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Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

State agencies, local agencies, or other recipients that fail to provide free language assistance (interpretation/translation) to potentially-eligible persons, applicants, and participants, who are limited English proficient (LEP), or deny LEP persons access to federally assisted programs and activities, may be discriminating on the basis of national origin in violation of Title VI and its implementing regulations. In order to ensure compliance with Title VI and Title VI regulations, recipients are required to take reasonable steps to ensure “meaningful access” to their programs and activities.

FNS Policy Memos
Laws, Regulations & Guidance
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Page updated: November 22, 2023