The Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in our services, activities, and programs. The policy provides for communication of information contained in vital documents and presentations. All interpreters, translators and other aids needed to comply with this policy shall be provided without cost to the person being served, and clients will be informed of the availability of such assistance free of charge.
Language assistance will be provided through use of competent bilingual staff, staff interpreters, contracts or formal arrangements with local organizations providing interpretation or translation services, or technology and telephonic interpretation services. All staff will be provided notice of this policy and procedure, and staff that may have direct contact with LEP individuals will be trained in effective communication techniques, including the effective use of an interpreter.
The Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will conduct a regular review of the language access needs of trainee population, as well as update and monitor the implementation of this policy and these procedures, as necessary.
PROCEDURES:
- IDENTIFYING LEP PERSONS AND THEIR LANGUAGE
The Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will promptly identify the language and communication needs of the LEP person. If necessary, staff will use a language identification card (or “I speak cards,” available online at www.lep.gov) or posters to determine the language. In addition, when records are kept of past interactions with trainees, the language used to communicate with the LEP person will be included as part of the record.
- OBTAINING A QUALIFIED INTEPRETER
Shawna Fritzler, shawna@deangeliscenter.org, is responsible for:
(a) Contacting the appropriate bilingual staff member to interpret, in the event that an interpreter is needed, if an employee who speaks the needed language is available and is qualified to interpret;
(b) Obtaining an outside interpreter if a bilingual staff or staff interpreter is not available or does not speak the needed language.
Colorado school districts provide services to provide qualified interpreter services. The Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will collaborate with those districts to provide services as they are needed for LEP persons.
Some LEP persons may prefer or request to use a family member or friend as an interpreter. However, family members or friends of the LEP person will not be used as interpreters unless specifically requested by that individual and after the LEP person has understood that an offer of an interpreter at no charge to the person has been made by the Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation. Such an offer and the response will be documented in the person’s file. If the LEP person chooses to use a family member or friend as an interpreter, issues of competency of interpretation, confidentiality, privacy, and conflict of interest will be considered. If the family member or friend is not competent or appropriate for any of these reasons, competent interpreter services will be provided to the LEP person.
Children and other clients/patients/residents will not be used to interpret, in order to ensure confidentiality of information and accurate communication.
- PROVIDING WRITTEN TRANSLATIONS
(a) When translation of vital documents is needed, the Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will submit documents for translation into frequently-encountered languages to (Business Manager). Original documents being submitted for translation will be in final, approved form with updated and accurate information.
(b) The Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will provide translation of other written materials, if needed, as well as written notice of the availability of translation, free of charge, for LEP individuals.
- MONITORING LANGUAGE NEEDS AND IMPLEMENTATION
On an ongoing basis, the Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will assess changes in demographics, types of services or other needs that may require reevaluation of this policy and its procedures. In addition, the Jeffco DeAngelis Foundation/DeAngelis Center Foundation will regularly assess the efficacy of these procedures, including but not limited to mechanisms for securing interpreter services, equipment used for the delivery of language assistance, complaints filed by LEP persons, and feedback from trainees and community organizations, etc.
