A Framework for Language Access Systems. Cynthia E. Roat,, MPH for the Governor s s Interagency Council on Language Access

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1 A Framework for Language Access Systems Cynthia E. Roat,, MPH for the Governor s s Interagency Council on Language Access

2 A little history... Before 1980, almost all health and social service interpreting was provided by family and friends. Influx of Southeast Asian refugees in the late 1970s Growing awareness of the lack of lingustic access to public services during the 1980s Civil suits and Civil Rights complaints lead to growth of language access services in health and human services in Seattle, Boston, Minneapolis.

3 1990s Early adopters in the commercial sector begin to provide bilingual services. Research increasingly documents the impact of poor communication due to language barriers. Growth of language access services and use of trained interpreters DHHS OCR guidance for recipients of federal funds US Census shows significant increase in limited-english English-proficient populations

4 Washington demographics In 2000, 14.0% of Washington residents spoke a language other than English at home. In 2006, it was 16.2% -- that s s one in 6. There are over 300 languages spoken in the U.S.; Spanish is most common after English. How many people are Limited English Proficient? (That means that they speak English less than very well. )

5 Increase in LEP population, WA ,000 = 5.8% ,000 = 6.4% ,000= 7.6%

6 Washington demographics In 2000, 377,000 Washingtonians spoke English less than very well. That s s 6.4% of the population, up from 5.8% in Compare to other top states: California (20%) Arizona (11.4%) Texas (13.9%) Nevada (11.2%) New York (13.0 %) New Jersey (11.1%) Hawaii (12.7%) Florida (10.3%) New Mexico (11.9%) Illinois (9.1%)

7 LEP populations, 2000 From Language Services Action Kit, National Health Law Program, 2003

8 Rate of LEP population growth From Language Services Action Kit, National Health Law Program, 2003

9 2000s Technology begins to play a larger role. Healthcare interpreting emerges as a new profession: National Code of Ethics National Standards of Practice Expanded training and continuing education Growth of state interpreter associations Progress towards standards for training Progress toward national certification Language access being integrated into health care.

10 What is language assistance? Language assistance is anything that allows individuals to access services across linguistic barriers. Examples of linguistic assistance: Bilingual service providers Interpreters Translated documents Multilingual signage Multilingual websites

11 Key vocabulary Limited English Proficient (LEP) Interpreter vs. translator On-site vs. remote interpreting vs. TTY Telephonic interpreting (TIS or OPI) Video interpreting (VMI or VRI)

12 Key vocabulary, con t. Target vs. source language Bilingual provider dual-role interpreter professional interpreter ad-hoc interpreter Certified interpreter Machine translation

13 Framework for a language access system The Delivery System The Product All the systems needed to identify language need and assure linguistic assistance in the encounter. All the systems needed to assure that the linguistic assistance provided is accurate and appropriate.

14 The delivery system Policy and procedures Adequate staffing Financial support Identification of LEP patients: actual users, future trends Tracking LEP patients and usage data

15 The delivery system, continued Designation of resources to provide language access: bilingual providers, interpreters or technology at all points of service Staff training on how to request and work with an interpreter.

16 The product Bilingual providers Interpreters (Dual-role, dedicated on- site interpreters, freelance on-site, remote) Translations Communication aids (e.g. Meducation)

17 Quality in interpreting Recruitment Screening Training Assessment Monitoring Continuing Education

18 Quality in translation Prepare source text (e.g. lower register) Initial translation Review and editing Layout Proofreading

19 For more information, contact... Cindy Roat

2018 Limited English Proficiency Plan for the City of West Palm Beach

2018 Limited English Proficiency Plan for the City of West Palm Beach Who is a LEP Individual? Individuals who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) are those who do not speak English as their primary