ADA and Limited English Proficiency
Limited English proficiency
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires that all recipients of federal grants take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to the information, programs and services they provide.
This includes access for individuals with limited English proficiency. More information is available in this IMLS Guidance (PDF).
Accessible programs and services
Grant recipients are required to make their services and programs accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Recipients of LSTA grant funds are also required to comply with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Title VII and its implementing regulations provide that no person shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin under any program or activity.
This includes English language for persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), which can provide a barrier to accessing important benefits or services, understanding and exercising important rights, complying with applicable responsibilities or understanding other information provided by federally-funded programs and activities. Grant recipients must have appropriate and reasonable language assistance measures designed to address the needs of persons with limited English proficiency, as required by Executive Order 13166 (PDF).
For additional guidance on these requirements, see:
