CCRPC adopts language access plan to expand interpretation and tracking

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission voted July 15 to adopt a formal Language Access Plan intended to make CCRPC meetings, materials and projects more accessible to people who use languages other than English and those who use alternative communication methods.

Anne Nelson presented the plan and described key elements: (1) the plan is part of the public participation plan and applies to all CCRPC staff and projects; (2) it was developed using national best practices, federal guidance and community input; (3) staff will track and monitor language‑access service usage across projects; and (4) appendices listing interpreters and contact information may be updated by staff without additional board approval. Nelson also said staff will encourage sharing acronyms and technical terminology with interpreters in advance.

Nelson cautioned that the board does not yet know the full budgetary impact. “We don’t really know,” she said when asked about cost incidence, adding that the agency has experience providing interpretation and translation for committees and expects costs to vary by project. The plan allows staff to use readily available tools such as Google Translate for brief, informal communications when appropriate, but it specifies those tools should not be used for professional interpretation or translation.

Garrett moved to approve the plan and Jackie seconded. The motion passed with a majority of ayes and one abstention. Staff said they will track usage over time and report back so the board can review budgetary impacts and implementation experience.