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