Language Access Policy

Translate page: عربى (Arabic), বাঙালি (Bengali), 中文 (Chinese), Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian-Creole), Italiano (Italian), 한국어 (Korean), Polski (Polish), Русскийy (Russian), Español (Spanish), יידיש (Yiddish)

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On March 26, 2021, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed Executive Order 26.1, which directs executive state agencies that provide direct public services to offer language assistance services (translation and interpretation) to people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). EO 26.1 amended the Governor’s Executive Order 26, originally issued in October 2011.

In signing this Executive Order, Governor Cuomo recognized that 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 LEP status presents potential barriers to accessing important government programs and services.

What does Executive Order 26.1 require?

• Each executive state agency that provides direct public services is required to offer interpretation services to individuals in their primary language with respect to the provision of services or benefits.
• These agencies are also required to translate vital documents, including public documents such as forms, in the ten most common non-English languages spoken by LEP individuals in the State of New York (based on the most recent United States census data).
• The agencies are also required to appoint a Language Access Coordinator and to publish a Language Access Plan.

What are the ten most common non-English languages spoken in New York State?

At the moment, the top ten languages are:

• Spanish
• Chinese
• Russian
• Yiddish
• Bengali
• Korean
• Haitian Creole
• Italian
• Arabic
• Polish

While all covered state agencies are required to provide translation services for these ten languages, some agencies may also choose to add additional languages based on the needs of the population they serve and other federal requirements.

What is a Language Access Plan?

A Language Access Plan sets forth the actions to be taken by the agency to ensure meaningful access to their services. This include but not limited to the list of translated document and languages available, total staff with language access skills and ability, training plan, annual monitoring plan, and outreach strategies. Agencies are required to regularly update their Language Access Plans. Access agencies’ Language Access Plans here.

How many New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home?

Over 5.7 million people living in New York speak a language other than English. Of these, 2.5 million speak English less than well. Based on the 2015-2019 American Community Survey, the number of LEP individuals who speak one of the top ten languages are:

1. Spanish: 1,201,322
2. Chinese : 379,745
3. Russian : 119,380
4. Yiddish: 64,070
5. Bengali: 64,020
6. Korean: 55,506
7. Haitian Creole: 54,746
8. Italian: 46,431
9. Arabic: 40,781
10. Polish: 34,840

Which state agencies are required to provide Language Access services?

Each of the following agencies provide Language Access services and have a Language Access Coordinator that monitor the agency’s compliance with this Order.

What if someone does not receive adequate language assistance or is denied services?

As Governor Cuomo has made clear in the Executive Order, it is the policy of New York State for covered agencies to provide language access services for public services and programs. If you feel that you have not been provided with adequate interpretation services or you have been denied adequate translation assistance, please fill out our language access form.

For additional questions or information, please email [email protected].