Overview – MDCPS will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited

Overview – MDCPS will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in MDCPS services, activities, programs, and other benefits. A person with LEP means an individual whose primary language for communication is not English and who has a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. An individual with limited English proficiency may be competent in English for certain types of communication (e.g., speaking or understanding), but still be limited English proficient for other purposes (e.g., reading or writing). Reasonable steps for meaningful access and equal opportunity includes the following: 1. MDCPS will ensure meaningful communication between LEP clients and MDCPS staff and provide translation of information contained in vital documents. 2. All interpreters, translators, and other aids who are needed to comply with this policy will be provided without cost to the person being served, and clients and their families will be informed of the availability of such assistance free of charge. 3. Language assistance will be provided through the use of qualified interpreters or qualified multilingual staff, document translations, formal arrangements with local organizations providing interpretation or translation services, or technology and telephonic interpretation services. 4. Staff who may have direct contact with LEP individuals will be trained in effective communication techniques, including the use of an interpreter. 5. MDCPS will conduct a regular review of the language access needs of the client population, as well as implement, update and monitor implementation of this administrative rule and any related MDCPS policies and procedures on a reasonably regular basis.