Know Your Rights

Right to an Interpreter

If you have difficulty reading, writing, speaking or understanding English, you have the right to an interpreter in certain situations. According to President Clinton’s Executive Order "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency" (August 11, 2000), all agencies that receive federal assistance must provide services that are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. Not providing accessible services constitutes national origin discrimination. Hospitals, health and public benefits offices are covered under this law. Under the law of Kentucky, all courts must provide persons with interpreters during court proceedings. In these situations, you have the right to demand an interpreter, and may use the card below to assert your rights. If you feel your rights have been violated, you may contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division at 1-888-848-5306. You may also contact the Hispanic/Latino Coalition at 502-589-8600 to report abuses.

Print this card and carry it with you

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