Chatham County Language Access Plan

                                                Approved by Board of Commissioners May 20, 2024

Plan Purpose

Chatham County Language Access Plan is an action-oriented implementation plan designed to guide the County towards being a more inclusive and welcoming place to all that seek information or services.  The policies and procedures identified and developed will apply to all County programs and services, unless otherwise indicated. Through consistent monitoring and updating of this LAP, the County will strive to better serve and understand the needs of residents and improve the accessibility of services and resources. all residents to with the anility to communicate with the County in the language and or manner they prefer (considering the access to those with visual or hearing impairments). Furthermore, Chatham County believes that the access should also consider the range of abilities that individuals may have and attempt to reduce any barriers to accessing the information and services provided by the County.

Why it is important: Chatham County serves a diverse population in a variety of ways that are important to day-to-day life. Communications should be accessible to the whole community

Definitions:

Language access means that people who don't speak English very well or at all, are able to use and benefit from a wide range of services in their preferred language.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) refers to people who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English, or who do not speak English as their primary language. 

Language Other than English (LOTE) refers to languages other than English that someone may prefer to communicate in as it may be their first language or the language they comprehend information through the best.

ASL- American Sign Language is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and/or experience difficulty in hearing and is used by some hearing people as well.

Creating a Language Access Plan (LAP):

1. Needs Assessment

•  Demographic Analysis: Conduct a demographic survey to identify the primary languages spoken in Chatham County other than English. Utilize U.S. Census data and local resources to pinpoint LEP populations.

 • Service Analysis: Review the interactions between LEP communities and county services to determine where language services are most needed.

2. Policy Development

•Commitment Statement: Craft a statement that reflects Chatham County's commitment to providing equitable access to all residents, regardless of language barriers.

•Scope of Services: Define which services will be covered by the LAP, ensuring all critical public services are included, such as emergency services, health care, public safety, and education.

3. Implementation Strategies

•Translation Services: Establish a protocol for translating essential written documents into the primary languages identified in the needs assessment.

•Interpretation Services: Implement a system for providing competent interpreter services during all interactions with LEP individuals. This may include in-person, telephonic, or video interpretation.

•Staff Training: Develop training programs for staff to recognize and appropriately respond to LEP individuals, including how to access language assistance services.

4. Resource Allocation

•Budgeting: Allocate adequate funding to support the translation and interpretation services, training programs, and other resources needed to implement the LAP.

•Technology and Tools**: Invest in software and other tools that facilitate effective communication with LEP individuals, such as multilingual websites and translation apps.

5. Public Notification

•Outreach: Ensure that LEP individuals are aware of their rights to language assistance services. This includes notifications in multiple languages on websites, at county offices, and through community outreach. Chatham County understands the importance of working with trusted Community Messengers and will partner wit them to share notifications.

•Feedback System**: Establish a feedback mechanism for LEP individuals to report effectiveness and suggest improvements to the language services provided.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

•Regular Review: Set up a regular review process of the LAP to assess its effectiveness and adjust as needed based on feedback and changing demographics.

•Compliance and Reporting: Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding language access and report on LAP’s progress and outcomes to stakeholders.

7. Partnership and Community Engagement

•Collaboration: Work with local community organizations, schools, and businesses to enhance outreach to LEP communities and to continuously improve the LAP.

•Advocacy and Support: Engage local leaders and advocates in promoting and supporting the implementation of the LAP.

By following these steps, Chatham County can develop a robust Language Access Plan that ensures all residents, regardless of their language abilities, have equal access to vital services. This plan not only meets legal obligations but also enhances community trust and integration.

Budgetary Impact: There is no additional Budgetary Impact as actions taken under this plan will utilize the funds received from the BIC grant.