Centering Communities Through Language Access

The Need for Language Access

Here at the Clear Language Lab, we champion creating information that community members can find, understand, and use. While we ourselves are not translators, we recognize that prioritizing language justice is critical in our modern world.

According to the US Census Bureau, about 1 in 5 people in the United States (22%) speak a language other than English at home. Here in our hometown of Chicago, nearly 2 in 5 people (36%) do. To serve communities effectively, local institutions and initiatives center the needs of community members, including those who may have varying levels of comfort speaking, reading, or understanding English.

Here are some reminders that providing language access benefits the people you may serve, your community, and even your organization.

Access to Care

Providing language access opens the door for a larger group of people to feel more comfortable working with you and using the services your organization offers.

A 2024 review of health research and outcomes related to community members who fall under the umbrella of limited English proficiency (LEP) show numerous examples of reduced access to care. Some people may delay or even skip using services or not fully understand the implications following up on health care. When people can interact with information or an interpreter in a language they feel most comfortable in, they are more likely to proactively look for and get the right support that they need.

Access to Essential Services

Providing language access opens the door for a larger group of people to feel more comfortable working with you and using services – essential services necessary for everyday participation in community life.

Recently, some members of our team spoke with Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita around language access initiatives happening locally. This past winter, Commissioner Morita and other leaders held a Language Access Summit to draw attention to these issues.

Clearer Communication and Response

When you provide language access, you are choosing to be clearer with your intended audience. This provides another layer on top of the use of plain language to make sure that your message is found and understood by the intended reader.

When a person understands the message, they can then meaningfully respond. A message in a reader’s home language can eliminate confusion and unnecessary mistakes.

Want to Learn More?

This past month, the Clear Language Lab hosted two webinars centered around Language Access.

The first session gave an overview of language access and had a discussion with several English language learners. Check out the recap and recording for Communicating with English Language Learners.
In the second session, our Senior Program Manager Sarah facilitated a discussion with several professionals who shared wisdom on how to improve language access at your organization. Read the recap and access the recording for Improving Language Access at Your Organization.