To facilitate the usability of state Web sites by people with limited English proficiency, in addition to English language content, agencies should consider providing the content of their Web sites in the primary language or languages used by the people using the Web site. The translation of Web site content into languages in addition to English can be achieved at less cost if the agency translates Web site content into additional languages at the time other changes are made to the Web site. The U.S. Department of Justice issued "Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964-National Origin Discrimination Against Persons with Limited English Proficiency," a guidance document that sets forth compliance standards to ensure that programs and activities provided in English are accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency. These guidelines may be helpful to an agency in determining the parts of its Web site content that should be available in languages in addition to English. The guidelines recommend that agencies consider: (1) the number or proportion of people in the eligible service population with limited English proficiency; (2) specific requirements for Spanish language content that are addressed in §2054.116, Government Code; (3) the frequency with which those individuals contact the program; (4) the importance of the services provided; and (5) the resources available to the recipient agency and costs. |
