A major component of language access compliance is providing notice of Language Assistance Services to LEPs. This means informing LEP individuals of their eligibility for benefits, programs, and services in a language they understand. In addition, agencies must provide notice and information about available language assistance services such as translating outreach materials, websites, signage, and/or, public service announcements.

It is recommended that agencies assess all points of contact with the public and LEP individuals to determine the best method to provide notice of language assistance services. MIMA has developed supporting materials that can support engagement with LEPs.

Visuals and communications suggestions:

• iSpeak logo use
  Cities across the country use the term ‘iSpeak’ to let their constituents know about language access. This logo includes the translation of the phrase “I Speak” into the top five languages. This logo can be included in public facing materials in order for constituents to recognize this visual and be reminded that the city offers Language Assistance Services. 
  
  Available in color and black and white.
• iSpeak cards for residents
  This graphic can be given to residents and is also sized as a phone graphic. Residents can keep this graphic that pertains to their preferred language and when they interact with a city employee, they can hold it up to determine the language need for interpretation. 
  
  Graphics available in the city’s core languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin, Korean, and Arabic. 
• iSpeak posters in resident-facing city buildings and offices
  This graphic was designed to be used in public-facing offices where a constituent can see it and use it to bridge any language gaps with the city employee while they connect with the necessary language assistance tools.  
  
  As a city employee, you can have the constituent point at the language they recognize to know what to request when using language access services. 
  • Available in 8.5” x 11” and also in a larger, tabloid size, 11” x 17”.  
  • Please ensure to print with color as it can help with the identifying the constituent’s language needs. 
• iSpeak cards for city employees doing fieldwork
  This graphic is for city employees who do fieldwork and can be printed out or saved as a photo on a mobile device. If you encounter an LEP individual and need telephonic interpretation on site, show this and ask them point to the language they recognize to request interpretation. 

Other ways to communicate to the public

In addition to these graphics, there are other ways to let residents know about language access. Here are some suggested options:

• Include language assistance availability in your email signature
• Add a translated phrase with the top five languages to footers of public-facing documents, like application forms
• Include a language access note in your voice options for phone calls