DEPARTMENT: Government & Public Affairs
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and discussion related to a CCR from Councilmember Gonzales regarding a language access plan and process (LAPP).
SUMMARY:
A Council Consideration Request (CCR) was sponsored by Councilmember Gonzales on June 25, 2019, to review and discuss the creation of a language access plan and process to ensure the City provides high quality language services to individuals with sensory disabilities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Councilmember Gonzales' CCR states that according to the American Community Survey of 2017 the total San Antonio population with a disability is 207,109 - or 14.3% of the City's total population. Sensory disabilities and limited English proficiency often limit the ease of accessibility of services offered by the City of San Antonio. The City of San Antonio works toward a universally designed environment that makes it easy for all people to participate fully in community life primarily through the Disability Access Office and the Office of Equity.
The following federal laws are relevant to this CCR:
1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act mandates that recipients of federal funds, such as the City, provide individuals with limited English proficiency with meaningful access to federally conducted and federally funded programs and activities; and
2. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a public entity shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, members of the public, and companions with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. This means any public entity is required to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to make sure that individuals with speech, hearing and vision disabilities understand what is said or written and can communicate effectively.
The CCR provides the City with an opportunity to study and/or cr...
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