Publicación de Institute for the Study of the Americas

Access to services in one's native language leads to better comprehension of information, requirements, and available options. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings that could result in missed opportunities or negative consequences. #language #languagematters #languageaccess #communication #languageservices #languageserviceprovider #translationservices #translation #interpretationservices #interpretation #interpreting #community #societyandculture #accessibility #meaningfulaccess #experience #engagement #quality #qualityassurance #diversity  #diversityandinclusion #culturalresponsiveness #compliance #socialservices #languageaccessispower #everywordmatters https://lnkd.in/ej7XgEEe

🌎 This month marks an important moment for the Global Coalition for Language Rights – the beginning of our first in-language initiative to study language rights and disseminate information about them 📚 In our mission to spread awareness about language rights globally, a group of over 30 Spanish-speaking participants, guided by Irene G., founder of Linguistic Justice, will begin uncovering cognition and creativity from a diverse array of Spanish-speaking academic authors. One article from an English-speaking author will also be presented through a translated version. Joined in solidarity, the group will also examine international law instruments in an effort to understand the context in which linguistic human rights are either supported or not supported by global soft laws. Additionally, the context in which language rights are upheld or not under Civil Rights laws in the US will be explored. Upon reflecting on the materials reviewed through collective learning experiences, the group will co-create educational content in Spanish and other minoritized languages represented in the group. We are aiming to disseminate the language rights content created through our social media channels. Participants will engage in non-traditional learning methods inspired by Irene’s legal background, as well as her integration of restorative practice processes for developing social capital through learning. Our hope is that the educational content will be presented during Global Language Advocacy Day in February 2024 (#GLAD24) and that this pilot initiative can serve as a model for future in-language focus groups to raise awareness about language rights. For more information about the group's program, you can find the details along with all the relevant linked resources here: https://lnkd.in/eDGDNuXw

This article makes important points about the impact that new technologies can have on minority languages' chances to survive. Bottom line as I understand it: the power of technology is a "double-edged sword" (Anna Luisa Daigneault) and there's plenty of reason to not be overly optimistic. In the end everything still depends on awareness about language & identity-related human rights within the language community itself and among policy makers as well as the general public.

🌐 Unlocking Inclusive Communication: Building a Realistic Language Access Plan Across the diverse landscapes of the US, embracing linguistic diversity is not just an option but a necessity. This article titled "How to Create a Realistic Language Access Plan" explores the critical role language access services play in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their proficiency in English, can access essential services seamlessly. 🗣 Key Insights: - 1 in 5 people speak a language other than English at home, highlighting the need for language access. - Legal rights and protections under laws like Title VI, Executive Order 13166, ADA, and Section 1557 of ACA reinforce the importance of providing language services. - Even if not federally mandated, state laws and ADA compliance are crucial in fostering inclusivity. 💡 Creating Your Language Access Plan: - Understand your customer base and their preferred communication channels. - Seek feedback from staff to enhance language services delivery. - Identify resource gaps and explore collaborations with language service providers. - Ensure internal and external awareness through staff training and strategic notifications. - Regularly revisit and revise your plan to adapt to evolving needs and regulations. 🌍 Why Does it Matter? A realistic language access plan isn't just a set of guidelines; it's a commitment to inclusivity. By continually reassessing, adapting, and reaching out to both customers and employees, organizations can design and execute effective language access programs and stay ahead of regulations and best practices. 👉 Read the full article: below. Petra Solutions is committed to building a future where language is never a barrier to access and understanding. 🌐✨ #LanguageAccess #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #Communication #CommunityEngagement

"One in five people speak a language other than English at home, and some areas of the US have become increasingly diverse in terms of languages spoken. This diversity underscores the need for businesses and organizations to maintain compliance with language access laws and create and implement a language access plan. Doing so will help you enhance customer service, reach more customers, connect to the community, and realize a competitive advantage. Here’s what you need to know about legal rights and protections afforded to consumers and the factors you should consider in putting together a realistic language access plan." MultiLingual Media #language #languageaccess #linguisticdiversity #interpreting #translation https://lnkd.in/dZ_GTP7q

🌍 Google Translate Expands to 110 New Languages! 🗣️ Big news from Google Translate! They are adding 110 new languages, reaching over 614 million speakers worldwide, about 8% of the global population. This is the largest expansion in Google Translate's history! 🚀 🌐 Highlights: Major Languages: New additions include widely spoken languages like Cantonese. 🇭🇰 Indigenous Languages: Smaller languages such as Manx are now supported. 🏴 African Languages: About a quarter of the new languages are from Africa, marking the largest expansion of African language support to date. 🌍✊🏿 This monumental expansion is part of Google's ambitious 1,000 Languages Initiative, aiming to bridge communication gaps and bring the world closer together. 🌐💬 Let's celebrate this incredible milestone and the power of language to connect us all! 🎉 #GoogleTranslate #LanguageExpansion #GlobalCommunication #Diversity #Inclusion #1000LanguagesInitiative #TechNews #Innovation

CT Residents need a Legislative CHAMPION! Language access barriers prevent all of us from fully participating in our communities and undermine our efforts to become self-sufficient and productive. When Algonquian is legally our state language, Language access is integral to ensure that all individuals understand and exercise basic human rights and responsibilities. By providing information in multiple languages, barriers are removed and civic engagement duties garner inclusivity. According to the 2020 Census, 22.1 percent of Connecticut’s population 5 years old and over spoke a language other than English at home. “In each of Connecticut’s counties, there is a significant population with limited English proficiency (LEP). The portion of the population who primarily speaks a language other than English at home ranges to 29.5%.” With over 300k households whose preferred languages are Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Chinese, Italian, French, Haitian, Hindi, Arabic and Russian (many offering several dialects within their native tongues), Sign Language and Plain Language. 1964 Civil Rights Act Title VI states: "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." Civil Rights Executive Order 13166 signed in 2000. "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency" requires Federal agencies to examine the services they provide, identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and develop and implement a system to provide those services so LEP persons can have meaningful access to them. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Section 1557 provides that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any health program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, or age as prohibited under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 or Section 4 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. National Models: Hawaii: The OLA was established in 2006, to ensure meaningful access to services, programs and activities by LEP persons, making Hawaii the first state in the nation to pass a comprehensive language access law that removes language barriers to State and State-funded services. Hawaii's law mirrors Title VI. New York: There are millions of New Yorkers who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. For these New Yorkers, their Limited English Proficient (LEP) status presents potential barriers to accessing important government programs and services.

You may not know it yet, but the Arctic is the geographic center of importance for the future of technology, climate adaptation, and resource stewardship vital for human enterprise. Technology which connects the world to First Peoples is vital to our success and sustainable development.

Being featured in the PPG newspaper alongside my colleagues Hagar Hafez from NYIC and Dejia James was a gratifying experience. Erie County's commitment to language access holds great significance for me and the refugee and immigrant communities we serve. Seamless language access is crucial, as it eliminates barriers, ensuring people can access services without fear of being misunderstood or having to repeatedly visit offices before receiving assistance. Language access is an inclusive umbrella that touches every aspect of refugee and immigrant communities, aligning with human rights and language justice principles. Key points for Erie County's language access bill include: 1. Provide services in the top six languages in Erie County  a. To account for shifts in population, top languages assessed biennial  b. Each County Agency submitting language access plan and update its language access implementation plan biennially,  2. including American Sign Language Interpretation via an on-site interpreter, Video Remote Interpreter (VRI), or Communication Access Realtime Translation for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have hearing loss.  3. Language Access Advisory Board to advise on matters relating to LEP individuals and language access. The Board shall consist of fifteen members including:  ● County Executive, or their designee;  ● County Clerk, or their designee;  ● Sheriff, or their designee; and  ● Twelve members to be appointed as follows: Six members by the County Executive, six members by the Chair of the County Legislature. All twelve community member appointments will be subject to confirmation by the County Legislature.  4. Translated copies of vital documents must be published alongside any English documents that may be available online through the County website;  5. Incorporate a uniform training plan for agency employees, including annual training on the language access policies and the provision of language assistance services Public hearing is schedule for 12/14/23 at 6pm. I will continue to share more about the public Hearing in few days. Join me to support language access, as it is a fundamental right that should be extended to everyone. #languageaccess