Minnesota is a diverse, multi-cultural state that includes many people who speak languages other than English. For individuals with a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English, language can be a barrier to understanding vital information provided by the agency, exercising rights, or complying with responsibilities.
The MPCA takes reasonable measures to ensure meaningful communication with individuals who are not proficient in English. No person will be denied access to MPCA programs or information because they do not communicate proficiently in English.
Translation and other resources
The MPCA will make appropriate language assistance services available at no cost and in a timely manner when residents who are not proficient in English require services. When clients request language assistance, our staff must take reasonable measures to offer free interpretation and/or translation services in a language they understand.
The MPCA also proactively translates written material or offers other language assistance for some programs and information. The agency considers the following when deciding when to offer these services:
- the number or proportion of people who do are not proficient in English and are impacted by an agency action or activity
- the frequency with which individuals with limited English proficiency come into contact with a specific program, service, or activity
- the nature and importance of the program, service, or activity
- available resources to deliver competent and accurate language services