|
|
Update 2024-01: Language Access Chapter Consolidation
Common Place Handbook
| Date | References | Clerical | Implementation |
| 02/21/24 | N/A | N/A | 02/21/24 |
Background
The Common Place Handbook section information regarding Language Access has been removed from Chapter 22 - Civil Rights and is now consolidated into a new chapter titled, Chapter 23 - Language Access. This consolidation aims to enhance staff usage of the various language access and interpreter vendor details in an easier-to-locate, standalone chapter format.
As a result of this consolidation, all other Common Place Handbook chapters have shifted down and are now found as:
- Chapter 24 - IN & ES
- Chapter 25 - Homeless Mailing Address
- Chapter 26 – Inter-County Transfer (ICT), and
- Chapter 27 – Voter Registration.
Changes
In addition to the current language access vendors CyraCom (formerly known as Voiance), and TransPerfect, two new additional vendors are now on board to provide over-the-phone interpretation and translation services for DEBS:
The instructions for requesting over-the-phone interpretation via Global and Hanna have been added to the handbook.
All prior references to Voiance have been updated to CyraCom.
The Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) section has been revised and updated to reflect instructions on using VRI via CyraCom, Global Interpreting, and Hanna.
The procedure for document translation requests by DEBS staff has been updated.
Additionally, the reference materials for the various language access vendors have been consolidated into a section on the Program Bureau Resources page. This page includes interpreter tips, access phone numbers and codes, language codes, and detailed step-by-step instruction guides on accessing and pre-scheduling VRI services, which may be found on the DEBS Program & Policy Bureau > Resources > CP – DCBP Reference Materials > Language Access page.
Department of Employment & Benefits Services
Contact Person(s): Kamille-Angelita Reddy, SSA Business Policy Implementation Specialist, (408) 755-7540.