The purpose of HOC’s Language Access Plan (LAP) is to consistently provide meaningful access to its programs andopportunities for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) at no cost to the LEP individual. HOC’s LAP is designed to identify and prevent barriers to participation of LEP individuals in its programs and opportunities.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is federal law that protects individuals from discrimination of the basis of race, color,or national origin in the programs that receive federal financial assistance. Failure to ensure that LEP individuals can participate in, or benefit from, federally assisted programs may violate Title VI’s prohibition against national origin discrimination. Executive Order 13166 (August 11, 2000) directs all federal agencies, including HUD, to work to ensure thatprograms receiving federal assistance provide meaningful access to LEP persons. HOC’s Language Access Plan is based on HUD guidance on meaningful access and the four factor analysis outlined in the Department of Justice (DOJ) LEP Guidance. As a Public Housing Agency, HOC must adhere to these regulations and all staff at HOC are subject to the Language Access Plan requirements.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP):
Includes any individual whose primary language is not English and/or is limited in their ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. This includes people with LEP due to a disability.
HOC’s LAP Program Requirements
These program requirements outline HOC’s full Language Access Plan.
LAP Forms:
This form is used when a LEP customer is in need of translation or interpretation services, but chooses to waive HOC’s free options and would like to use their own translator, typically a friend or family.
This is a list of potential languages that can be handed out to a customer or sent ahead of time for them to indicate their preferred language. It can be used on the spot, or ahead of time to anticipate the need for language assistance.
When translating a written document, this form is used to certify that the translator is competent to translate from English to the required language, and that the customer understood the translation provided.
Where oral interpretation is required, this form is used to certify that the translator is competent to translate from English to the required language, and that the customer understood the translation provided.
Request Interpreter/Translation Services or Report Instances/Delays of Language Assistance:
Click here to request interpreter/translation services at no cost to you
Click on the link below to let HOC know about your experience with Language Assistance. HOC is interested in Language Assistance experiences in order to identify areas for improvement, and to help anticipate and eliminate barriers to effective communication with LEP individuals. This includes customers attempting to access information and apply to HOC’s programs and services, as well as current program participants.
Click here to report instances of Language Assistance at HOC
Questions or Suggestions:
Elliot Rule, Management and Compliance Analyst
Mehar Cheema, Management and Compliance Analyst
Compliance Division
10400 Detrick Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
240-627-9647, 240-627-9423