District of Columbia Office of Human Rights: I Speak Cards
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"I Speak" Cards 

The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) has created informational material to assist limited- and non-English proficient (LEP/NEP) constituents in understanding their rights under the DC Language Access Act of 2004. This material is presented by way of a “Know Your Rights” card, which briefly summarizes LEP/NEP constituents’ rights to free written translation and oral interpretation services through the District government when accessing services from District agencies.

The “Know Your Rights” card is a bilingual card that has been translated into six (6) different languages: Amharic, traditional Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The card contains a detachable, wallet-sized “I Speak” card that states the following: “I speak ______. I need language assistance. Please make note of my spoken language in your records, as well as my need for an interpreter.” The purpose of the “I Speak” card is to eliminate language barriers that exist for LEP/NEP constituents when attempting to access District services. District personnel will utilize the information on this card to secure the appropriate language resource(s), such as a bilingual employee or telephonic interpretation service, to assist the LEP/NEP individual in his/her language.

The card also informs LEP/NEP constituents of their right to formally file a complaint of noncompliance with OHR against any District agency that fails to provide these in-language services and fully assist the LEP/NEP customer. Language Access complaints can be filed online or by calling (202) 727-4559.

Select the specific language for the "Know Your Rights" and the "I Speak" cards below and print. For additional information on the “Know Your Rights” cards, please contact Ms. Aryan Rodriguez at (202) 727-3942 or by email.

      Know Your Rights:*          "I Speak:"*    
     In Amharic      Amharic in English
     In Chinese      Chinese in English
     In French      French in English
     In Korean      Korean in English
     In Spanish      Spanish in English
     In Vietnamese      Vietnamese in English

Know Your Rights


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