Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
An LEP PERSON is a person who, as a result of national origin, does not speak English as his/her primary language and who has a limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English.
It is the policy of DHNP that no person shall be denied meaningful access to programs, program information or services because of his/her limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English.
Language Assistance Plan (LAP)
The purpose of the plan is to ensure meaningful access to DHNP program information and services for residents of the City of Virginia Beach that have limited proficiency with the English language.
INTERPRETATION is defined as a spoken or visual explanation provided to enable two or more individuals who do not speak the same language to communicate with each other.
The DHNP will provide free language assistance services, including certified interpreter and translator services to LEP persons who are a member of each language group that constitutes 5% of the City’s population of persons 5 years and older or 1,000 persons, whichever is less, and who are limited in English proficiency.
TRANSLATION is defined as a written version of a document that is provided in a language different than that of the original document.
1. Written Language Services (Translation)
The DHNP will take reasonable steps to provide written translations of
vital documents that describe program rules and instructions or are
otherwise crucial in gaining access to programs and services, including
applications for housing. Vital documents will be translated for each
language group that constitutes 5% of the City’s population 5 years and
older or 1,000 persons, whichever is less.
If English is not your first language, and you believe you need an interpreter, or documents translated from English to your native language to enable you to have a clearer understanding of the DHNP’s program policies and/or procedures, please call (757)385-5750.