What is the Language Access Program and the DC Language Access Act of 2004?
No matter what language you speak, you have the right to receive information and services from the DC government. The Language Access Program works with District agencies to make this right a reality for residents, workers, and visitors who are limited or non-English proficient (LEP/NEP). Limited or no-English proficiency means the inability to understand adequately or to express oneself in the spoken or written English language. Established by the Language Access Act (LAA) of 2004, the Language Access Program (LAP) is based out of the DC Office of Human Rights.
The Language Access Act of 2004 applies to all District agencies, departments, programs, contractors, and grantees that interact with the public. It requires them to provide language access services to all constituents who need assistance when conducting official business in English. The District of Columbia recognizes these individuals as limited or non-English proficient (LEP/NEP). LEP/NEP individuals have the right to the following language access services: 1) Translation, 2) Interpretation, and 3) Signage.
While the Act encompasses both spoken and written language, it does not extend to visual languages such as American Sign Language (ASL).
Interpreter Services Waiver Forms
- Interpretation services waiver form in Amharic
- Interpretation services waiver form in Chinese
- Interpretation services waiver form in French
- Interpretation services waiver form in Korean
- Interpretation services waiver form in Spanish
- Interpretation services waiver form in Vietnamese
Updated: 6/25/2026