The Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul (“SPPA”) has adopted this plan to provide meaningful access to its programs, activities, and services by persons with Limited English Proficiency (“LEP”). In accordance with federal guidelines, SPPA will make reasonable efforts to provide or arrange free language assistance for its LEP clients where needed.
Who Has Access to Assistance
A person who does not speak English as their primary language and who has limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English may be a LEP person and may be entitled to language assistance with respect to SPPA programs, activities, and services.
Meaningful Access
Meaningful access is free language assistance in accordance with federal standards which require an organization receiving federal funds to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals. If a client asks for language assistance and SPPA determines the client is an LEP person and that language assistance is necessary, SPPA will make reasonable efforts to provide free assistance; however, reasonable steps may cease to be reasonable when the costs imposed substantially exceed benefits. In these cases, SPPA may cease assistance.
Oral and Written Language Conversion
Language assistance includes interpretation (oral or spoken transfer of a message from one language to another) and/or translation (written transfer of a message from one language to another). SPPA will determine when interpretation and/or translation are needed and reasonable.
Use of Interpreters
SPPA will competent and culturally sensitive interpreters, appropriate to the level of interpretation required by law. Interpretation services for SPPA will be carried out by professional interpreters, whether they are employees or contracted interpreters and translators.
LEP Individuals, however, may use their own interpreter if they waive their right to an interpreter provided by SPPA. Individuals waiving the right to an interpreter provided by SPPA will be asked to sign a waiver form. If the effectiveness of service may be compromised or the LEP Individual’s privacy may be violated, an SPPA provided professional interpreter should be used.
A formal interpreter is covered by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and will not disclose non-public data without written authorization from the client.
Document Translation
SPPA will analyze the costs and benefits of translating documents for potential LEP client(s), considering the expense of translating the documents, barriers to meaningful translation, and interpretation of technical information.
LEP Plan Distribution and Training
The LEP Plan will be:
- Distributed to all SPPA supervisors
- Available at the SPPA office (400 Wabasha Street, Suite 240, Saint Paul, MN 55102)
- Posted on www.sppa.com
- Explained in orientation and training sessions for supervisors and other staff who need to communicate with LEP clients
SPPA will review and revise the LEP Plan from time to time as needed.