Language Access

Language Access and Our Community: As Bend’s demographic makeup diversifies, it brings valuable contributions to the community and highlights the need for greater access to materials and services in various languages.

Our goal is to provide everyone with meaningful access to city services, opportunities, and vital documents as well as to support City departments in two areas:

Interpretation

Interpretation is when you listen in one language and then communicate what is said in a different language.

To request language interpretation services, including American Sign Language (ASL) for appointments, city meetings or events, please contact the meeting/event organizer, or the department that your appointment is with. For events and meetings, this information is often listed at the bottom of documents associated with the event or meeting. For appointments, please request interpretation services from the City staff member you have been in contact with. It is recommended to contact City staff at least 3 days in advance to provide this service.

Translation

Translation is when you take written text and convert it into another language. A translated document reflects the meaning of the original text as much as possible.

To request translation of vital city forms and documents into other languages, including Braille:

It is recommended to allow at least three days, but preferably a week or more, to provide this service.

Federal law protects people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, and/or English language ability. There is strong support across all levels of government for legal access as it relates to English language, for those who need it.

The City of Bend is committed to providing language access for all community members. This work is supported by Council Goals related to Accessible & Effective Government. It is also supported by federal mandates like Title VI (Civil Rights Act of 1964), Title II (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), and Federal Executive Order 13166 (2000).

The City of Bend approved a Language Access Policy in April 2024 which made these commitments explicit. The Language Access Policy outlines the steps the City of Bend will take to make the City more accessible for people whose primary language is not English by providing timely and meaningful language access to City services, programs, and activities.

Have you used our Language Access Program? We would love your feedback. Please fill out this form and share as much, or as little, information about your experience as you want.