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By Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt | Sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Human Rights
What would you do if you were experiencing discrimination, but you are not fluent in English? Where would you turn?
That’s the barrier the Prince William County Office of Human Rights is breaking down for residents.
In a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to county services, the Prince William County Office of Human Rights has unveiled a comprehensive Language Access Plan designed to assist residents with limited English proficiency (LEP). This initiative underscores the County’s commitment to accessible service delivery and reflects an understanding that language should never be an obstacle to human rights, civic participation, or vital government services.
Guiding Principles: Inclusion and Community Engagement
At the heart of the Language Access Plan is the pledge that all residents—regardless of their English proficiency—can meaningfully engage with the Human Rights Office. The plan is structured around inclusion, compliance with legal standards, cultural understanding, and robust community involvement.
5th Annual Police Event
Year 1: Building Foundations
The first year of the initiative focuses on assessment and capacity-building. The Office will conduct a detailed analysis to identify the most commonly spoken non-English languages in Prince William County, such as Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, and Vietnamese. Audits of existing materials and services will help identify gaps in interpretation, translation, and outreach. The Office will also consult community partners and residents to better understand language barriers. Year one goals include completion of:
- A comprehensive Language Access Needs Assessment
- A priority language list
- Adoption of a formal Language Access Plan aligned with county-wide policies
- Standard operating procedures for translation, interpretation, and bilingual staffing
- Procurement of on-demand telephonic and video interpretation services
- Translation of vital documents and website content
- Training for 100% of Human Rights Office staff on language access and cultural competency
- The launch of at least three multilingual outreach initiatives in partnership with community organizations
An interpreter during a Student Leadership Council session
Year 2: Implementation and Expansion
The second year is dedicated to fully institutionalizing multilingual service delivery. All complaint intake methods—online, by phone, and in-person—will be accessible in priority languages. The Office will expand translation efforts, integrate language access into public meetings, and develop ongoing communication channels such as multilingual newsletters and ethnic media partnerships.
Additional goals for Year 2 include establishing a Language Access Advisory Group, holding regular community listening sessions, and publishing an annual Language Access Performance Report. The Office will also integrate technology solutions, such as AI-assisted translation tools and multilingual digital platforms, to further streamline access for LEP residents.
Measuring Progress: Key Performance Indicators
The success of the Language Access Plan will be tracked through clear metrics, including the percentage of vital documents translated, staff training completion rates, the number of LEP individuals served, increases in complaints filed by LEP residents (a positive sign of improved access), and the frequency of multilingual outreach events.
A dance presentation during the Manassas Latino Festival
A Model for Inclusive Government
By the end of the second year, the Human Rights Office aims to provide meaningful access to all services, establish trusted communication channels with diverse communities, and demonstrate measurable reductions in language-based barriers.
This initiative is positioning Prince William County as a leader in language access and inclusive governance, offering a replicable model for other jurisdictions striving to serve all residents equitably.
For more information, call the office at 703-792-4680, visit the website at pwcgov.org/humanrights and fill out an intake form, walk up to the office during business hours at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 125, Woodbridge, VA 22191, write a letter, or email pwhrc@pwcgov.org.
This article is part of a series on the Prince William County Office of Human Rights
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt has written for Prince William Living for more than 10 years. An award-winning author, poet, and proponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion, she can be reached through her website, KatherineGotthardt.com.
