Limited English Proficiency Resources

Interpreter Training Resources 

Agencies receiving federal funds are required to establish a language policy and a plan indicating how they will serve individuals of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and meet the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.  Qualified interpreters is one source of language access.  Qualified interpreters will have proficiency in both English and the target language; demonstrated knowledge in both languages of relevant specialized terms, concepts and cultural issues, and abide by an interpreter code of ethics.  Individuals who wish to interpret should obtain training in order to meet their professional responsibilities to clients and agencies. Agencies may contact trainers in order to arrange for interpretation training for the staff or contracted interpreters they use. (More)

National Interpreting Resources

• National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
• Massachusetts Medical Interpreters Association (MMIA)

Language Access Resources 

Oral Communication

Contract information for telephone conference-call foreign-language oral interpretation services.

• Contract Number C-2030

State contract information for written translations; translation services for written documents.

• Contract Number 1551-DHFS-SM

Cards and Posters

The following resources are available through the courtesy of Minnesota's Department of Human Services.

• I Speak Cards

• Language Poster

Department of Health and Human Services

• LEP Information - Office for Civil Rights 

• Republished LEP Guidance - Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons.  Revised August 4, 2003.

Medical Interpretation/Interpreters

• Tool Kit for Medical Interpretation for health care organizations (Word, 53 KB)
• Medical Interpreters (PDF, exit DHFS)
• General/Legal Interpreters (Word, 90 KB)

Please note that the contact information for some interpreters may no longer be current.

Last Revised: November 03, 2008