Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
13 <br /> 1. Demonstrated proficiency in and ability to communicate information accurately in both <br /> English and the other language; <br /> 2. Identifying and employing the appropriate mode of interpreting(e.g., consecutive, <br /> simultaneous, or sight translation),translating, or communicating fluently in the target <br /> language; <br /> 3. Knowledge in both languages of any specialized terms or concepts particular to the <br /> component's program or activity and of any particularized vocabulary used by the LEP <br /> person; <br /> 4. Understanding and following confidentiality, impartiality, and ethical rules to the same <br /> extent as Department staff; <br /> 5. Understanding and adhering to their role as interpreters,translators, or bi-lingual staff. <br /> Department liaisons shall also take reasonable steps to ensure that when translating text, <br /> all staff or contracted personnel who serve as translators are briefed by department staff <br /> on the context and intended audience. <br /> 6. Absent exigent circumstances, Departments shall avoid using family members (including <br /> children),neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and bystanders to provide language <br /> assistance services. Departments shall also avoid using individual opposing parties, <br /> adverse witnesses, or victims to a dispute as interpreters.Using family, friends, <br /> bystanders, or parties to a dispute to interpret could result in a breach of confidentiality,a <br /> conflict of interest, or inadequate interpretation. <br /> C. Types of Language Assistance Services. There are two primary types of language assistance <br /> services: oral and written. <br /> 1. Interpretation Services. Oral language assistance service may come in the form of"in- <br /> language" communication(a qualified bi-lingual staff member communicating directly in <br /> an LEP person's language) or interpreting. An interpreter renders a message spoken in <br /> one language into one or more other languages. Interpretation can take place in-person, <br /> through a telephonic interpreter, or via internet or video interpreting. Departments shall <br /> ensure the Department of Human Rights and Relations has designated interpreters as <br /> "qualified"prior to engaging them for services. <br /> 2. Translation of Vital Documents. Departments should proactively translate vital written <br /> documents into the frequently encountered languages of LEP groups served or likely to <br /> be affected by the benefit,program or service in Orange County. When Department staff <br /> have reason to believe that an individual is LEP,the department must respond to that LEP <br /> individual in a language he or she understands. For example, a letter sent to a specific <br /> LEP person should be translated into the appropriate language for that individual to <br /> ensure effective communication. Departments should also have a language access plans <br /> in place for handling written communication with LEP individuals in less frequently <br /> encountered languages. <br /> a. Departments shall prioritize translation of vital documents. Classification of a <br /> document as "vital"depends upon the importance of the program, information, <br /> encounter, or service involved, and the consequence to the LEP person if the <br /> information in question is not provided accurately or in a timely manner. The <br /> determination of what documents are considered"vital"is left to the discretion of <br /> individual department,which are in the best position to evaluate their <br /> circumstances and services within their language access planning materials. <br /> Page 3 <br />