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. Describe how English language learners will be made aware of the opportunity to enroll and/or co-enroll in all the core programs for which they are eligible.
Current Narrative:
The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services has contracts with various vendors to provide interpreter services in multiple languages. These interpreter services may be accessible by phone or in person, depending on the workforce centers. Workforce centers are encouraged to use the “I Speak” or other such process for assisting English-language learners. In addition, Adult Education classes are available in every local area to individuals who are English Language learners. Local areas are required follow WIOA §188 in making their activities easily assessable to individuals who are English Language learners, youth, have a disability, or have difficulties with the written language. This compliance includes writing information in plain language.
If at least 10 percent of workforce center’s targeted service area speak a particular language, the following documents are required to be available in that language: grievance procedures, application, and any documents a participant or reportable individual must sign. Workforce centers are encouraged to provide other information in languages commonly spoken in the service area.
DSB provides interpreter services for communication with persons with limited English-speaking ability on a contractual basis. A member of the Business and Technology staff is fluent in Spanish. Reader service, guide service, and any special adaptive equipment are made available to applicants for services, DSB participants, and DSB personnel. Information is also available in the medium of choice for persons making application for DSB services and for persons with disabilities who are employed by DSB.
DSB has been a long—standing partner with the Arkansas Deafblindness Project: Children and Youth with Sensory Impairment (CAYSI), formerly known as the Deaf/Blind Consortium. DSB refers participants to CAYSI and serves on its Advisory Committee, which provides training for parents and professionals to foster stronger partnerships among agencies who work with this population. The project maintains a deafblind registry and requests related information from DSB.