Language and Disability Access

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to expanding access to essential services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and disabilities. By improving communication and removing barriers across all Health and Human Resources (HHR) agencies, this initiative ensures that all Virginians can access the support and care they need, regardless of language or ability.

Project Overview

This multi-phase project, led in partnership with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Partnership for People with Disabilities, involves a comprehensive assessment of how well current services meet the needs of individuals with LEP and disabilities. The goal is to identify gaps in service accessibility and implement strategies to improve access across all HHR agencies.

Key Phases of the Initiative

Phase One: Initial Assessment

The first phase focused on gathering insights from all HHR agencies through self-assessment surveys, interviews, and data collection. The Department of Justice (DOJ) "four factor analysis" was applied to estimate the proportion of the population with LEP or disabilities accessing services, the frequency of service use, and the criticality of those services. This analysis provided a clear understanding of the current state of accessibility.

Phase Two: In-Depth Evaluation

In this phase, a deep dive into the services provided by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) was conducted. Using a journey mapping process, the team identified best practices and challenges in accessing services. Stakeholder interviews, including those with organizations representing individuals with LEP and disabilities, as well as residents with lived experience, offered valuable perspectives. On-site and virtual assessments were carried out at local, regional, and state agencies to further understand the barriers to service.

Phase Three: Implementation of Findings

The final phase will focus on the implementation of the findings from the assessments. The Steering Committee, which includes members of the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Office of the Secretary of Administration, as well as key team members from the Virginia Information and Technology Agency (VITA), and leaders from the Department of General Services and Department of Human Resource Management, will meet quarterly. HHR Agency leaders and internal teams will gather to collaborate on plans to improve service access based upon the insights provided through the comprehensive landscape assessment completed in Phases Two and Three.

Virginia is committed to ensuring that every resident, regardless of language or ability, can navigate the health and human services system with ease and dignity. Through this ongoing initiative, we are building a more inclusive and accessible future for all.