Your rights under Title VI and Section 504 Requirements

Client Grievance Policy and Procedures

It is the policy of the BiGAUSTIN to provide all clients and those seeking services with a copy of the Client Grievance Policy and Procedures and an opportunity to file a grievance.   If you choose to file a grievance, you are assured that no adverse repercussions will occur to you in any future interaction with the Business Investment Growth (BiGAUSTIN).  A grievance may be filed for the following reasons:

  • You feel that you were improperly denied services

  • You feel that the services were not effective

You, or someone you ask to help you, should put your grievance in writing and submit it on a Client Grievance Form, which you may request by calling BiGAUSTIN.  An exception would be in Step 1 should you choose to discuss the complaint with the Executive Director.  If you are unable to write the complaint yourself and cannot find anyone to help you, you may submit it orally or ask BIGAUSTIN to provide you assistance in submitting your complaint.  If you choose not to use the Grievance Form, please make sure that you have included the same information that is asked for on the form.  All timelines may be extended by mutual agreement.  To file a complaint with BiGAUSTIN, please follow the steps below:

Step 1  As soon as possible following the event with which you disagree, you may contact the Executive Director to discuss your complaint with him or her, or put your complaint in writing and direct it to his or her attention.  The Executive Director has up to 30 days, from the time BIGAUSTIN receives your complaint, in which to provide you a written decision.  If you were denied services based on the merits of your case, the Executive Director's decision shall be final.  If you were denied services for another reason, you may proceed to Step 2.

Step 2  If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Executive Director, and you want that decision reviewed, you must within 15 days request a paper review of the Executive Director's decision by the Grievance Committee of the Board of Directors or request a meeting in person.  The request shall be submitted to the Executive Director who will forward it to the President of the Board of Directors.  The President of the Board will appoint a Grievance Committee to review your complaint.  The decision of the Executive Director will be overturned only upon a showing that there was an abuse of discretion.  The President of the Board of Directors shall send the decision of the Grievance Committee to you in writing as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after BIGAUSTIN receives your request for a review.  The decision shall be final.

The Executive Director shall submit reports to the Board of Directors regarding grievances handled in Step 1, at least three times per year.

Your Rights Under Title VI and Section 504

BiGAUSTIN complies with federal civil rights laws to ensure equal access to our programs and services.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination is also prohibited when federal funds are used for employment purposes or when hiring practices impact service delivery.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs and activities. This includes ensuring that individuals with disabilities who can perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, are not subject to employment discrimination.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe you have been discriminated against in a federally funded program or activity, you may file a complaint with the federal agency providing the funding. Complaints can also be submitted to:

Department of the Treasury – Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity (OCR/EEO)
1500 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220
crcomplaints@treasury.gov

BiGAUSTIN Non-Discrimination Policy

BiGAUSTIN does not discriminate in the delivery of its services, programs, or resources. All clients are treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of:
✔ Race
✔ Color
✔ Religion
✔ Sex
✔ National origin
✔ Disability
✔ Age
✔ Income level
✔ Housing status

Accessibility & Accommodations

BiGAUSTIN ensures that its services are accessible to all clients and provides reasonable accommodations upon request, such as:
🔹 Assistive technologies for visually impaired clients
🔹 Sign language interpreters or captioning services for deaf or hard-of-hearing clients
🔹 Alternative formats or modifications to ensure accessibility

For accommodation requests, please contact:
📞 512-928-8010
📧 info@bigaustin.org

Client Responsibilities

To maintain a professional and respectful environment, clients are expected to:
✅ Treat BiGAUSTIN staff and other clients with courtesy
✅ Avoid discriminatory, harassing, or disruptive behavior

Reporting Concerns

BiGAUSTIN takes all reports of discrimination and accessibility concerns seriously. Clients are encouraged to report any concerns to our staff or through designated reporting channels. All reports will be handled promptly and confidentially.

By upholding these policies, BiGAUSTIN ensures a fair and accessible environment for all clients.