Language Access

The LAP outlines policies, procedures, and resources needed to guarantee that LEP and English Language Learner (ELL) individuals have meaningful access to services, rights, and programs offered by the Village. By providing translation, interpretation, and multilingual staffing, Oak Park seeks to meet both practical needs and legal requirements, ensuring clear communication and safeguarding community safety.

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 13166, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires municipalities receiving federal funding to ensure meaningful access for LEP individuals. This plan highlights Oak Park’s commitment to legal obligations, aiming to uphold residents' rights to language assistance. Below, also further emphasizes the legal mandates around providing language access services.

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Under Title VI, recipients of federal funds must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to their services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals.
• Executive Order 13166: Issued in 2000, this order requires federal agencies and recipients of federal funds to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals. It mandates that recipients of federal funds develop and implement a language access plan to ensure compliance with Title VI.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): While the ADA primarily addresses the rights of individuals with disabilities, it also intersects with language access in situations where individuals with both disabilities and limited English proficiency require accommodations, such as sign language interpretation or other language assistance services.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance, which can include provisions for accessible communication, overlapping with language access needs for individuals with dual disabilities (e.g., deafness and limited English proficiency).

Village staff conducted a Four-Factor Analysis to assess the needs of LEP residents:

1. Population: Approximately 13% of Oak Park residents are LEP, primarily speaking Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Tagalog.
2. Service Encounters: LEP individuals frequently engage with Village services such as police, parking, health programs, and housing.
3. Program Importance: The services offered significantly impact public safety, health, residents' rights, and overall civic engagement making language accessibility essential.
4. Resources: The Village Board has allocated resources in years prior for interpretation and translation services to meet community needs effectively.

The LAP emphasizes training for Village staff on cultural competency and the effective use of interpretation services. This ensures the staff can provide equitable and respectful services, fostering an inclusive community.

• In-house multilingual staff and contracted interpreters/translators
• Interpretation devices for real-time communication
• Web-based video remote interpretation (VRI) services
• Telephonic interpretation for brief or urgent encounters
• ASL interpretation for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HOH)