Language Access

Nearly 1 in 4 residents in Massachusetts speaks a language other than English at home.

Language access is essential for families in Massachusetts who are better served in a language other than English so they can access the services they need. Language access is a civil right which can be a barrier to access to justice when not provided.

MLRI advocates to improve language access for people who are best served in a language other than English and for Deaf or Hard of Hearing people in the courts, government agencies, schools and other institutions.

Our language access advocacy focuses on:

Ensuring courts, schools, health care providers and public-facing state agencies comply with language access laws.
Educating the bar about language access law and accessing and working with interpreters.
Partnering with advocates across the state to promote access to services for individuals who are better served in a language other than English.
Drafting and advancing legislation to expand language access in the state.
Empowering Massachusetts communities who are better served in a language other than English about their right to language access.