HELPING PINCKNEY RESIDENTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

The PINCKNEY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION LEP ACTION PLAN:

IDENTIFYING LEP INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE:
When encountering an LEP person, the Pinckney Neighborhood Association (PNA) will use the Language Identification Flashcard to identify that person’s primary language. The Census Bureau developed the flashcard, which can be accessed at www.lep.gov/ISpeakCards2004.pdf. PNA will also make the Language Identification Flashcard available to the public through its website and at all public meetings. Once an LEP person’s primary language is identified using the flashcard, PNA will assess the feasibility of providing written translation service and/or oral interpretation assistance for the LEP person.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE MEASURES:
In the event PNA should receive a request for assistance in a language other than English, staff members will take the name and contact information of the person. PNA will use a free online written translator website or may contact a local volunteer if one is available. The University of Kansas, through its various language departments, may also provide assistance. Finally, if the required language is not available and formal interpretation is required, staff shall use the telephone interpreter service, Language Line at 1-800-752-6096. The PNA website may be translated into a number of different languages using a free online translation service such as Google Translate. Similarly, agendas, minutes, and other documents posted online can be translated as well. Outside of the above-identified services, because PNA board/staff is relatively small and does not possess in-house translation capabilities or expertise, PNA staff can only assist LEP persons, but cannot accurately assess or guarantee the accuracy of translation services provided by others. If there is an expressed need for other translation methods such as Sign Language or Braille materials, PNA will determine the feasibility and possibilities of providing these services as well. Within its limited budget and capabilities, PNA pledges that it will, to the best of its abilities, provide meaningful access to LEP persons.

PNA STAFF TRAINING:
Current staff members and incoming staff members will be briefed on the PNA LEP Plan and how to assist LEP persons. They will also be instructed to keep a record of language assistance requests so that needs may be accurately assessed in the future.

DISSEMINATION:
PNA will post this LEP Plan on its website: http://box5743.temp.domains/~pinckne4/. Any person or agency requesting a copy of the LEP Plan will be provided a copy.