Agenda - 03-17-2015 - 7c - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

a� .,��.N °gym III T.III ' Ll", VI IPTA . ",,,, l 11 Carrboro speak English "less than very well," which accounts for 4.5 percent of the population. The largest LEP group of the total LEP population is Spanish- speaking persons. A total of 2,301 Spanish- speaking persons in the OPT service area speak English "less than very well," which accounts for 4.2 percent of the OPT service area population. Because greater than 1,000 persons within the Spanish- speaking group are considered LEP, OPT is responsible for providing Spanish translation of vital documents in written format for these non - English users. Applicable documents include the Title VI policy statement and /or notice to the public, Title VI complaint procedure, Title VI complaint form, and ADA paratransit eligibility forms. 2) The frequency with which LEP persons come into contact with OPT programs. OPT assessed the frequency with which staff and drivers have, or could have, contact with LEP persons. This includes documenting phone inquiries and surveying vehicle operators. To date, OPT has had no requests for interpreters and no requests for translated documents. Although difficult to assess the exact level of English- speaking proficiency, staff has indicated that it has contact with very few LEP system users per month. However, if staff encounters an LEP person who requests language translation assistance, they are instructed to encourage the LEP person to request that documents such as schedules, route maps, and eligibility certification forms be translated for their use. 3) The nature and importance of programs, activities or services provided by OPT to the LEP population. The overwhelming majority of the OPT service area population speaks only English or speaks English very well. There are social services, professional and leadership organizations within the OPT service area that focus on outreach to LEP individuals. OPT works closely with these organizations to ensure that the programs and activities administered by these groups that interface with OPT operations work to assist LEP populations. 4) The resources available to OPT and the overall cost to provide LEP assistance. OPT has assessed its available resources that could be used to provide LEP assistance, including determining how much a professional interpreter and translation service would cost on an as- needed basis, the availability of other County staff qualified to provide such services, which of its documents would be the most valuable to be translated if the need should arise, and taking an inventory of available organizations with which OPT could partner for outreach and translation efforts. While OPT does not have staff internally that could provide translation services, Orange County has adequate staff to provide such services should the need be indicated or arise. 9