LSNYC Applauds Language Access Order Signed by Governor Cuomo

October 6, 2011, New York, NY:  Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) applauds
Governor Cuomo’s signing of an Executive Order today mandating that all
New York State agencies that provide direct services to the public must
offer free interpretation and translation services on all required forms
and instructions.

Individuals who are foreign-born now make up approximately 40% of New York City’s low-income population.  For recent immigrants and those with limited English proficiency, the barriers to obtaining critically-needed government benefits and services can be almost insurmountable.  With this Executive Order, over 20 State agencies are now required to provide interpretation and translation to New Yorkers whose families otherwise would end up without food, or, even worse, homeless because they could not read instructions.

Since 2005, LSNYC’s Language Access Project has provided state-wide leadership to advocates working to ensure that low-income New Yorkers have access to the justice system by challenging language barriers.  In 2009, the Project filed the first lawsuit ever under New York City’s Civil and Human Rights laws that require the City’s Human Resources Administration to provide language services to people with limited English proficiency (LEP). For years, LSNYC has been part of a coalition of advocates who have laid the groundwork for today’s achievement by continually drawing public attention to the need for language access and by working closely with the Governor’s office to formulate policies that make sense and enable LEP New Yorkers to overcome the language barriers that they face in getting benefits, services and access to justice.

Said Amy Taylor, coordinator of LSNYC’s Language Access Project, “We are excited by the leadership Governor Cuomo has shown today in this area.  We have been working with the New York State Department of Labor for many years to improve access, but other State agencies have lagged far behind.  Now, all New York State agencies will be required to come into compliance with civil rights mandates to provide language access.”

Added Audrey Carr, LSNYC’s Director of Immigrant Services, “Our clients face so many language barriers at State and City agencies.  This is a tremendous step forward, and shows that the Governor understands that immigrants add vitality and energy to the gorgeous mosaic of New York State.” 

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Contact: Audrey Carr (646) 442-3612