Language and Communications Access
Our goal is to make the City of Boston accessible for everyone.
Everyone deserves to have meaningful access to the information and services they need. We want all City departments to be able to provide language and communication access.
Contact
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1 City Hall Square
Room 817Boston, MA 02201 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Introduction
IntroductionMultilingual resources
ResourcesAbout the office
In 2016, Mayor Walsh signed a City ordinance to make the City more accessible for people who use languages other than English (LOTE) or have at least one disability. Our office will support the City in this effort.
Three federal mandates support our mission:
- Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title II
- Federal Executive Order 13166 (2000)
These laws protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or proficiency in English.
Our goal is to support City departments in three different areas:
InterpretationWhat is interpretation? When you listen in one language and then communicate what is said in a different language. We will offer services on-site and by telephone. We will be able to do this through City staff and third-party vendors. We will also offer interpretation in American Sign Language in person, as well as through Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).
TranslationWhat is a translation? When you take written text and convert it into another language. A translated document reflects the meaning of the original text as much as possible. We will work with qualified individuals and businesses to provide this service.
Assistive technologyWhat is an assistive technology? Tools and services that make life easier for those who need more support. These technologies include:
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Interpretation equipment
- Communications Access Real-Time Translation (CART)
Contact
-
1 City Hall Square
Room 817Boston, MA 02201 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
