PR Language Access Plan for Limited English Proficiency 09-08

Home

Language Access Plan 9-08 Parks and Recreation available, or if the need for interpretation relates to an activity that is important to the person’s life, P&R will use the Language Line, a telephone interpreting service which offers interpreting services in over 140 languages. If a face-to-face interpreter is needed, P&R will use the list provided by the Human Resources. PROCEDURE:Posters which state “Interpretation Services Available” (from the Language Line) and “If You Need an Interpreter” (from the state Office of Language Access) are on display for public viewing in the P&R department. Based upon a P&R survey, at this time, a written notice of the right to receive free oral interpretation of written materials, in their own language, shall be provided to LEP groups who meet the 5% threshold but number less than 50. REPORTING SYSTEM: Two forms are utilized. One is for division heads to document the LEP contacts, noting the documents shared with the public, and staff encounters with persons who are LEP. The other form is the LEP questionnaire which is to be used by employees to document their experiences with persons who are LEP, which are turned in to their supervisors for submittal to the Language Access Contact. Both of these forms are attached and posted on the department’s shared folder on P&R COH 02 in the Forms folder in Templates. HIRING OF BILINGUAL STAFF:Pursuant to HRS §371-33(d), if P&R requires additional personnel to provide language access to LEP customers as directed by the guidelines in HRS §371-33(A) –(4), P&R will consider hiring qualified employees who are bilingual to fill vacant, existing, budgeted positions which serve the public. TRAINING:The Language Access Contact is responsible for the development of materials and guidelines for training. These documents have been provided to division heads. At the time of hire, new employees will be made aware of our Language Access Plan and procedures. EVALUATION:The Plan should be reviewed annually in September to ascertain its continual applicability. Adjustments should be made to the Plan as necessary, based on comments from LEP individuals, other interested individuals and P&R staff. 5