If you are deaf or have difficulty reading, writing, speaking, or understanding English, you have the right to an interpreter in certain situations.
All agencies receiving federal assistance, including courts, hospitals, public benefits offices, and many community agencies, must provide services that are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. Kentucky courts must provide interpreters during court proceedings when needed. You or your victim advocate can notify agencies of your need for interpretation services.
It is never appropriate to have children or the offender act as interpreters. While it is the victim’s choice to use other family members or friends, best practice is to use interpreters with medical or legal interpreter training. In situations involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking, using an untrained interpreter can increase the risk of harm to the victim.
Not providing a timely interpreter or a translation may be national origin discrimination. If you have questions or feel your rights have been violated, you may contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division at 1-888-848-5306.
For agencies receiving federal funds, directly or indirectly, there should be no charge to clients for the use of interpretation services.
Telephone and video interpretation is available in many different languages through a variety of services.
Global Lex:
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is located at Global Lex, an international center where residents and our international population can obtain information, access programs and services, and connect with staff of local government and community service providers. Global Lex staff is fluent in various languages, including Spanish, Arabic, French, Japanese, and German, and has access to telephone interpreter assistance in over 240 languages. Contact Global Lex by calling (859) 246-4333.