HHS: Language Access Plan

From Family Voices

"On November 15, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) joined 35 agencies across the federal government in prioritizing communication in services to the public by issuing a language access plan.  This action is in furtherance of President Biden's Executive Order 13166, which aims to improve access to services for people with LEP across the Administration.

HHS's plan goes beyond solely addressing language access to individuals with limited English proficiency by recognizing the effective communication and accessibility requirements of Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to increase the inclusivity of communication for persons with disabilities.  Section 504 prohibits discrimination against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving financial assistance from HHS, while Section 508 requires federal agencies to ensure that their information and communication technology, including websites, electronic documents, ad software applications, are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The updated Language Access Plan sets forth practical guidance, best practices, and action steps in order for HHS Operating and Staff Divisions to develop their own, agency-specific language access plans.  The plan also calls for agencies to collect data regarding their language access services in order to increase access to their respective programs, activities, and services for persons with limited English proficiency.

The HHS Language Access Plan is the product of the Department-wide Steering Committee which is run by its Office for Civil Rights.  Every part of HHS is represented on the Steering Committee.  HHS relaunched the Language Access Steering Committee last year to bolster language access across the Department.

The updated Language Access Plan is found at https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/language-access-plan-2023.pdf