The CAN Language Access Work Group (LAWG) was established in 2016 following a series of language access forums and a language access survey that revealed that community interest and a community need existed for better addressing the language needs of the austin area. The has met since February 2016 and is expected to present a final report to the CAN Board in August 2017. The research and findings of the LAWG will be used to create CAN’s Language Access Toolkit that we anticipate will be launched once the LAWG report has been finalized.
CAN is seeking feedback on the draft final report from the Language Access Work Group that was established in February 2016. The work group was established after CAN polled over 100 social service providers about their ability to meet the language needs of Central Texas and found that 93% of agencies felt that families could be better served if agencies collaborated in providing language services. Recommendations in the report include: coordinating in the collection of data relating to language needs; developing a consistent and effective language identification system; creating a central website for language assistance; and developing a formalized structure for collaboration around language access. CAN seeks input on the draft report through the end of October.
If you are interested in learning more about the CAN Language Access Work Group, contact Carlos Soto at: csoto@canatx.org