October 30, 2024 by Clarissa Ayala
New National Language Rights Toolkit to Improve Access to Services and Reduce Discrimination and Barriers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON, TEXAS — Northwest Justice Project, in collaboration with Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA), Lone Star Legal Aid, Pro Bono Net, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Legal Aid of Arkansas, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Disability Rights California, California Rural Legal Assistance, Briefly Now, and several other significant contributors, is proud to announce the launch of the National Language Rights Toolkit. In recognition of the harms caused by the lack of availability of language services, this project was designed to raise awareness of legal rights, improve access to services, reduce discrimination and barriers, and support advocacy and self-empowerment.
The lack of language services often prevents people from accessing services they are otherwise eligible for or in need of. This can mean not getting the healthcare services you need, not participating in your child’s education, not obtaining the protection order needed to keep you and your family safe, and not receiving food or cash assistance that you otherwise qualify for.
The toolkit includes social media graphics and suggested captions in multiple languages to educate the public about their legal right to access translation and interpretation services, ensuring language is never a barrier to essential services. This initiative was funded by the Legal Services Corporation and supported by the National Legal Aid and Defender Association’s Latina/x/o Issues Section and aligns with broader efforts to improve access for diverse populations. The toolkit is available online at https://www.lonestarlegal.org/resource/language-access-know-your-rights-toolkit-2024/ and is available in the following languages:
Amharic / አማርኛ, Arabic / العربية, Chinese (Simplified) / 简体中文, Chinese (Traditional) / 中文, Haitian Creole / Kreyòl ayisyen, Korean / 한국어, Portuguese / Português, Russian / Pусский, Spanish / Español , Tagalog / Pilipino, Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
For more information, please visithttps://www.lonestarlegal.org/resource/language-access-know-your-rights-toolkit-2024/.
About Northwest Justice Project
The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is Washington’s largest publicly funded legal aid program, providing critical civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in areas such as family safety, housing, income protection, and access to healthcare and education. Through statewide offices and the CLEAR hotline, NJP offers free legal advice, education, and referrals while also managing Washington Law Help, an online resource with self-help legal materials. As part of the Alliance for Equal Justice, NJP is committed to ensuring equal access to justice and provides language and sign interpreters to eliminate barriers for clients seeking assistance.
Key Partners
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA), Lone Star Legal Aid, Pro Bono Net, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Legal Aid of Arkansas, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Disability Rights California, California Rural Legal Assistance, Briefly Now, and more.
