1. Welcome Limited English Proficiency Panelists Disclaimer
CAROLINAS COUNCIL FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Limited English Proficiency Panelists
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the panelist should not be considered legal counsel and may not necessarily reflect the official policy of position of any government agency. You should seek legal counsel and discuss the specific circumstances of your company and apartment community.

2. Background Executive Order 13166
Signed in 2000 by President Bill Clinton
Language is covered under National Origin (Title VI)
Lau v. Nichols (414 U.S. 563 (1974)) the court held that the lack of linguistically appropriate accommodations effectively denied the Chinese students equal educational opportunities on the basis of their ethnicity. This decision expanded the rights of students nationwide with limited English Proficiency.
Requires recipients of Federal financial assistance to provide meaningful access to eligible persons

3. LEP Purpose
Eliminate language barriers that prevent eligible persons from having meaningful access
LEP includes persons eligible for participation in programs, but they do not speak English at all or very well.
LEP does NOT include hearing or visual impairments, Sign Language interpreters or Braille, or issues of literacy.

4. Clarification
The LEP Initiative recognizes the cultural significance of the various languages throughout many communities and does not lessen that importance.
The LEP Initiative seeks to eliminate language barriers that prevent eligible persons from having meaningful access to both RD conducted and assisted programs.

5. Meaningful Access
Assistance that results in accurate and effective communication at no cost to the LEP individual.
LEP individual must be afforded the opportunity to enjoy the same benefits and services of the program regardless of ability to speak and understand English.
RD LEP Implementation Strategy for Federally Assisted Programs provides overall coordination of recipient efforts in the RD assisted programs.

6. Vital Documents
Paper or electronic written material that contains information that is critical for accessing a program or activity, or is required by law, such as consent forms, applications, and notices of rights
These documents should be available in languages identified through the 4-Factor Analysis

7. Translation vs. Interpretation
The process of transferring ideas expressed in writing from one language to another language
Applies to Vital documents
Interpretation
The process by which the spoken word is used when transferring meaning between languages
Qualified Interpreters

8. RD Assisted LEP Guidance
All RD recipients should:
Conduct their own 4-Factor Analysis
Develop a Language Access Plan (LAP)

9. 4-Factor Analysis
Factor 1 – The number and proportion of LEP persons served or encountered in the eligible service population of the assisted program
Research who your property serves: use websites that give you data on those with LEP : - This site will give you a state view on counties LEP statistics

11. State County City Township Zip Code
Another Resource:
This site allows you to drill down on statics by:
State
County
City
Township
Zip Code

13. Factor 2 – The frequency with which LEP persons come into contact with the assisted program, activity, and services
Food for Thought……
Do the local schools have an English as a Second Language Program?
What are your property’s current demographics?
What resources are available in your area that service those with Limited English Proficiency?

14. What are the risks to LEP people if access is not provided:
Factor 3 – The importance of the program, activities or services to the LEP persons
What are the risks to LEP people if access is not provided:
Homelessness

15. Factor 4 – The resources available to the recipient and costs
Food for Thought:
What local programs are available for people whom have limited English proficiency?
Know what your community partners offer for those with LEP your apartment homes are within.

16. Language Access Plan (LAP)
Using the data, information and results from the 4- Factor Analysis, each property should develop a Language Access Plan- below is chart on recommendations based on the property statistics:
Size of Language Group
Recommended Provision of Written Language Assistance
1,000 or more in the eligible population in the market area or among current beneficiaries
Translated vital documents
More than 5% of the eligible population or beneficiaries AND more than 50 in number
More than 5% of the eligible population or beneficiaries AND 50 or less in number
Translated written notice of right to receive free oral interpretation of documents
5% or less of the eligible population or beneficiaries AND less than 1,000 in number
No written translation is required

17. Language Access Plan (LAP)
What you need to cover:
Part 1: Identifies LEP individuals who need language services:
Part 2: Language Assistance Measures:
Part 3: Describes how property staff will be trained in LEP

18. Language Access Plan (LAP)
Part 4: Vital Document Translation
Part 5: Notice to LEP Persons and Populations-
Part 6: Monitoring and Updating the LAP

19. North Carolina Lease (Spanish version)
CAROLINAS COUNCIL FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING TOOLS:
You can order:
North Carolina Lease (Spanish version)
South Carolina Lease (Spanish version)
North Carolina Audio CD (Spanish version)

20. FREE TOOLS
Socialserve.com (has Spanish call in line and website can be converted to Spanish)
“They have an App for that” – interpretation Apps
On-line translation programs

21. Questions?
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the panelist should not be considered legal counsel and may not necessarily reflect the official policy of position of any government agency. You should seek legal counsel and discuss the specific circumstances of your company and apartment community.