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Language Access
As part of the Town’s commitment to engage with all members of the public, it is working to reduce the communication gap for residents who speak a language other than English through the Town of Carrboro Language Access Plan (LAP), adopted by the Carrboro Town Council on April 9, 2024. The Town aims to better serve the community and advance language access efforts that make the Town a more welcoming and inclusive place for all.
In 2023-2024, the Town of Carrboro worked with the Building Integrated Communities Program (BIC) at the Institute for the Study of the Americas at UNC-Chapel Hill and with local residents and community-based organizations, including the Refugee Community Partnership (RCP), to identify strategies and policies for its Language Access Plan.
About 15.6% of Carrboro residents speak a language other than English. Speakers of non-English languages demonstrate various levels of English language proficiency. In total, around 6.5% of Carrboro residents speak English less than “very well."
Given that Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Karen, Burmese, and Arabic are the languages that are most spoken and have higher proportions of individuals who report speaking English less than “very well”, these are the languages identified as Carrboro's community languages with Spanish being the most spoken of our community languages.
Executive Summary:
- Carrboro Language Access Plan Executive Summary (English)
- Resumen Ejecutivo del Plan de Acceso Lingüístico del Municipio de Carrboro (Español)
Compliance Report:
Requesting an Interpreter or Interpretation Equipment
View the tabs below for details on how to request an interpreter or interpretation equipment.
At several of our public-facing Town facilities including Town Hall and the Carrboro Century Center, you will now see signs to let visitors know that free interpretation services are available—all you need to do is ask a staff member!
When attending a Town event/program either virtually or in person, please contact organizers at least 48 hours in advance to ensure an interpreter is present.
For interpretation assistance at a Town Council Meeting or Work Session, please email the request and meeting date to communications@CarrboroNC.gov. This notification must be sent at least ten calendar days in advance.
All Town Staff have access to a language line to access an interpreter over the phone. When on the phone with staff, inform them of the language you speak and that an interpreter is needed.
Interpretation Equipment
The Town of Carrboro provides interpretation equipment to community members and community organizations at no charge. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Interpretation Equipment Details:
The Town’s interpretation equipment includes 15 headsets and 1 transmitter. Up to 15 people can use the equipment.
Simultaneous interpretation is used for large group meetings in which the speaker does not pause, and interpretation is delivered in real time.
Policies:
The interpretation equipment is a community resource. Please follow these policies:
Requesting Equipment:
- There is no charge to borrow equipment.
- Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Please submit requests at least 5 days in advance. Requests made later than 5 days before will be met to the best of our ability.
- To submit a request, complete the Interpretation Equipment Request and Agreement Form.
- We require first-time borrowers to schedule a 15-minute appointment with staff to review Interpretation Equipment Borrowing Policies and equipment instructions before picking up the equipment.
Borrower Responsibilities:
- Once you pick up the equipment, you are responsible for the equipment and may not loan it to a third party.
- You are responsible for properly caring for the equipment and reporting any equipment damages or malfunctions to the Communication & Engagement Department (communications@carrboronc.gov) immediately.
- If the damages are irreparable or otherwise impractical to attempt a repair, you may be responsible for the item's replacement cost.
- You must return the equipment to the Town at the agreed-upon date and time. If you need a loan extension, please contact the Communication & Engagement Department before the previously agreed-upon return date. Extensions are granted based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.
How do I submit a request to borrow equipment?
Complete the Interpretation Equipment Request and Agreement Form.
Have questions about the equipment? Contact Catherine Lazorko, Communication & Engagement Director, at clazorko@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7314.
Submit a Complaint
Any resident who wishes to file a formal complaint with the Town that alleges discrimination on the basis of limited English Proficient (LEP) status or noncompliance with the Town's Language Access Plan should submit a Language Access Formal Complaint Form.
If you have general questions or concerns about language access at the Town, contact the Communication and Engagement Department by email at communications@CarrboroNC.gov.
- Submit a Formal Complaint via our Online Form
- Language Access formal Complaint Form English (PDF)
- Language Access formal Complaint Form Spanish (PDF)
- Language Access formal Complaint Form Karen (PDF)
- Language Access formal Complaint Form Burmese (PDF)
- Language Access formal Complaint Form Korean (PDF)
- Language Access formal Complaint Form Arabic (PDF)
- What are the Town’s requirements to provide interpretation and translation?
- What are the 6 designated townwide languages under the Language Access Plan?
- How was this list of 6 languages determined?
- What should I do if I don't speak English, need to speak with a Town department, and receive materials in my language?
- How can Carrboro residents file a complaint if they don't receive language services?