NS - Grant - CDBG Program – Language Access Plan

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DRAFT Language Access Plan Orange County Housing and Community Development Department The purpose of this Policy and Plari is to ensure compliance~with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable federal and state laws and their implementing regulations with respect to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on the ground of race, color or national origin by any entity receiving federal financial assistance. Administrative methods or procedures, which have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination or defeating the objectives of these regulations, are prohibited. In order to avoid discrimination on the grounds of national origin, all programs or activities administered by the Orange County Housing and Community Development Department must take adequate steps to ensure that their policies and procedures do not deny or have the effect of denying LEP individuals with equal access to benefits and services for which such persons qualify. This Policy defines the responsibilities the agency has to ensure LEP individuals can communicate effectively. This policy and plan is effective September 30, 2010. I. Scope of Policy These requirements will apply to the Orange County Housing and Community Development Department (herein referred to as "the agency") including subcontractors, vendors, and subrecipients. The agency will ensure that LEP individuals are provided meaningful access to benefits and services provided through contractors or service providers receiving subgrants from the agency. II. Definitions A. Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual -Any prospective, potential, or actual recipient of benefits or services from the agency who cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level that permits them to interact effectively with health care providers and social service agencies. B. Vital Documents -These forms include, but are not limited to, applications, consent forms, all compliance plans, bid documents, fair housing information, citizen participation plans, letters containing important information regarding participation in a program; notices pertaining to the reduction, denial, or termination of services or benefits, the right to appeal such actions, or that require a response from beneficiary notices advising LEP persons of the availability of free language assistance, and other outreach materials. 2