Limited English Proficiency
Imagine calling 911 and being unable to describe your emergency. Or going to a hospital but not being able to get emergency care because you weren’t able to fully communicate your health problem. Or missing your bus to work because you weren’t able to read the change in service notice that was posted in English. These are common challenges facing people with limited English proficiency.
What is limited English proficiency?
Over the years, a number of federal laws have been created to address the specific needs of LEP individuals in accessing services. These laws include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency," issued in 2000. The purpose of these laws is to break down barriers that prevent LEP individuals from having access to important information and services, such as health care, education, and transportation.
Addressing LEP in the Baltimore region
Within the Baltimore region, about 3% of the population speaks English less than very well or not at all. Among this group, the primary languages other than English are Spanish, Indo European, and Asian/Pacific languages.
As a metropolitan planning organization, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board works to include all area residents in the planning process.
Limited English proficiency plan As a recipient of federal funds, BRTB must take steps to ensure meaningful access to the information and services it provides. As part of this, developing a plan for addressing individuals with limited English proficiency is required. This plan also includes a Title VI/LEP Complaint process and form.
>>> Learn more about the BRTB's 2007 LEP plan for the Metropolitan Planning Organization
>>> Download the 2007 LEP Plan in English or Spanish or view in HTML
>> Download the complaint form
Additional Resources
- ¿Habla Usted Español? Spanish Language Aid for Incident Response - A guide (in pdf) to assist emergency responders (police, fire and transportation personnel) in communicating with Spanish-only speakers. The booklet provides Spanish translations of typical phrases that would be needed in the event of a road emergency.
- Hispanic Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety - A disproportionate number of persons killed and injured in traffic crashes as pedestrians and bicyclists are Hispanic immigrants. Learn more…
For more information:
Monica B. Haines Benkhedda, mhainesbenkhedda@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 x1047
Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 December 2011 13:35