Board hears plan to expand translations and interpreter use; Vietnamese next on list

The board heard that the agency is expanding language access for appellants and that the next language to be added to translated forms and the public portal is Vietnamese. Judge Rebecca Bach described the agency’s approach: the team prioritizes language work based on a biannual audit of demand and has already had acknowledgement letters in two languages; staff are adding Vietnamese next and will continue down a prioritized queue of additional languages. “When we do a language enhancement for forms, we also do it for the CAMS public portal interface,” Bach said, noting the agency uses professional interpreters and a pool of in‑house staff who receive an enhancement to assist with translations. Staff said initial communications to parties include a multilingual information sheet listing more than 20 languages and offering assistance; many cases requiring language help arrive flagged from the Employment Development Department (EDD) so the agency can attach appropriate interpreter services at intake. Why it matters: language access affects claimants’ ability to file appeals, participate in hearings and understand decisions; staff emphasized professional translations and interpreters to reduce the need for rework or miscommunication. No formal policy change was adopted; staff said translation work will continue as resourcing and demand warrant.