Our vision...
All our access, diversity goals, values, and practices are interconnected and interdependent, and we all share the responsibility for equity and inclusion.
Our mission...
We transform lives by advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion with DSHS employees, customers, communities, and partners.
Our intentions...
Equity - fairness with each other and those we serve.
Diversity - embracing differences in ourselves and others.
Inclusion - cooperation, collaboration and responsibility.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
The Department of Social and Health Services is an agency committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our main goal is to create an environment of mutual respect, equity, and acceptance of persons we serve and with whom we serve. DSHS serves all Washington residents without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, recently separated veterans, or individuals with the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability.*
*WAC 357-01-005 - Affected Groups: "Those groups that must be included in affirmative action plans and updates and who may be beneficiaries of affirmative action programs. Affected groups include: Blacks, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians/Alaska Natives, women, persons age 40 and over, persons with disabilities, Vietnam-era veterans, and disabled veterans. Employers must use the most current federal definitions and categories in their plans and updates."
DSHS Language Access Plan SFY22-24
Language Access Plan SFY22-24 (pdf)
Communication assistance such as interpreters, written information in other languages, and alternate formats (large print, Braille, audio, video, electronic) are available free of charge. Call 800-737-0617 (TRS: 711).
Additional Resources
- African-American Affairs Commission
- Asian-Pacific American Affairs Commission
- Hispanic Affairs Commission
- Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment
- Governor's Office of Indian Affairs
- Human Rights Commission
- Interagency Committee of State Employed Women
- Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises
- Statewide Business Resource Groups
- DSHS Language Testing and Certification
- Find an interpreter or translator for a specific language and location
- Washington State Coalition for Language Access
DSHS Constituent Services:
1-800-737-0617
Box: 45131
Olympia, WA 98504-45131
For Civil Rights Complaints:
Investigations Unit Administrator
Grievance Coordinator for Section 504, Title II and Other Civil Rights Laws
Department of Social and Health Services Human Resources Division Investigations Unit (IU)
PO Box 45830 Olympia WA 98504-5830
VOICE: (360) 725-5821 or 1-800-521-8060
TTY: (360) 586-4289 or 1-800-521-8061
FAX: (360) 586-0500
EMAIL: iraucomplaints@dshs.wa.gov
DSHS Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Staff:
- Theresa Powell, Senior Director of Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion
- Jessica Zinda, Chief Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer
- Nichole Ossa, Chief Proactive Equity, Access Planning and Belonging
- John Scott, Chief Administration Officer
- Ruiqin Miao, Chief Language Equity
- Helen Henera, Program Manager (Language Testing & Certification)
- Kathleen Prieto, Administrative Assistant 5