Okla. Admin. Code § 340:1-11-10

Current through Vol. 42, No. 7, December 16, 2024

Section 340:1-11-10 - Interpreter Services Program

(a) The purpose of this Section is to establish a uniform system for processing requests for interpreter services for clients, employees, applicants for services or employment, or children in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) custody. DHS provides at no charge, interpreter services for DHS clients, applicants, and employees with limited English proficiency (LEP), or who are deaf or hard of hearing to overcome language barriers and provide equal access and equal opportunity to participate in DHS services and employment.

(b) This Section is applicable to all DHS programs and offices.

(c) Arrangements for interpreters are made per (1) and (2).

(1)LEP or bilingual interpreters. Each local county office or facility maintains a list of employees and community members who are available to provide translation services. The list designates the translator's name, phone number, and the language spoken. Employees use contracted language translation providers when a local, suitable translator is not available. Friends or family members of clients, especially children, are not used for translating information related to eligibility for services, except in emergency situations. In areas where the client population served by a program is five percent or more non-English speaking, a formalized procedure for bilingual services and literature in the respective language must be provided by DHS.

(2)Deaf or hard of hearing interpreters. DHS provides, at no cost, oral or sign language interpreter services to anyone who is deaf and needs an oral or sign language interpreter to receive or continue to receive DHS services, or retain or maintain DHS employment. DHS uses contracted vendors to provide qualified interpreter services statewide for all deaf persons requesting American Sign Language, Manually Coded English, or oral interpretation, except when services are specifically authorized through the Interpreter Services Program of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Clients or employees may contact local DHS offices to request services. DHS Pub. No. 05-02, Sign Language Services, posters are placed prominently in DHS offices and facilities.

Okla. Admin. Code § 340:1-11-10

Amended at 15 Ok Reg 860, eff 2-1-98 (emergency); Amended at 15 Ok Reg 1587, eff 5-11-98; Amended at 15 Ok Reg 2085, eff 5-20-98 (emergency); Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1006, eff 4-26-99; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 1177, eff 5-11-01

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 33, Issue 24, September 1, 2016, eff. 9/15/2016