“The District has long been a leader in championing equity for its foreign-born  populations through legislation and implementation, and we hope to continue to be a model nation-wide for local government that truly creates opportunities and leverages the diverse gifts of its residents despite where they were born or what language they speak.”
- OHR  Director Mónica Palacio

This report intends to inform elected leaders, government officials, advocates and the public about progress District government agencies have made towards full compliance with the requirements of the DC Language Access Act of 2004. All District agencies, divisions or programs – including government contractors and grantees – that provide services to the public, are covered under this Act. The act requires these entities to:  (1) collect primary language spoken by its customers; (2) provide  interpretation services for customers that demonstrate limited English proficiency or non-English proficiency; (3) translate vital documents; and (4) train personnel in public contact positions. Additionally, agencies with major public contact must : (5) complete a biennial language access plan; (6) designate a Language Access Coordinator; and (7) conduct outreach and public meetings with limited and non-English proficient communities.

This report summarizes the performance of 33 government agencies designated as having “major public contact” and records any growth in agencies compliance after the law being in effect for a decade in the District.

Download the report:

Language Access Compliance Review 2014 (PDF)

Learn more about the Language Access Program.