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  • 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—

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.

Current Narrative:

In order 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 individuals. DWD developed DWD Policy 2016-09, Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Guidance Letter (see https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/3511/2016-09-P_EO_Nondiscrimination_Guidance.pdf) outlining the major provisions of section 188 and 29 CFR 38 and has designed several training modules for Local EO Officers and staff, which can be found at https://www.in.gov/dwd/3196.htm.

Training modules relevant to EL services include, for example, the Notice and Communication and Affirmative Outreach modules. The NDP also covers EL service efforts (see https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/State%20of%20Indiana%20Nondiscrimination%20Plan%202018%20-%202020.pdf).

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 for 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. Copies of the EO Notice in both languages are typically posted in all WorkOne offices. 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 recently made the Unemployment Insurance handbook available in Spanish. This handbook is a great resource which explains the process for applying for Unemployment Insurance and what to expect when filing.

For those with disabilities, WorkOnes have some features to increase accessibility and availability of resources. WorkOnes have accessibility workstations with ergonomics, braille keyboards, and enlarging document capabilities (Ultra Magnifier) for the visually impaired. WorkOnes have capabilities with Windows speech recognition, and the stations also have JAWS, a computer program that allows blind and visually impaired users to read screens with a text-to-speech or braille displays. UI handbooks are accessible via computer on the DWD website and can be accessed with Microsoft’s speech recognition and Magnifier. DWD is currently examining all of the regions’ websites to ensure capabilities for Browse Aloud services. Additionally, DWD EO is planning a Local EO Officer roundtable this upcoming year for additional training surrounding disability services in WorkOnes to improve disability access.

Additional EL services are provided at the regional 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 electronically. 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 to and co-enroll these constituents in the local Adult Education program for assistance.

For further details regarding EL services, including Babel notice information, please refer to the NDP referenced above.