Limited English Proficiency- LEP

Who is a Limited English Proficient Person?

Persons who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English can be limited English proficient, or “LEP”.  These individuals may be entitled to language assistance with respect to a particular type of service, benefit or encounter.

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act

“No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

                                                                                                                                                          -42 U.S.C. § 2000d.

Any person with LEP wishing to apply for and participate in an AHA program who needs other-than-English language assistance may request such language services in writing, by telephone, personally, or through a personal interpreter.  Language assistance services are free of charge.

AHA will take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful and critical access to programs and services to LEP persons that are in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  “Reasonable steps” may cease to be reasonable where the costs impose undue burdens to AHA, without diminishing or minimizing the obligation that those needs be addressed.

AHA is committed to helping people get the benefits and services they need, in ways they can understand.