Accessibility Policy
Web Accessibility
The Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) is committed to making its Website accessible to all users to the greatest extent possible. Information on the OIEC Website has been formatted to accommodate browser software for the visually impaired wherever possible. Publications to the Website are generally available in hypertext markup language (html) with alt tags provided to describe images on the site.
Some information on this site may be in the form of Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF) documents. To view PDF documents on our Websites, you will need Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or above. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, please go to www.adobe.com and follow the instructions to download the free software. To convert a PDF file to an HTML accessible form go to http://access.adobe.com/simple_form.html for assistance. You may also refer to Adobe's website for information regarding additional tools to allow access to PDF files for the visually impaired.
If you use assistive technology and the format of any material on OIEC's Website interferes with your ability to access the information, please use the following point of contact for assistance. To enable us to respond in a manner most helpful to you, please indicate the nature of your accessibility problem, the preferred format in which to receive the material, the Web address of the requested material, and your contact information. The primary contact for OIEC's Customer Services:
Voice: 1-866-EZE-OIEC (1-866-393-6432)Fax: 1-512-804-4181
Email: OIECInbox@oiec.texas.gov
Interpreter Services
To speak to someone in Spanish, you may use the toll-free number 1-866-EZE-OIEC (1-866-393-6432). You will be connected with someone in an OIEC customer service location who speaks Spanish. You may also contact the Field Office nearest you. OIEC provides interpreter services for additional languages either by a state employee or a private provider. To request interpreter services, contact the Division of Workers' Compensation Customer Services at 512-804-4636 or Customer Service at 1-800-372-7713.
There is also a feature on the OIEC Internet that will translate the OIEC HTML web pages into other languages including: Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, Greek, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
At the top of the OIEC internet pages, in the upper right hand corner is a link that says "Translate Page." This will bring the user to the bottom of the page where they can select the language they wish to use and then translate the page.
Access Plan for Non-English Speakers
Pursuant to Texas Labor Code §404.005(a), the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) shall prepare and maintain a written plan that describes how a person who does not speak English can be provided reasonable access to OIEC's programs. This report summarizes OIEC's efforts to ensure access by members of the non-English speaking public.
OIEC is responsible for assisting unrepresented injured employees in Texas. OIEC provides outreach and information materials for injured employees and employers. All literature and materials are available in Spanish and other languages, such as Chinese (Cantonese), Vietnamese, Laotian, and Korean, upon request.
Other resources are also available to members of the non-English speaking public. OIEC's toll-free number (1-866-EZE-OIEC • 1-866-393-6432) provides assistance to callers in both English and Spanish. Also, OIEC's website ( www.oiec.texas.gov) may be used as a helpful resource. There is also a feature on the OIEC Internet that will translate the OIEC HTML web pages into other languages including: Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, Greek, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. At the top of the OIEC internet pages, in the upper right hand corner is a link that says "Translate Page." This will bring the user to the bottom of the page where they can select the language they wish to use and then translate the page.
OIEC has 22 field offices and four satellite offices throughout the State to service the needs of injured employees. Nearly all of these offices have OIEC staff that is able to provide personal assistance in Spanish. Over 60% of the Ombudsman Program employees and 50% of the Customer Service employees speak Spanish and are available to assist non-English speaking customers.
OIEC provides interpreter services for non-English speakers through a state employee or a private provider. To request interpreter services, contact the Division of Workers' Compensation Customer Services at (512) 804-4636 or 1-800-372-7713. Interpreter services are also available for injured employees in various stages of the workers' compensation dispute resolution process. Description of OIEC's other services may be found in the agency's Compact with Texans.
OIEC is in compliance with Texas Labor Code §404.005(a) and is committed to making information and services available to Texans who speak languages other than English. Further, OIEC is committed to continue efforts to improve and expand its offerings to non-English speakers in the State.
Physical Access
All OIEC facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. To request special assistance, please contact the Field Office you will be visiting or contact OIEC Customer Service at 1-866-EZE-OIEC (393-6432).
Comments
The Office of Injured Employee Counsel welcomes comments on how to improve the Websites' accessibility for users with disabilities. If you have any questions about this information, or about this website, you can contact us at the OIEC Customer Service:
OIECInbox@oiec.texas.gov
Office of Injured Employee Counsel
7551 Metro Center Drive, Suite 100, Mail Stop 50
Austin, Texas 78744-1609
Additional information about accessibility programs in Texas is available from the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.