Language Access
Why Is Language Access Important?
Imagine navigating a hospital visit where no one speaks English, or trying to file your taxes on forms that aren’t in English.This lack of understanding is a reality for individuals who cannot speak or understand English. So, how can they access the same essential services that you and I use every day? English is not accessible. The biggest obstacle to language access is a lack of understanding. Is this page the first time you have really considered the topic?
Who Is affected?
Language access is important for groups that use languages other than English to interact and communicate with the world around them. This includes groups of people who don’t understand the language, such as Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, and people who cannot hear the language effectively, such as Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
Deaf
Over 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, which accounts for over 5% of the world’s population. When hearing loss is so profound that someone has no functional hearing, they are considered Deaf. In the United States, many Deaf individuals use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with others in their Deaf communities. However, this creates a language barrier between ASL and English.
A couple of myths have popped up about communicating with Deaf individuals, but at the end of the day, if someone communicates using ASL, you need to understand or interpret that communication. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), communication access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals is a legal right.
Myth 1
Deaf people can read lips
30% of a message can be perceived in the lips. The rest of the message is formed through inflections, non-verbals, and other factors.
Myth 2
Deaf people can provide pen and paper for communication
Not every hearing person can effectively read and write in English.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Not everyone in the U.S. has learned English, 8.2% of people report that their English-speaking skills as “less than very well.” This means that 8.2% of Americans may struggle to navigate vital resources that rely on English for communication.
Similar to the Deaf community, efforts to provide language access have often been ineffective. For instance, 90% of immigrant youth will broker language for their parents. These young people will translate complex topics such as healthcare, taxes, and government services despite lacking the necessary knowledge or experience. A more effective approach would involve trained interpreters and translators who can bridge the gap between these communities and the services they need.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ensures that non-English speakers have the right to access information from covered entities.
Document Translation
Document translation is becoming faster and more accessible every day, but not everyone thinks to use it. Materials such as brochures, flyers, and forms can be translated into the recipient’s native language, making them easier to understand and more effective for a broader audience.
Common examples include:
Translations are at a pivotal point with the rise of AI and the growing capabilities of tools like Google Translate. However, these technologies often fall short. One consistent challenge is their inability to capture cultural context, which is essential for effective communication. For longer or more complex messages, working with a Certified Translator ensures effective communication across both languages and cultures.
What Are the Tools for Language Access?
Video Remote Interpreting
Video Remote Interpreting allows parties to connect with an interpreter via video, facilitating communication between spoken language and sign language.
Phone Interpreting
Phone Interpreting allows parties to connect with an interpreter via audio, and it is limited to spoken languages.
On-Site Interpreting
On-site Interpreting involves all parties and the interpreter being present in the same room.
How Can You Help Provide Language Access?
Having read this article, your interest helps elevate the conversation and advocate for communities in need. Learning more and sharing resources can help language access for free or if you are part of a business that serves (or could serve) communities that struggle to overcome language barriers, consider developing a plan to implement the tools mentioned above.
Global Interpreting Services provides solutions for businesses seeking interpreting and translation tools. If you’re ready to discuss how to provide better language access, fill out our form to start the conversation.
What Is Next for Language Access?
Language access is an increasingly important topic. In Michigan, several bills that could significantly benefit communities who don’t speak or understand English are currently being considered. It is crucial that we highlight these efforts to make language more accessible to individuals who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have limited English proficiency (LEP).
