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City of Santa Ana <br />Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan <br />March 2014 <br />III. BACKGROUND <br />Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq. and its implementing regulations provide <br />that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin under <br />any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. In order to avoid discrimination <br />against LEP persons on the grounds of national origin, we must take reasonable steps to ensure that <br />such persons have meaningful access to the programs, services, and information. <br />Language barriers prohibit LEP persons from obtaining services and information relating to a variety of <br />services and programs because they may not be able to read instructions or correspondence written in <br />English and may not understand verbal information. Many times, they are not aware of regulatory <br />requirements and legal implications of the services they seek. When LEP persons receive legal <br />documents, they often do not understand the contents of the correspondence and its implication to <br />their daily lives. LEP persons may not be able to take advantage of services, which could affect their <br />job and social opportunities. When individuals do not understand or read English, they can be <br />hampered in seeking employment opportunities. <br />IV. GOALS <br />It is essential that City staff be informed about their diverse clientele from a linguistic, cultural and <br />social perspective. These individuals will be culturally competent so they can encourage vulnerable LEP <br />minority populations to access and receive appropriate services with more knowledge and confidence. <br />The key to providing meaningful access to LEP persons is to ensure that LEP persons can communicate <br />effectively and act appropriately based on that communication. Minimum reasonable measures would <br />be to ensure that LEP persons are given adequate information, are able to understand that <br />information, and are able to participate effectively in programs or activities. <br />Spanish and Vietnamese are the two most requested languages for interpreters in the City of Santa <br />Ana. City staff will make designated publications available in languages other than English and provide <br />interpretation /translation services to persons who are not proficient in English. <br />The City will take reasonable steps to ensure that LEP persons are given adequate information, are able <br />to understand that information, and are able to participate effectively in recipient programs or <br />activities, where appropriate. <br />V. FOUR FACTOR ANALYSIS <br />The DOT Four Factor Analysis provides guidance to agencies receiving federal financial assistance in <br />taking reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to all of its services, programs and activities used <br />by LEP persons. The City received a $200,000 grant to purchase two fuel- efficient shuttle buses for the <br />City's Seniors on the Go Transportation Program. This program will offer transportation to and from <br />the seniors' home to both of the City's Senior Recreation Centers. <br />Transportation will not be provided to the general public, therefore, an analysis of public demographic <br />55B -18 <br />