Government Accountability
The Language Access Act of 2004 guarantees all DC residents the right to interpretation services at DC government agencies, translation of certain vital documents, as well as the right to file a complaint if these rights are violated.
The Language Access Act named the DC Language Access Coalition as a non-partisan, consultative third party organization that monitors DC government agencies’ compliance and implementation of the Act. The Coalition collaborates with the Office of Human Rights, the Mayor's Office on African Affairs, the Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs and other entities.
The Language Access Act named the DC Language Access Coalition as a non-partisan, consultative third party organization that monitors DC government agencies’ compliance and implementation of the Act. The Coalition collaborates with the Office of Human Rights, the Mayor's Office on African Affairs, the Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs and other entities.
How We Monitor Government Compliance with the Language Access Act
The Coalition surveys and interviews Limited/Non-English Proficient community members to create a comprehensive portrait of language access in the District of Columbia. Which agencies are adhering to the Language Access Act? Which agencies are failing to provide interpretation and translation services? To summarize the findings of a comprehensive analysis of the state of language access in DC, the Coalition released Access Denied: The Unfulfilled Promise of the DC Language Access Act in April 2012.
Additionally, the Coalition reviews the Biannual Language Access Plans (BLAPs) of the 35 government agencies the Act covers. The Coalition also makes recommendations for improving agency adherence to the Language Access Act.
Coalition advocates and community members also testify about language access rights to address government officials directly.
Additionally, the Coalition reviews the Biannual Language Access Plans (BLAPs) of the 35 government agencies the Act covers. The Coalition also makes recommendations for improving agency adherence to the Language Access Act.
Coalition advocates and community members also testify about language access rights to address government officials directly.
