Tell Spokane County: make services inclusive for all languages

We all deserve access to the vital services offered by the county regardless of what languages we speak or our level of English proficiency.

According to Census data, the demographics are changing and Spokane County is becoming more diverse. Over 40,000 people speak a language other than English at home and the system must adjust to meet their need for government services. We cannot let non-English speaking residents continue to be turned away or be underserved. Unfortunately, Spokane County commissioners remain unconvinced that creating a county-wide language access plan, that goes beyond basic interpretation, is a worthwhile investment.

Now is the time to make sure all residents can receive vital county services regardless of the language they speak! Send a message to the commissioners so that all residents of Spokane have equal access to justice and our local government.

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I am a concerned resident, writing in support of the language access campaign being proposed by Mujeres in Action (MiA) and their partner organizations. For residents with limited English proficiency, language presents a constant barrier and makes receiving government services very difficult. Spokane County’s policies must evolve to better serve a growing and more diverse population.

We ask for the development and implementation of a fully funded comprehensive language access plan (LAP) that meets the needs of all Spokane County residents regardless of the language they speak. The language access plan must include the following;

-Specific processes and detailed instructions on how to assist Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents for all departments, especially those that are public facing
-Readily available access to qualified interpreters (Virtual, phone, or in-person)
-Multilingual highly visible signage, and “I speak” cards
-Translated forms and materials (For the 10 most spoken languages)
-Ongoing training for all staff (Cultural Awareness training) 
-Improve hiring practices to diversify staff w/ equitable compensation for language skills 
-Designation or hiring of a language access coordinator

Language is an essential component of any effort to improve communication, equity, and access to critical government services. As invested stakeholders, we fully support the efforts of this campaign and urge the county to take immediate action.

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