As the world progresses to embrace diversity, language access has become essential for effective communication across different native languages. With approximately 25 million people in the U.S. facing limited English proficiency and 30 million individuals experiencing hearing loss in both ears, it’s crucial to understand the laws and services that support these communities. This guide will explore language access provisions and their importance, particularly for limited-English proficient (LEP) individuals and those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HoH).
What is Language Access?
Language access as a general principle refers to the ability of individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) or those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) to access information, services, and opportunities in their preferred language or mode of communication.
In the US, language access is tied directly to federal and state laws that require publicly funded services to provide interpreting and translation services to overcome communication barriers based on language.
Language Access Laws
The several key provisions that protect and promote language access in the United States include:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This civil rights act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, requiring that individuals with LEP have meaningful access to federally funded programs and services.
Executive Order 13166
The Executive Order 13166 directs federal agencies to provide LEP individuals with access to services, further reinforcing Title VI.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, have access to effective communication, including sign language interpreters and auxiliary aids.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The ACA expands on Title VI by mandating that healthcare providers and insurers offer language assistance services to LEP individuals.
New Section 1557 Ruling
This section of the Affordable Care Act specifically addresses nondiscrimination in healthcare settings—reinforcing the requirement for healthcare providers to offer meaningful language access to LEP individuals. The new ruling strengthens protections through stricter mandates that healthcare facilities (including smaller healthcare clinics and providers) provide qualified interpreters, translated materials, and clear notice of the availability of language services. This greatly increases the number of healthcare encounters where patients should have access to professional translation and interpreting services at no cost.
These laws ensure that language barriers do not prevent individuals from receiving essential services. For more recent updates on recent updates on the new Section 1557 ruling, access our New Section 1557 Ruling: Are You Compliant? webinar recording.
Language access laws apply to various entities, ensuring that diverse populations can access the services they need. These include:
- Federal agencies
- State and local government agencies
- In some cases, private businesses
- Recipients of federal funding (e.g., hospitals, courts, schools, social service agencies, among others)
Discover how healthcare professionals are meeting compliance and inclusivity requirements with technology. Get our Healthcare Interpretation Priorities Report to learn more.
What are Language Access Plans?
A Language Access Plan (LAP) outlines how an organization will offer language assistance services to LEP and D/HoH individuals. This document typically includes:
- A needs assessment of the population served
- Services offered (interpretation, translation, bilingual staff)
- Staff training on language access policies and procedures
- Evaluation methods for monitoring the plan’s effectiveness
An effective LAP ensures organizations remain compliant with legal requirements and effectively serve diverse communities.
How to Create a Language Access Plan
Creating an effective Language Access Plan involves several key steps:
- Assess the language needs of the population you serve. Determine which languages are most spoken by your clients.
- Identify language assistance measures such as interpretation services (in-person, video, or phone) and translation of critical documents.
- Train staff on language access policies and the proper procedures to ensure seamless implementation.
- Provide notice to clients that language services are available.
- Monitor and update the plan regularly to reflect changing needs and ensure compliance.
A well-executed LAP ensures that every individual has equal access to your organization’s services.
Statistics from the US Statistics Bureau
Language Access Services
There are various services available to support language access, including:
Interpretation
Offered through multiple modalities such as on-site, video remote interpreting (VRI), and over-the-phone interpreting (OPI).
Translation
Vital documents are translated into the necessary languages to ensure all individuals can understand essential information.
Bilingual Staff
Hiring bilingual staff ensures that organizations have in-house capabilities to assist LEP and D/HoH individuals. However, it’s important to remember that bilingual staff who also serve as interpreters and translators must meet the same competency standards as professional interpreters when communicating in another language.
Multilingual Signage and Resources
Providing accessible and multilingual signage is essential for ensuring that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) or those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) can navigate facilities independently. According to ADA standards, signage must be clear, concise, and placed in prominent locations. For signs providing safety or directional information, translations should be in the primary languages spoken by your community to enhance accessibility.
Discover how language access services like on-demand interpreting can help your organization.
Why Language Access is Important
Language access is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a matter of equality, equity, and social responsibility. Providing language services ensures that individuals have equal access to vital information, healthcare, and other essential services. Imagine a Haitian patient being able to fully understand how to take his heart medication, or a D/Hoh individual successfully receiving the housing benefits she’s eligible for. When services are truly accessible, they have the power to improve lives and ensure successful outcomes for all. Language access is about enhancing lives, not just fulfilling a legal obligation.
As an actual example, Catholic Charities of Louisville has helped their community make significant strides in becoming a welcoming city by incorporating technology to address language access needs. They are able to handle over 1,000 appointments monthly in 30 languages, providing fit-to-client language solutions for both onsite and virtual appointments. This initiative has fostered a more inclusive community where new residents feel heard and supported.
Learn more about how Catholic Charities of Louisville meets the growing demand for language services. Download the full case study today.
What’s Next for Language Access?
As technology evolves, AI-powered solutions are playing a larger role in expanding language access. While human interpreters remain essential for compliance in regulated industries, especially during patient interactions, AI tools can enhance accessibility by offering real-time captioning and automated translation for tasks like intake, scheduling, and outreach. By supporting human interpreters, AI can help organizations enhance communication for LEP individuals, promoting efficiency and continuity without losing sight of accuracy and legal obligations.
Learn more about how to implement AI alongside interpreting in our free eBook.
Boostlingo is committed to expanding language access through cutting-edge technology. Our network of over 17,000 language professionals, covering more than 300 languages, connects you with expert interpreters within seconds. Book a demo to explore innovative language access solutions that can help your organization communicate without barriers.
