Submitted By
Dr. Danielle Walker, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion to Accept Staff's Recommendation for a Language Access Plan.
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Overview
Overview
The Village Board made Language Access a Board Goal under Racial Equity, Priority One: Ensure equitable access to government services and contracts. The Village recognizes the importance of equitable access to public services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). This Language Access Plan (LAP) aims to address and remove language barriers for anyone seeking services through the Village, thus ensuring that all can fully participate in the social, economic, and civic life of the VOP community.
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 bilingual staffing, Oak Park seeks to meet both practical needs and legal requirements, and ensuring clear communication.
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Anticipated Actions/Commitments
Recommendation
If accepted, staff will bring back a resolution for adoption.
Report
Language access refers to the ability of individuals who have limited proficiency in the English language (Limited English Proficient, or LEP individuals) to obtain and understand information, services, and resources in a language they can comprehend. This concept ensures that non-English speakers or those with limited English skills can effectively communicate with public agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and other organizations to fully participate in social, economic, and civic life.
Language access involves providing services such as translation of written materials, interpretation services (both in-person and via phone or video), bilingual staff, and the development of language access plans. These services are essential for pr...
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