By Nicole Tiggemann
Special to The SUN
June 27 is Helen Keller Day, a commemorative holiday established by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 on her 100th birthday. The first deaf and blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree, Keller was a world-famous speaker, author and advocate for people with disabilities. She undoubtedly would have appreciated all that Social Security does for the disabled community and their families.
Not only does Social Security provide disability benefits for people who qualify, but we make great efforts to communicate with people in alternative formats to make our resources and services accessible to everybody. We are committed to providing world-class customer service to everyone we serve.
We are pleased to build on this commitment with the introduction of our new Center for Section 504 Compliance. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits federal agencies and programs that receive federal funding from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The 504 Center provides guidance to Social Security offices nationwide to ensure that our customers with disabilities have meaningful access when conducting business with us.
The 504 Center’s toll-free number is (844) 881-9061 and its business hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).
In addition, we offer our publications and notices in alternative formats for those who request them. The most popular ways for the public to read our publications are by PDF and streaming audio file at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. However, the public also can request our publications in Braille, audio cassette tape, audio CD or enlarged print at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/alt-pubs.html.
Find out more by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/accessibility/504_overview.html.
