Is English Not Your Primary Language?
If you have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English, you are considered to be Limited English Proficient (LEP). As an LEP individual, you have equal access to government services and programs and cannot be discriminated against based on your national origin or limited English skills.
Historically, federal agencies and organizations that receive government funding have had to take reasonable steps to assist those who are LEP. If an agency or organization does not assist those who are LEP, it may be violating the law. ATA wants to help you access these services in your language.
Exercise Your Right to Language Access
ATA offers Language Access Cards that you can present in settings like hospitals and courtrooms to request assistance in your language and to prompt language services providers for assistance with language access resources.
Language Access Resources
ATA has compiled resources for your specific needs and location. We will continue to update this list as needs or resources are brought to our attention.
Language Access Resources by Location
Nationwide
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington, DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
The ATA Compass
Our outreach publication provides up-to-date information and resources about the translating and interpreting industry.
What's the difference?
Translators do the writing. Interpreters do the talking. ATA helps you find the right language professional.
Can't a computer do all this?
There are times when machine translation is useful, and times when it's not. Learn when to use Google Translate, and when to hire a professional.