Language Access Plan

1. Purpose

The purpose of this order is to update the General Services Administration’s (“GSA” or “Agency”) 2012 Language Access Plan (LAP). The LAP sets forth guidance to ensure that meaningful access to GSA programs, services and activities is provided for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HOH).

2. Background

GSA is committed to ensuring that individuals with LEP and/or who are D/HOH have equal opportunity to participate in the Agency’s programs, services, and activities. GSA shall provide timely and quality language assistance services to its LEP and/or D/HOH customers to ensure their meaningful access to the Agency’s programs, services and activities.

3. Applicability

This order and accompanying LAP applies to all GSA Service and Staff offices (SSOs), as well as organizations receiving Federal financial assistance through GSA. It is the responsibility of GSA SSOs and organizations receiving Federal financial assistance through GSA to take reasonable steps to ensure individuals with LEP, including those who are D/HOH, have meaningful access to GSA’s programs, services, and activities.

4. Cancellation

2012 GSA Language Access Plan is canceled.

5. Summary of Changes

1. The updated LAP outlines guidelines for enhancing language access services for individuals with LEP and/or who are D/HOH to ensure meaningful access for these individuals.
2. The updated LAP includes guidance for providing language access services for individuals with LEP and/or who are D/HOH, further enhancing GSA’s commitment to advancing equity and meaningful access for all.
3. The updated LAP establishes agency-wide process and policy.

6. Policy

It is the policy of GSA to provide LEP and/or D/HOH individuals with meaningful access to its conducted and assisted programs, services, and activities.  It is the responsibility of GSA, and not individuals with LEP and/or who are D/HOH, to take reasonable steps to ensure that communications between GSA and individuals with LEP and/or who are D/HOH are not impaired.  GSA shall take reasonable steps to effectively inform the public of the availability of language assistance services to promote equitable access to its programs, services, and activities.