The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) maintains policies that guide the delivery of its programs, services, and digital content in accordance with federal and state requirements. These policies describe VDSS's commitments to civil rights protections, disability access and accommodations, and responsible use of agency websites and digital resources. Together, they support equitable access, transparency, and compliance while ensuring that information and services are provided in a consistent and accountable manner.
Digital Accessibility Policy
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is committed to providing accessible digital content and services to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. VDSS follows Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and continues to improve accessibility across its websites and digital services.
Information about VDSS's accessibility goals and ongoing efforts is available in the Digital Accessibility Plan.
If you need an accommodation or experience difficulty accessing content, please submit a request by emailing LanguageAndDisabilityAccess@dss.virginia.gov. A response will be provided within three business days.
Civil Rights Policy
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and local social services offices, in accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or political beliefs. The VDSS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) works to ensure civil rights by:
- Upholding equal access and opportunity to participate in social service programs
- Investigating allegations of discrimination
- Conducting compliance reviews of local socials service offices
- Providing guidelines and resources to both the general public and to VDSS local offices
Guidance & Procedures
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- How to File a Civil Rights Complaint for Health and Human Services (Web page)
- How to File a Program Complaint with the USDA (Web page)
- Legal Authorities (PDF)
- Nondiscrimination Statement (Web page)
Forms
- Office of Civil Rights Complaint Portal (Web page)
- Program Complaint Form (English) (PDF)
- Program Complaint Form (Spanish) (PDF)
Web Policy
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Web Policy outlines the standards and requirements governing the use of VDSS websites and digital content. It defines expectations related to acceptable use, content accuracy, privacy, security, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This policy helps ensure that VDSS web resources are managed responsibly and consistently across the agency. For complete details, please review the VDSS Web Policy.
