The Importance of Language Access and Knowing Your Rights

Language access is a critical part of ensuring equal opportunities and fairness in accessing essential services. For individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), having access to interpretation and translation services is not just a courtesy—it's a right protected by law. These legal protections are designed to eliminate language barriers that can prevent people from understanding their options, advocating for themselves, and receiving the services they need.

Ensuring language access is essential for equitable participation in society. Several laws guarantee the right to interpretation and translation services.

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

    • Prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin in programs or activities receiving federal funding. This means entities such as hospitals, courts, schools, and social service agencies must provide meaningful access to LEP individuals.

  • Executive Order 13166 (2000)

    • Reinforces Title VI by requiring federally funded programs to implement language access plans and offer interpretation or translation services to LEP individuals.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    • Ensures access for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, requiring the provision of qualified interpreters or other effective communication aids.

  • State-Level Laws

    • Many states, including Georgia, have additional regulations ensuring language access for public services, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and the judicial system.

Your Right to an Interpreter
If you're accessing government services, medical care, or public benefits and feel you are being denied meaningful language access, speak up and request an interpreter. It’s your right under the law.