What is a grievance?
At Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC), a grievance is a formal complaint about our services.
A grievance is not a way to request legal help, make a general complaint, or disagree. It is a formal process used only after other steps did not resolve the issue (see “before you file a grievance,” below), and you believe that:
- DRNC did not assist you, or
- DRNC did not provide appropriate services.
If you want legal help from DRNC, please use our intake process.
Before you file a grievance
DRNC will not accept a grievance unless you first complete the intake process and tell the DRNC staff member you were working with about your concerns. You can ask to talk to the person’s supervisor if your concern is not resolved. Most issues can be addressed through these conversations without the need for a formal grievance procedure.
Case acceptance decisions
DRNC receives many more requests for help than we can accept. Every request is reviewed carefully to see if it matches our advocacy targets (priorities), available funding, staff expertise, legal authority, and current capacity.
DRNC is not staffed to be an emergency service.
DRNC receives many requests for help that fall outside our mission or areas of legal practice. Whenever possible, we provide information, self-advocacy advice and materials, or referrals to other organizations and community resources in these situations.
If DRNC does not agree to help you, it does not always mean you do not have a legal claim. The decision may be based on limited staff capacity, funding restrictions, DRNC case priorities, or the matter may fall outside our areas of practice and expertise.
Formal Grievance Procedure
If direct communication with the staff member and/or their supervisor does not resolve your concern, you may submit a formal grievance by completing the form below within 30 days of the action or decision you are challenging.
DRNC’s CEO will review your grievance and any relevant records and investigate your concerns. The CEO will provide a written decision within 30 days of receiving your grievance.
If you disagree with the CEO’s decision
If you disagree with the CEO’s decision, you may file an appeal with the Executive Committee of the DRNC Board of Directors within 15 days of receiving the CEO’s decision, using the same grievance form. Please note on the form that you are filing an appeal.
A member of the Executive Committee will review the grievance, the CEO’s decision, and any supporting information. A written response will be provided within 30 days after your appeal is received. This decision is final. Repeat grievances on the same matter will not be considered.
Accessibility
DRNC will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the grievance process upon request and/or provide an alternative process for people who lack internet access, a device, or an email address. DRNC’s business number is 919-856-2195.