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Office of Language Access

Overseeing New York State's language access services for millions of New Yorkers with limited English proficiency.

New York State Office of Language Access
Listening Tour

As a New Yorker, you have the right to access state programs, benefits, and services, no matter what language you speak. You can receive free interpretation services and have important documents translated into many languages when requesting state benefits or services.

This fall, the New York State Office of Language Access wants to hear about your experience using these language services. Please join us for a listening session at a location near you and share your feedback!
Language Access Icon
Overview
Language Assistance Services

There are millions of New Yorkers who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. For these New Yorkers, their Limited English Proficiency status presents potential barriers to accessing important government programs and services.

The Office of Language Access provides critical oversight and coordination across New York State agencies to ensure that the statewide language access policy, which Governor Hochul expanded in April 2022, is implemented efficiently and effectively. The Office of Language Access is a part of the Office of General Services, which also supports New York’s language access policy by maintaining the State contract through which agencies are able to access vendors that provide interpretation and translation services.

American Sign Language

New Yorkers speak more than 800 languages. To make sure all New Yorkers can access government services and benefits— no matter how well you communicate in English— Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York State’s language access policy into law and created the state’s Office of Language Access.

 

Under New York's language access policy, agencies must provide interpretation services in any language and translation services in the top 12 most common non-English languages spoken by Limited English Proficient New Yorkers.

Submit a Complaint
What if someone does not receive adequate language assistance or is denied services?
It is the policy of New York State for covered agencies to provide language access services for public services and programs. If you or someone you know feel that you have not been provided with adequate language access services, including translation or interpretation, please fill out our language access complaint form.

American Sign Language

Submit a Complaint