It is the policy of HCD not to discriminate on the basis of disability. HCD has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794). Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Law and Regulations may be examined in the office of HCD’s Section 504 Coordinator, who has been designated to coordinate HCD’s efforts to comply with Section 504.
Section 504 Coordinator
Contact: Jenny Geminder, Section 504 Coordinator
Email: EEO@hcd.ca.gov
Address: 651 Bannon Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95811
Tel: (916) 263-3635
Fax: (916) 263-4698
Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for HCD to retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance.
Section 504 Grievance Procedure
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of complaint, the 504 Coordinator or designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the meeting the 504 Coordinator or designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complaint, such as large print, Braille, or audio recording. The response will explain the position of the HCD and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.
If the response by the 504 Coordinator or designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to the HCD's Chief Deputy Director or designee.
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the HCD's Chief Deputy Director or designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the HCD's Chief Deputy Director or designee will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to t he complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint.
All written complaints received by the 504 Coordinator or designee, appeals to the HCD's Chief Deputy Director or designee, and responses from these two offices will be retained by the HCD for at least three years.
HCD will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing audio recordings of material for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Section 504 Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.