SAN DIEGO - eTradeWire -- A recent policy shift has changed the landscape of language access services at the federal level, shifting responsibility to individual agencies and organizations. The new executive order designating English as the official language of the U.S. revokes crucial federal language access guidelines that have protected millions for over two decades and threatening access to vital services across the country. While federal oversight has played a role in the past, the need for effective, reliable language access remains unchanged. Organizations that proactively address these changes will continue to provide essential services efficiently, ensuring seamless communication for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Inadequate language access has an incredible cost across all industries. Looking at healthcare for example, the total estimated annual cost for the healthcare industry due to language barriers affecting LEP populations could exceed $3 billion to $4 billion annually, along with a higher risk of adverse medical events*. When we look at education, the estimated overall cost of remedial education due to lack of language services across K-12 and higher education could easily exceed $7 billion annually, along with a drop out rate of up to 43%*. This significant impact is consistent across all industries who deal with Limited English Speaking, Non-English Speaking and Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals.

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Without federal oversight, hospitals may struggle to provide adequate care, leading to misdiagnoses, medication errors, and preventable deaths when patients are unable to communicate their symptoms. Schools may fail to properly support children whose parents cannot understand critical documents, ultimately widening achievement gaps and leaving vulnerable students behind. Limited to Non-English speakers may not receive life-saving alerts, not because help isn't available, but because they don't understand how to access it.

Despite changes in oversight, legal and regulatory requirements remain in effect. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, providing language services is not only best practice, it is a legal obligation. Organizations that take proactive steps to strengthen language access programs will not only ensure compliance but also enhance service quality, reduce risk, and improve outcomes for the individuals they serve.

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Now is the time to reinforce and expand language access programs. By integrating strong partnerships and proactive strategies with companies like Interpreters Unlimited, organizations can maintain uninterrupted communication and ensure equitable access for all. IU encourages organizations to move forward together to ensure no one is left behind. Now is the time to discuss solutions that keep your organization accessible, compliant, and prepared for the future.

For more information about Interpreters Unlimited, please visit https://www.interpreters.com or call 800-726-9891.