Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 9. Addressing the Accessibility of the One-Stop Delivery System for Individuals who are English Language Learners
Describe how the one-stop delivery system (including one-stop center operators and the one-stop delivery system partners) will ensure that each one-stop center is able to meet the needs of English language learners, such as through established procedures, staff training, resources, and other materials. Describe how English language learners will be made aware of the opportunity to enroll and/or co-enroll in all the core programs for which they are eligible.
Current Narrative:
To help all clients better understand how to receive benefits and interact with the WorkOne system, DWD and its partners work to provide meaningful access to programs and activities by continually reviewing policy and practices to support limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. DWD Policy 2016-09, Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Guidance Letter (see https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/activepolicies/2016-09-P_EO_Nondiscrimination_Guidance.pdf) outlines the major provisions of section 188 and 29 CFR 38. The agency has designed several training modules for Local EO Officers and staff, which can be found at https://www.in.gov/dwd/compliance-policy/equal-opportunity/training-resources/. Training modules relevant to EL services include, for example, the Notice and Communication and Affirmative Outreach modules. Indiana’s Nondiscrimination Plan (NDP) also covers EL service efforts (see https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/State_of_Indiana_Nondiscrimination_Plan_2022.pdf).
English Language Learners are made aware of free interpreting services upon entry into the WorkOne/AJC. Free interpreting service posters are posted at all entry points of the WorkOne locations in 35 languages for all core WIOA programs. Interpreting services are also made available in information sessions such as Rapid Response, Unemployment Insurance, RESEA, and WIOA Orientations. Job Postings are provided in English and Spanish and can be made available in all other languages.
Annually, the State EO Officer conducts subrecipient monitoring and data analysis regarding race, disability status, age, ethnicity, gender, and limited English proficiency. The data analysis compares participants to population data to evaluate potential under-service of a group. This process has promoted discussions between DWD and the LWDAs on how to increase services and outreach to under-served populations, including LEP individuals. As a result, new partnerships are targeted for the LWDAs to connect wrap around services. Further, the data analysis process has assisted the LWDAs in evaluating internal processes that may be prohibiting certain groups, such as those with limited English proficiency, from participating in programs provided at the WorkOne Centers.
WorkOne customers have access to interpreter services through an Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) contracted language interpretation provider. The contract allows for in-person interpretation of dozens of the primary languages spoken in Indiana. The contract also allows for phone interpretation services for additional languages not provided by in-person interpretation. In addition, Google Translate is now on the DWD website and on the Indiana Career Connect system.
The required “Equal Opportunity is the Law” notice (the EO Notice) is available in both English and Spanish, as Spanish is the most prominent non-English language throughout the State. In addition, copies of the EO Notice in both languages are typically posted in all WorkOne offices. Other languages available are Vietnamese, Burmese, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Hakha Chin, Marshallese, Swahili, Arabic, Bosnian, Cambodian, French, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Russian and Braille. The EO tagline, as well as copies of the EO Notice and additional State and federal posters, such as the Unemployment Insurance and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection, are provided in English and Spanish on DWD’s website. Additionally, DWD has the Unemployment Insurance handbook available in Spanish, Burmese, and Arabic. This handbook is a great resource which explains the process for applying for Unemployment Insurance and what to expect when filing.
Additional EL services are provided at the LWDA level. Examples include, but are not limited to, bilingual staff, hand‐held translators, English as a Second Language classes (offered through Title II), Google Translate, and specialized software such as Rosetta Stone. To help EL Hoosiers better understand how to receive benefits and interact with the one-stop system, Babel notices are provided along with communication of vital documents. Section 188 requires that a Babel notice be given when a client encounters a vital document, whether hard copy or electronic. A Babel notice is a short notice included in a document or electronic medium in multiple languages informing the reader that the communication contains vital information and explains how to access language services to have the contents of the communication provided in other languages. The Babel notice is now on the ICC system along with Google Translate.
Sample language for the Babel notice is below in English:
IMPORTANT! This document or application contains important information about your rights, responsibilities and/or benefits. It is critical that you understand the information in this document and/or application, and we will provide the information in your preferred language at no cost to you. Please contact your local Indiana WorkOne Office near you for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in this document and/or application.
Other opportunities for EL services include classes offered through Title II Adult Education providers to help address language goals. One-stop partners are able to refer and co-enroll these constituents in the local Adult Education program for assistance.
In 2023, DWD established an Access Workgroup, with membership spanning across the agency in areas such as: Equal Opportunity, Legal, Adult Education, Unemployment Insurance, Marketing and Communications, and Workforce Compliance and Policy. This workgroup will look at ways to enhance and improve agency wide access.
In early 2024, DWD issued Policy 2023-07: Language Accessibility and Language Access Plans (see https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/activepolicies/DWD_Policy_2023-07_Language_Accessibility_and_Language_Access_Plans.pdf), setting the foundation for an agency-level Language Access Plan that will provide guidance to each Program within DWD and any DWD sub-recipients (partners) to ensure compliance with all relevant federal requirements involving LEP applicants/recipients of Program information, benefits, and services. All programs and partners are required to ensure that LEP individuals have meaningful access to programs and activities within the WorkOne system and its partners.
In efforts to continually enhance access to programs and services, DWD created a specialized Access Coordinator position. The position will coordinate all language and disability accessibility service requests for Workforce Services and Unemployment. This position will also provide input, guidance, and recommendations to DWD and its partners on ways to improve access and success for individuals with disabilities, Limited English proficiency, and/or other barriers to access programs and services.
For further details regarding EL services, including Babel notice information, please refer to the NDP referenced above.