Understanding Language Access Rights in Oregon
If you live in Oregon and don't speak English or prefer to speak another language, you have the right to get important information and services in the language you understand. Getting help in your language is called language access.
Why is language access important?
Language access matters because it helps you:
- Make informed decisions: You can understand important information about your health, legal rights, and other vital matters.
- Access essential services: You can get help from government offices, healthcare providers, and other organizations.
- Participate fully in your community: You can understand and participate in community meetings, vote, and participate in other civic activities.
The laws that guarantee language access
Several laws protect your right to language access in Oregon:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. It requires government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to provide language assistance services to people who don't speak English fluently.
- Executive Order 13166: This executive order requires federal agencies to take steps to ensure that people with limited English proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to their programs and services.
- Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): Oregon state laws also provide additional protections for language access.
How to ask for language assistance
If you need language assistance, you can:
- Ask for an interpreter: An interpreter is a person who can translate spoken language from one language to another. You can request an interpreter at a doctor's appointment, a court hearing, when you visit a government office, and other places.
- Request translated documents: If you need to understand written documents, such as medical forms, legal documents, or letters from government programs, you can request that they be translated into your language.
- Use language access resources: Many organizations in Oregon offer language access resources, such as translated websites, multilingual hotlines, and bilingual staff.
Who has to provide language access services?
Government agencies, state and county offices, medical providers, and non-profits that get federal funding must provide language access services. These places include:
- Hospitals, medical offices, and other healthcare centers
- State and county offices
- Schools
- Libraries
- Courthouses
- Police
- Lawyers, like district attorneys or legal aid lawyers
- Government programs, like the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Employment Department, or the Social Security Administration
Privately-run businesses, like restaurants or stores, don't have to provide language assistance.
Tip: If you have doubts about whether a place has to provide language access services, just ask. Many places, including hospitals, government offices, schools, and other public services, must provide language assistance to people who don't speak English fluently or prefer to speak another language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the time, you don't have to find an interpreter yourself. Ask for one when you visit a medical office, state or county office, court, police station, or other publicly funded place.
Many places have bilingual staff or use telephone or video interpreters for people who don't speak English or feel more comfortable speaking another language.
When dealing with important matters, such as health, legal issues, education, or government services, it's essential to have a professional interpreter help you communicate.
Friends and family often summarize what you're saying or add information. They may misinterpret things because they don't know legal, medical, or other technical terms.
A professional interpreter translates word-for-word. They can help you understand what's happening and interpret your words accurately.
If you have any doubts, it's always best to ask. Many organizations must provide language assistance to people who don't speak English fluently.
You can file a complaint if a government program or medical office doesn't provide language assistance. Most places have internal complaint processes or language access coordinators. Talk to a supervisor and ask for information on how to file a language access complaint.
If filing a complaint doesn't work, you can also contact a lawyer.
- You can use Oregon's Lawyer Referral Service for help finding a lawyer.
- If you can't afford a lawyer, contact your legal legal aid office. These programs provide free legal services to people without much money.