1. How does Alaska ensure that Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals receive necessary Language Assistance Services?
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has a Language Access Plan that ensures Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals receive necessary Language Assistance Services. This plan ensures that DHSS staff members provide appropriate language assistance services to individuals, families, and providers with limited English proficiency in the most effective and cost-efficient manner. The plan outlines the methods that DHSS will use to provide language access services, including interpreter services, translated materials, and other support. Additionally, DHSS has a Language Access Task Force that is responsible for monitoring the Language Access Plan to ensure it is effective in providing necessary language assistance services. This task force regularly reviews policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant with the Language Access Plan and federal regulations.2. What language assistance services are available in Alaska for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
The state of Alaska provides a range of language assistance services for individuals with limited English proficiency. These services include: translation services, interpreter services, language access plans, cultural competency training, and language access hotlines. Additionally, there are several organizations within the state that provide language assistance services, including the Alaska Native Language Center, Alaska Literacy Program, and Alaska Legal Services Corporation.3. How does Alaska fund language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
Alaska funds language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). DHSS provides funding to local organizations that provide language assistance services, such as interpreters and translation services. Local organizations also receive funding from other state and federal sources to support language assistance services for LEP individuals.4. What are the legal requirements of Alaska regarding the provision of language assistance services to people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
In Alaska, the state has adopted the US Department of Justice language access rules for all state and local government services, programs, and activities. This means that agencies must take reasonable steps to ensure that people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to any services, programs, and activities that they provide. This includes providing language assistance services such as interpreters and translated materials. In addition, the State of Alaska requires all persons employed in a customer service role to speak English fluently, unless they are bilingual in a language other than English.5. How does Alaska ensure culturally competent language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
Alaska ensures culturally competent language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) by providing language access resources, such as bilingual staff, translation services, and interpreting services, to ensure that all LEP individuals have access to the services they need. The State of Alaska also requires all agencies to provide language access resources to individuals with Limited English Proficiency. Additionally, they have adopted an official policy that requires all agencies to provide meaningful access to their services and programs. This includes providing appropriate language assistance services, such as interpretation and translation, when needed. Furthermore, the State of Alaska has established a Language Access Coordinator in each agency to ensure that all agencies are providing appropriate language assistance services to individuals with Limited English Proficiency.6. What are the training requirements for interpreters in Alaska?
Interpreters in Alaska must receive 24 hours of training every 3 years to maintain their certification. This includes training in areas such as ethics, interpreting protocols, roles and responsibilities, American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and language proficiency. Additionally, interpreters must take 6 hours of specialized training related to the legal environment they are interpreting in. They must also complete a criminal background check before being certified.7. How do state agencies in Alaska ensure quality language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
State agencies in Alaska ensure quality language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) by providing a variety of resources, such as the Language Access Plan which outlines the language access services available in the state, and offering training and guidance to staff on cultural sensitivity and providing language assistance services. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services also offers translation, interpretation, and other language services to ensure effective communication for LEP individuals. Moreover, the Department of Law maintains a list of qualified interpreters who are available to provide language assistance.8. What methods does Alaska use to assess the effectiveness of language assistance services?
Alaska uses a variety of methods to assess the effectiveness of language assistance services, including surveys and feedback from participants, evaluation of program data and outcomes, and analysis of service utilization rates. The state also uses observations of staff and program operations to monitor quality of care. Additionally, Alaska may also use customer satisfaction surveys to gauge the quality of service.9. What is the policy of Alaska regarding the use of multiple languages in the provision of language assistance services?
Alaska does not have a specific policy regarding the use of multiple languages in the provision of language assistance services. However, Alaska does have state law (AS 44.99.010) requiring state agencies to provide appropriate language assistance services to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals when needed.10. How does Alaska ensure that interpreters and translators providing language assistance services are competent and qualified?
The Alaska Office of Public Advocacy has a list of qualified interpreters and translators who provide language assistance services. All interpreters and translators must have a minimum level of education, experience, and performance in the language they interpret or translate. They must also pass a written test administered by the Alaska State Court System and an oral test administered by a certified interpreter. Additionally, all interpreters and translators must abide by the Code of Professional Responsibility for interpreters and translators established by the Alaska State Court System.11. What measures has Alaska taken to increase access to language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
Alaska has taken a number of measures to increase access to language assistance services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has established a Language Access Plan which includes the provision of free interpreter services for medical appointments, social services, and programs involving the Alaska Court System. The State has also created the Alaska Language Access Center, an online platform through which LEP individuals can access interpretation services in their own language. Additionally, in 2020, the Alaska Legislature passed a bill requiring state agencies to provide free interpretation and translation services to persons with limited English proficiency, allowing them access to essential services, such as COVID-19 testing, health care, and housing.12. How can local governments in Alaska access language assistance services?
Local governments in Alaska can access language assistance services through the Alaska Language Access Program (ALAP). ALAP is a part of the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development and provides services such as consultation, technical assistance, training, translation, and interpretation. ALAP can help local governments to ensure equitable access to services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency.13. How does Alaska ensure that the cost of language assistance services is not a barrier to access for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
The State of Alaska has a limited English proficiency plan in place to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) have access to services without cost as a barrier. This plan includes providing funding for interpreter services and language assistance services, creating a multilingual website and printed materials, and expanding the list of approved interpreters and translators. Additionally, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services offers free language assistance services to assist LEP individuals accessing healthcare services when needed.14. How is data collected in Alaska regarding the use of language assistance services by people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
Data is collected in Alaska regarding the use of language assistance services by people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) by the Office of Civil Rights. The Office tracks language access complaints and works with entities to identify unmet language access needs and develop solutions. The Office also collects data on language access services provided, including the number of interpreters utilized, by surveys and reports from public entities who provide language access services. Additionally, the Office reviews language assistance plans, contracts, and training materials.15. What is the role of community-based organizations in providing language assistance services in Alaska?
Community-based organizations in Alaska play an important role in providing language assistance services. These organizations help bridge the language barriers between non-English speakers and health care providers. They provide interpretation services, cultural competency training, and resources to help people understand common medical terminology. They also serve as advocates for Alaska’s diverse populations and ensure their needs are addressed in healthcare settings.16. What resources are available to providers and consumers of language assistance services in Alaska?
The Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council (ANLPAC) provides technical assistance and resources to both providers and consumers of language assistance services in Alaska. It provides educational resources, publications, workshops and conferences, research, and funding opportunities. The ANLPAC also works to develop language revitalization projects and to promote the use of Alaska Native languages. Additionally, regional language centers throughout the state offer free classes, workshops, and seminars on Alaska Native languages.17. How does Alaska ensure that interpreters and translators receive fair compensation for their work providing language assistance services?
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has established an interpreter/translator billing/payment system to ensure that interpreters and translators receive fair compensation for their services. This system includes reimbursements for travel and accommodation expenses, as well as hourly payments for their services. Additionally, DHSS has established an “Approved Interpreters List” which lists interpreters/translators who have been approved to provide services to DHSS. All listed interpreters/translators must meet appropriate qualifications and have received the appropriate training and experience in order to be eligible for the list.18. How does Alaska ensure that language assistance services are provided in a timely manner to people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)?
Alaska requires that language assistance services be provided in a timely manner to people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) by providing access to material in multiple languages and having trained interpreters available. The state also requires that all public documents are made available in multiple languages and that interpreters are provided when assisting programs such as healthcare, legal aid, and social services. Additionally, Alaska requires that state agencies provide language assistance services to people with LEP and provides resources such as the Language Access Toolkit to help organizations improve their language access services.19. What guidelines does Alaska provide to ensure confidentiality in the provision of language assistance services?
Alaska provides language assistance services in accordance with the following guidelines:1. All language assistance services, including communication with interpreters, must be conducted in a confidential environment.
2. Interpreters must agree to maintain the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of providing language assistance services.
3. Interpreters must not disclose any confidential information obtained in the course of providing language assistance services to a third party without client permission.
4. Clients have the right to receive language assistance services without fear of discrimination or reprisal.
5. Language assistance services must be provided in a manner that is respectful of the client’s cultural background.
6. Clients must not be charged for language assistance services.
7. Language assistance services must be provided at no cost to the client.
8. Language assistance services must be provided in a timely manner.
9. All interpreters must adhere to professional codes of conduct and ethical standards, including those established by professional associations and organizations.
English 
Español de México