Is your organization meeting the National CLAS Standard 6?
Standard 6 | Inform all individuals of the availability of language assistance services clearly and in their preferred language, verbally and in writing.
Purpose | Standard 6 helps to inform individuals with limited English proficiency, in their preferred language, that language services are readily available at no cost to them; to facilitate access to language services; and helps organizations comply with requirements such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and other relevant federal, state and local requirements to which they may need to adhere.
Strategies for Achievement | Examples of Strategies:
- Organizations should reflect the languages regularly encountered in the service area in their signs, materials, and multimedia resources (Berger, 2005; HHS OCR, 2003)
- For those who may not be literate, information can be conveyed orally or through signage using symbols or pictures (HHS OMH, 2005; Kashiwagi, 2004)
- Standardize procedures for staff members who serve as the initial point of contact for individuals, whether that is by telephone or in person. It may be appropriate to provide staff with a script to ensure that they inform individuals of the availability of language assistance and to inquire whether they will need to utilize any of the available services.
- Multilingual phone trees and voice mail should also be used to inform individuals of the available language assistance services and how to access them.
For additional strategies, see “The Blueprint“ an implementation guide to help you advance and sustain CLAS within your organization.
The Checklist | Work with your team to complete this Implementation Checklist for the National CLAS Standards to find areas of opportunity and create your CLAS Action Worksheet.
The Great Plains QIN team developed a simple video to outline the National CLAS Standard 6. If you have questions or would like technical assistance on how to implement the National CLAS Standards, contact a member of the Great Plains QIN Team.
Information adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Healthcare: Access the Blueprint for Advancing and Sustaining CLAS Policy and Practice.