State government programs are making strides toward better access for non-English-speaking Coloradans, a new report found, but more resources and coordination across agencies may be needed to fully address language access needs.
The report, released Dec. 16 by the Colorado Office of New Americans, surveyed 12 different “public-serving” state agencies and advised the state on how to better coordinate language access efforts across the board. Researchers from the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington, D.C., conducted the survey and made recommendations on how the state could improve.
The report found that all 12 state agencies that participated in the research had taken steps to help non-English speakers access information or services from their agencies. More than 300,000 Coloradans had limited understanding of English as of 2022, according to Census data.
How each agency approaches language access currently varies widely by agency, with no systemic efforts to implement language access across state government, the report found. Some translated written and online materials, some used multilingual staff to interact with non-English speakers, and some displayed signage or notices informing the public on the availability of language services. Most agencies that participated said they would be interested in getting more support in their efforts to improve language access.
“By investing in inclusive language access practices, Colorado ensures that all residents, regardless of their first language, can participate fully in their communities and access available opportunities,” Dee Daniels Scriven, director of the Office of New Americans, said in a statement. “The insights from this report will help state government to target language access interventions for maximum public benefit.”
Most state agencies said more funding would be needed to improve their language access efforts. The institute recommended the state convene a cross-agency working group to guide the state’s language access efforts, with the ultimate goal of appointing a “language access coordinator to more broadly support language access efforts across the state government.”
The group would determine each state agency’s needs for language access and develop a framework to guide language access improvements. The institute also recommended a statewide language access policy based on findings from the proposed working group.
“Language access in state government is essential to our democracy and our well-being,” state Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, a Glenwood Springs Democrat, said in a statement. “We are tasked with making resources and information available so that Coloradans can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. From the legislative process to state departments, we must continue removing barriers so we can all thrive.”
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