OGS Language Services Contract - Meaningful Access for Legal Services Programs
October 1, 2008
Legal services programs and non-profit organizations may be eligible to use translation and interpreter services under an existing New York State Office of General Services (OGS) contract. Read More

SSA Obligated to Provide Language Assistance
September 1, 2008
Advocates have undoubtedly had the experience of appearing at a hearing with a client who is unable to speak English, only to discover that no interpreter is available, or to have the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) question the claimant’s need for an interpreter. Claimants also relate the challenges they face when appearing at the district offices (DOs) without their own interpreters. Advocates may be unaware of the extent to which the Social Security Administration (SSA) is obligated to provide language assistance services to limited English proficient (LEP) claimants and beneficiaries. Read More

Language Services for Limited English Proficient Individuals in New York State Court and Agency Administrative Proceedings
December 1, 2007
A recent amendment by the New York State Unified Court System Office of Court Administration (OCA) to the New York State Uniform Court Rules and a proposed Model Code of Conduct for Administrative Law Judges by the New York State Bar Association take different approaches to addressing the right of limited English proficient (LEP) individuals to receive language services, interpreter and translation services, in state court and agency administrative proceedings. Read More

New OCFS Statewide Report on Services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Individuals at Social Services Offices
October 1, 2007
In September 2007, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) released “The Needs of and Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP): Findings from OCFS’s LEP Survey.” Read More

The Social Security Administration and LEP Individuals
June 1, 2007
SSA began developing its language access policy in the 1990’s. In September 2004, responding to the requirements of Executive Order 13166, SSA created an LEP plan to provide fair service regardless of an individuals limited English proficiently (LEP) status. SSA also developed procedures describing language services district offices and hearing offices must provide when interacting with LEP individuals. Read More

Access to Legal Services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Individuals
December 1, 2006
New York has one of the largest populations of Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals in the United States, and in response some legal services offices have begun developing language access polices and procedures to assure LEP clients are provided equal access to legal assistance. Read More

New Department of Health Regulation Provides Meaningful Access for Limited English Proficient Patients
October 1, 2006
Hospitals are required to provide language assistance to limited-English-proficient (LEP) patients under state law and Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in access to services based on national origin. Last year, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) established higher standards for hospitals' communication with LEP individuals and patients who are hearing and vision impaired. Read More