Education for Justice

FACT SHEET I-3

Fall 2011

Your Right to an Interpreter

 

 

WHEN DO I HAVE A RIGHT TO AN INTERPRETER?

You have the right to an interpreter if you need one to understand what is going on.

Agencies which get state or federal funds must provide a free interpreter to people with limited English skills.  This includes most government offices, schools, courts, hospitals, police and fire departments, and non-profits.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO GET AN INTERPRETER?

  • Ask for one.  You can say:  “I need a                         interpreter.”

            Fill in the blank with your language

 

  • If the agency refuses, tell them that the law says they must provide an interpreter.  Show them the English version of this Fact Sheet.

 

 

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT FOR AN INTERPRETER?

Getting an interpreter should not take so long that you lose a benefit or miss a deadline.  Keep track of how long it takes to get an interpreter.

 

 

WHO PAYS FOR THE INTERPRETER?

The agency where you are seeking help has to pay for the interpreter.

 

 

WHAT IF THE AGENCY TELLS ME TO BRING MY OWN INTERPRETER?

It is illegal for an agency to ask you to bring an interpreter.

 

  • Ask for an interpreter.  If they do not give you one, complain in writing.  Keep a copy.

 

  • You can bring your own interpreter, if you want.  But, an agency may choose to use its own interpreter.

 

  • Children / minors must not be used to interpret.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN’T UNDERSTAND THE INTERPRETER?

You have the right to an interpreter you can understand.

  • If you do not understand the interpreter, ask the interpreter to explain or repeat what was said.  Do not be afraid to ask questions.

 

  • If you cannot understand, tell the agency.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF AN INTERPRETER?

The role of an interpreter is to tell you in your language what is being said.  The interpreter is not an advocate.  They do not help you with the problem, they only help you communicate.  The interpreter must be neutral and fair.  The interpreter should keep your information private.

 

 

WHAT IF MY INTERPRETER DID NOT DO WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE?

Complain in writing to the agency.  If you need help, call Legal Aid.

 

 

WHAT ABOUT TRANSLATED MATERIALS?

An agency must translate important documents free of charge in a timely way.  This includes notices, applications, and other important written materials.

 

 

WHY DO I HAVE A RIGHT TO AN INTERPRETER?

Language discrimination is national origin discrimination.  It is discrimination based on what country you came from.

  • The right to an interpreter is a CIVIL RIGHT.

 

  • If a federally funded agency does not provide an interpreter, this can be national origin discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

 

  • Agencies in Minnesota must provide an interpreter under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

 

 

WHAT DO I DO IF AN INTERPRETER IS NOT PROVIDED OR IF THE AGENCY TELLS ME TO BRING MY OWN INTERPRETER?

·                     Get the name and business card of the person / agency who denied your rights.

·                     Speak with the supervisor.

·                     Write a letter to complain to:

-        The agency’s director or civil rights unit

-        Minnesota Department of Human Rights; and

-        The federal agency funding the agency or the U.S. Department of Justice.

·                     Write a letter to the Mayor, the Governor, your Congresspersons, your State or local representatives.

·                     Write down who you talked to and when.  Keep copies of your letters.

 

In Hennepin County, call the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis:   (612) 334-5970

 

Minneapolis Legal Aid Society- CLE

Minnesota Legal Services Coalition

2324 University Avenue W – Suite 101B

St. Paul, MN  55114

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To find other Legal Aid Society materials, including the fact sheets mentioned in this document, go to www.lawhelpmn.org/LASMfactsheets.