Language access

The Federal Interagency Working Group on Limited English Proficiency offers guidance on what constitutes vital documents: “A document will be considered vital if it contains information that is critical for accessing the agency’s program or activities, or is required by law.”  These include, but are not limited to:

• Complaint, consent, release or waiver forms
• Claim or application forms
• Letters or notices pertaining to the reduction, denial, or termination of services or programs or that require a response
• Time-sensitive notices, including notice of hearing, grand jury or deposition appearance, or other investigation or litigation-related deadlines
• Form or written material related to individual rights
• Notice of rights, requirements, or responsibilities
• Notices regarding the availability of free language assistance services