Language and Literacy
This category includes people who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English, have low literacy skills, or who cannot read at all (in English or in their native language).
It is important to consider language and literacy when you develop public health messages. To ensure that everyone can understand the information and follow public health directives, information must be culturally and linguistically appropriate and accessible to everyone.
Those who do not speak English as their primary language or have limited speaking, reading or writing ability are described by the term “limited English proficiency” (LEP).
Following the August 11, 2000, passage of Executive Order 13166 “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” LEP populations qualify for the same anti-discrimination protection designated for race, color, or national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This is important because Title VI regulations forbid government funding recipients from restricting program benefits to individuals facing linguistic challenges with respect to a particular type of service, benefit or encounter.
