DPSS ePolicy

To release a new policy.

This is to provide staff with instructions for utilizing American Sign Language (ASL) Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services to assist customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

In accordance with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Division 21 regulations, the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) must make every effort to provide all persons with meaningful access to its programs and services.  DPSS provides free interpreter services to customers upon their request, including ASL VRI for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. DPSS employees or other non DPSS contractors should not serve as ASL interpreters; even those who are ASL certified.

It is essential to ensure accurate and effective communication with customers who are deaf or hard of hearing through an ASL interpreter.  ASL VRI services are provided by a County contracted ASL VRI services vendor and are  coordinated by the Civil Rights Section (CRS).

Effective immediately, DPSS will offer customers who are deaf or hard of hearing and visit a DPSS office or during a home visit, access to ASL VRI services on demand in coordination with the CRS. In-person ASL interpreter services  continue to be available to customers who prefer this method of communication.  Additionally, California (CA) Relay should be offered to customers to communicate via telephone.

As stated in the Americans With Disabilities Act Title II Accommodations Policy, DPSS must provide auxiliary aids and services to customers with disabilities when necessary to communicate effectively.  Auxiliary aids and services must be  provided in a timely manner.  Staff must give primary consideration to a customer’s preferred accommodation request when evaluating the auxiliary aids or services needed.  DPSS has a variety of reasonable accommodation options and auxiliary aids to assist customers with disabilities.

All Program applications inform customers of their right to free interpreter services and customers may select their preferred spoken and written language.  In addition, Program applications allow customers to disclose if they have a disability.

ASL VRI requires DPSS staff and customers to be in-person at the same location only at a DPSS office or during a home visit. 

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