Understanding Your Rights to Language Access Services in Maryland
Language access is a critical component of ensuring equal access to services and justice for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), and this can include individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. In this article, we will provide an overview of language access rights and services in Maryland and DC, including specific situations in which Deaf or hard of hearing individuals are entitled to interpretation and translation services and resources.
Language Access Laws in Maryland & DC
In Maryland, individuals who have difficulty speaking or understanding English are entitled to free interpretation and translation services in certain situations. The Maryland Language Access Law requires many state government agencies to provide these services, including in healthcare, education, public safety, and legal proceedings. Individuals can contact the Maryland Courts Language Access Coordinator or the Maryland Language Access Advisory Committee for information and assistance.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Maryland are also entitled to interpretation and translation services in certain situations. According to statistics from 2016, there are over 1.2 million Deaf and hard of hearing Marylanders, making sign language access an important issue for ensuring equal access to key services. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers sign language interpreters for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
In healthcare settings, the use of professional interpretation services has been shown to improve communication and patient outcomes. Maryland law requires healthcare providers to provide interpretation services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals during medical care. In addition, many state government agencies are required to provide interpretation and translation services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in legal proceedings and other situations.
Individuals can contact the Office of Court Interpreting Services (OCIS), DC Language Access Program, or the DC Office of Human Rights for information and assistance regarding language access services in Washington DC.
Best Practices for Language Access
Effective language access services are essential for ensuring accurate communication and improving outcomes for individuals with LEP. Best practices for language access include the use of trained interpreters, translation of written materials, and advance planning for language access needs. It is also essential to prioritize cultural competency in providing language access services to ensure effective communication and understanding.
One option for accessing professional interpretation services is through Vital Signs (https://www.vitalsignsinterpreting.com/services), which offers trained interpreters for healthcare, legal, and business settings. Professional interpretation services have been shown to provide more accurate and effective communication, resulting in improved outcomes for individuals with LEP.
It is important to avoid using untrained interpreters or relying on family and friends for interpretation services, as this can create potential risks and drawbacks for both individuals with LEP and service providers. Using trained interpreters can help ensure accurate and effective communication and avoid potential language barriers or ethical and legal issues.
In addition to professional interpretation services, other best practices for language access include translating written materials into different languages, such as patient forms and legal documents, and providing advance notice of language access needs for appointments and meetings. Cultural competency training for service providers is also important for effective communication and understanding of different cultural backgrounds.
The Importance of Language Access
Language barriers can create significant obstacles to accessing services, receiving medical care, and participating in legal proceedings. Without effective communication, individuals with LEP may be unable to access important services, understand their rights, or fully participate in their own healthcare. Language access is therefore critical for ensuring that all residents have equal access to services and justice.
Research has shown that language barriers can lead to negative health outcomes, such as reduced access to preventive care, lower quality of care, and increased risk of medical errors. In legal proceedings, language barriers can also have serious consequences, such as misunderstandings about legal rights and outcomes.
Language access is also important for promoting inclusion and diversity in our communities. By ensuring that all residents have equal access to services and justice, we can create a more welcoming and equitable society for all.
Specific Situations for Language Access
In Maryland and Washington DC, there are specific situations in which individuals with LEP are entitled to interpretation and translation services. These situations include:
Healthcare: individuals with LEP have the right to interpretation services when seeking medical care, including emergency medical care, primary care, and specialty care.
Legal proceedings: individuals with LEP have the right to interpretation services when participating in legal proceedings, such as in court or during depositions.
Public safety: individuals with LEP have the right to interpretation services when interacting with law enforcement, such as during an arrest or investigation.
Education: students with LEP have the right to interpretation services in educational settings, such as during parent-teacher conferences or when participating in school events.
Public benefits: individuals with LEP have the right to interpretation services when accessing public benefits, such as food assistance or unemployment benefits.
Resources for Language Access Services
In Maryland and Washington DC, there are resources available for accessing language access services. These resources include:
Maryland Courts Language Access Coordinator: Provides information and assistance for accessing language access services in court settings.
Maryland Language Access Advisory Committee: Provides guidance and recommendations for improving language access services in Maryland.
DC Language Access Program: Provides language access services and assistance to government agencies and organizations in Washington DC.
DC Office of Human Rights: Provides information and assistance for accessing language access services in various settings, including healthcare, legal, and public safety.
Vital Signs Interpreting Services: Provides professional interpretation services for healthcare, legal, and business settings, as well as video remote interpreting for easy access to interpretation services.
Language access is a critical issue for ensuring equal access to services and justice for individuals with LEP. In Maryland and Washington DC, there are laws in place that require state agencies and government organizations to provide interpretation and translation services to individuals with LEP in certain situations. By understanding language access rights and resources, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all residents.
While progress has been made towards ensuring language access for individuals with LEP, there is still more work to be done. Some individuals with LEP may still face language barriers when accessing services or participating in legal proceedings. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of language access for accessing accurate information about public health and safety.
Moving forward, it is important to continue advocating for effective language access services and ensuring that all residents have equal access to services and justice. By prioritizing language access and using best practices for providing interpretation and translation services, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all residents.