Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 9. Addressing the Accessibility of the One-Stop Delivery System for Individuals who are English Language Learners
Describe how the one-stop delivery system (including one-stop center operators and the one-stop delivery system partners) will ensure that each one-stop center is able to meet the needs of English language learners, such as through established procedures, staff training, resources, and other materials.
Current Narrative:
(9) Addressing the Accessibility of the One-Stop Delivery System for Individuals who are English Language Learners
DEO understands the importance of ensuring universal and meaningful access to its programs and services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Therefore, DEO has an established LEP plan that outlines the strategies for ensuring English language learners obtain meaningful access to federally funded programs and services. DEO has taken the below steps to provide adequate translation services to individuals LEP:
- Entered into a contract for translation services. All DEO employees that may have oral interactions with LEP individuals have been trained to identify a customer’s need for translation services and to provide the service in a timely manner and free of charge. No individual is required to provide their own interpreter.
- Taken reasonable steps to publicize the availability of free translation services and has created a special assisted claims filing telephone service for individuals that cannot read or write effectively in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. DEO has posted notice of these services on its website and in Florida’s career centers. Additionally, DEO has instructed Florida’s 24 LWDBs to distribute the notice to local community organizations serving LEP populations.
- Includes, on every vital document, a “Babel Notice,” informing customers in 15 different languages that free translation services are available upon request.
- Made the entire Reemployment Assistance claims and benefits management information system available in Spanish and Haitian Creole.
- Distributed “Language Communication Cards,” or “I speak Cards,” to the LWDBs. These resources assist employees providing direct services to customers with quickly identifying the need for translation services.
- Employs bilingual staff to assist LEP individuals.
Florida’s adult education programs offer adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction for adults to improve written and spoken English skills. This program assists customers in improving academic skills to provide a path to earning a high school credential, entering postsecondary education and improving individual career options. Florida’s one-stop career center partners collaborate to provide quality services, resources and referrals to job seekers with limited English-speaking skills. The FDBS pays for interpreter services to assist job seekers with the VR process. Program forms are also available in Spanish.