The increasing diversity of the United States is one source of its robust economy and culture. But it also presents a challenge to any business providing services to this increasingly diverse population. The voice of America is changing. As a result, businesses must take an inventory of their clientele if they plan to keep up with the times.


Language access services, such as oral interpretation and written translation, are an important factor in assuring meaningful access to services for limited English proficient(LEP) persons. Language access means that people who don't speak English very well or at all, are able to use and benefit from a wide range of services. In 2000, President Clinton signed an order that aimed to expand language access to federal programs. Now, all entities that receive federal financial assistance, including government agencies, human service organizations and private entities with government contracts are required to adhere to legislation that addresses these issues. The goal is to provide greater access for individuals who may not speak, read, write and/or understand the English language and for those who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP). But language access is not just a civil rights issue. It is also very much a customer service issue. This could be crucial to the development and expansion of your business.

Being able to communicate with the people you serve is the heart of any business. If your business requires customers to read or communicate a need, it may benefit you to take an assessment of your customers. Assess the language needs of your community and the individuals that you serve. Ask the people that use your services about their written and oral language needs. This will help you to determine the need to incorporate bilingual staff and/or provide written text translated into a different language.

When you need a document translated, it is important that the meaning of the original message is accurately captured. This is why it is so important to use professional translators who are native speakers of the language that they translate. Using a service such as MyTranslationProfessionals.com would be helpful in providing translation services. They specialize in English, Spanish and French and provide services including accurate translation of advertising and publishing, technical documents, brochures, IT, Internet and e-commerce, entertainment, telecommunications, energy & environment, business & finance, among others. For more information about them, you can contact Luz Deisy Burgos at info@mytranslationprofessionals.com

The bottom line is that unless your business receives federal assistance or you participate in servicing government contracts, you are not likely to be required to make accommodations for those with limited English proficiency. But the fact is that this segment of the population continues to grow. And as it grows services for this group are becoming more readily available. Your customers probably will not ask you to provide these services. They will simply start patronizing another business that sees but more importantly, acts upon their needs.

Teri Hamilton-Mickens has been involve with online services for more than 10 years. She is involved in many internet ventures. She sees Internet Marketing as the wave of the future and enjoys helping others get started in the business. Please visit her at http://www.winatwebmarketing.com