is available to the public.
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Monitoring and Evaluation
We will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our LAP on an annual basis. This will include:
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Tracking any requests for LEP services and the language assistance provided.
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Reviewing and updating the LAP as needed based on the periodic needs assessments to ensure its continued effectiveness.
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Resources
We will allocate resources to implement this LAP effectively. Resource allocation will be based on identified LEP needs through our periodic assessments.
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Contact Information