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.

A person who has limited English proficiency is someone who does not speak English as their primary language and has a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English.

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 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.

2000 Census data shows that nearly 13% of Marylanders 5 years and older speak languages other than English.

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.