Clear Image
DHHS logo Dept. of Health & Human Services
 
Link to AoA Homepage   U.S. Administration on Aging
About AoA
Press Room
Elders & Families
Professionals
Grant Programs
Clear Image
Clear Image
Professionals
Home > Professionals > Civil Rights > LEP
Clear Image
BulletAddressing Diversity
Clear Image
BulletAging & Disability Resource Center
Clear Image
BulletAging Network
Clear Image
BulletAoA Programs
Clear Image
BulletCivil Rights
Clear Image
Bullet
Square BulletHIPAA
Clear Image
Bullet
Square BulletLEP
Clear Image
Bullet
Square BulletNon Citizens
Clear Image
BulletCommunicating with Older Adults
Clear Image
BulletEmergency Preparedness & Response
Clear Image
BulletEvidence Based Disease Prevention Grants Program
Clear Image
BulletHHS Poverty Guidelines
Clear Image
BulletHomelessness
Clear Image
BulletIntegrated Care Management Grants Program
Clear Image
BulletInternational Aging
Clear Image
BulletNursing Home Diversion Program
Clear Image
BulletProgram Results and Evaluation
Clear Image
BulletStatistics on the Aging Population
Clear Image
BulletTransportation
Clear Image





Civil Rights

Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Most individuals living in the United States read, speak and understand English. There are many individuals, however, for whom English is not their primary language. For instance, based on the 2000 census, over 26 million individuals speak Spanish and almost 7 million individuals speak an Asian or Pacific Island language at home. If these individuals have a limited ability to read, speak, or understand English, they are limited English proficient, or "LEP." While detailed data from the 2000 census has not yet been released, 26% of all Spanish-speakers, 29.9% of all Chinese-speakers, and 28.2% of all Vietnamese-speakers reported that they spoke English "not well" or "not at all" in response to the 1990 census.

Language for LEP individuals can be a barrier to accessing important benefits or services, understanding and exercising important rights, complying with applicable responsibilities, or understanding other information provided by federally funded programs and activities. The Federal Government funds an array of services that can be made accessible to otherwise eligible LEP persons. Recipients of federal financial assistance have an obligation to reduce language barriers that can preclude meaningful access by LEP persons to important government services.

LEP Sub Navigation:

AoA.gov
Site Utilities Tab
  Last Updated Last Modified: 6/20/2008 1:29:18 PM  
  * Printer Friendly Page  
  * Email this page to a friend  
  * Was this page helpful ? Top
 
Contact AoA  |  Feedback  |  Visitor's Guide  |  Privacy Notice  |  Disclaimer  |  Accessibility  |  FOIA  |  Site Map