Agenda Item Name:
Title
American Rescue Plan - State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Alachua County Language Access Proposal
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Presenter:
Diedre Houchen, Equity and Community Outreach Manager
Description:
GINI Language Access Proposal
Building the Language Access Infrastructure of Alachua County Services for Limited English Proficient Speakers (LEP): An Equity Response to Disparities Experienced During COVID
The following strategies are recommended to build inclusion of LEP speakers into the Alachua County community:
A. Establishment of an Immigrant Liaison position
B. Development and Implementation of an Alachua County Language Access Plan
C. County Language Line and Hands-On Training of all County employees
D. Translation of Vital County-driven Information
E. County signage in multiple languages
F. Funding of an Immigrant Neighbor Guide
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the ARPA proposal and budget amendment for the implementation of the proposal to build a language access system that allows residents who are limited English speakers equitable access to critical information and services which the County offers, facilitates or partners in.
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Prior Board Motions:
None
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Request for ARPA-SLFRF, estimated budget of $875,000 over 3 years. The Immigrant Liaison position will be a limited term appointment subject to available project funds.
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Social and Economic Opportunity
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Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed inequities in information and services to non-English speakers. The following data supports the need to respond to those County residents who speak languages other than English. Data comes from the US Census, World Population Review.com, School Board of Alachua County and the Rural Women's Health Project (RWHP):
? 37,719 speakers of languages other than English who reside in Alachua County (14% of the population)
? 7.5% ...
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