Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Overviews

Accessibility

Accessible web design benefits both those using assistive technology, as well as others. The SCDNR is making every possible effort to ensure that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained or used by the SCDNR is accessible to people with disabilities, including both our employees and the public that we serve.

The SCDNR has made every effort to ensure that this web site is accessible in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Although we continue to test and modify our web sites for accessibility, there may be some legacy pages or pages developed by third-parties that are not fully compliant with our standards. If you, or someone you know, is not able to access any content on this web site due to a disability, please contact the SCDNR Webmaster.

For further information and to learn more about the Federal regulations governing the accessibility of electronic information products, visit the following sites:

• Accessibility Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
• Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
• Access Board
• Section 508

SCDNR Limited English Proficiency / Title VI Non-discrimination Program

Policy and Assurances

As a recipient of federal funding, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) strives to fully comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Executive Order 13166 was issued in 2000, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency” which set out guidelines for entities receiving federal funds and the requirements related to Title VI. A Limited English Proficient (LEP) person is defined as any person, who does not speak English as their primary language and has a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English and is over the age of 5 years old.

The SCDNR’s goal is to provide equal access to all programs and activities offered by the agency regardless of participants’ proficiency in the English language.

The Title VI Coordinator for SCDNR is:

Alix A. Pedraza, Community Engagement Manager
Office of Media and Outreach
P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (803) 734-9885

The Title VI Coordinator's responsibilities include:

• Annual review and update of LEP/Title VI Plan. The plan will include assisting the agency in ensuring compliance with Title VI.
  • Voluntary compliance efforts to provide limited English proficiency services to customers of SCDNR.
  • Four factor LEP analysis to ensure SCDNR is providing meaningful access to services. This will include:
    • Number and percentage of South Carolina residents that may require LEP services,
    • Frequency of requests and complaints for LEP services, to include language and program,
    • Nature and importance of the services provided by SCDNR, and
    • Reasonable costs and resources available to provide LEP services.
  • Training requirements for licensing and law enforcement personnel to identify customers that may need LEP services, available services, and how to request them.
  • Ensure public notice of LEP procedures are posted in all public service areas of the agency.
• Forward all LEP complaints to SCDNR designee per LEP/Title VI plan.

Complaint Process

Complaints may be filed by anyone that believes they have been discriminated against, harassed or precluded from participation in any SCDNR program based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, low income status or LEP. A written complaint must be filed with the agency within 180 days of the last incident of discrimination. All complaints must include:

• Name and contact information of pursuer
• Date of incident
• Names, titles, and programs that discriminated against the pursuer
• Type and description of discriminating actions
• Names and contact information for any witnesses to the discrimination
• Notification if pursuer has filed a discrimination complaint in the past, as well as acknowledgement of legal representation and/or intention to file legal actions

Any person may file on behalf of the complainant and need not be directly subjected to described discrimination. If filing on someone’s behalf, that person must also include their contact information and relationship to the complainant.

Title VI Complaints should be submitted to: