UB social work researcher to testify on the importance of language access

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The United States Commission on Civil Rights has invited Yunju Nam, PhD, an associate professor in the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, to participate on a panel examining the extent to which language barriers limit access to government services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

The public briefing at 10 a.m. on March 21 in Washington, D.C., will be livestreamed on the commission’s YouTube channel.

Panelists, comprised of researchers and attorneys, will explore how government agencies and recipients of federal funding provide language access, the challenges of language access, and best practices for improving existing resources and programs.

“English proficiency is strongly linked not only to government program participation but also to labor market outcomes, education and other economic factors,” says Nam, an internationally recognized expert on language access and social welfare policy. “It is clear, however, that limited language access is a barrier to accessing government services.”

Millions of Americans rely on government services and federally funded programs, yet many have difficulty accessing what’s available because English is not their primary language. Nam says that an estimated 26 million people in the United States, age 5 and older, have a limited ability to read, speak, write and understand English.

Spanish speakers make up the majority of the LEP population, but the share of people with limited English proficiency is higher among those who speak Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese.

“To ensure equitable access to services, language access policies and programs must address the diverse linguistic needs of those with limited English proficiency,” says Nam.

Research suggests that LEP individuals are less likely to participate in government assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. One in four individuals reported language-related difficulties when applying for government assistance. Others struggled to maintain eligibility as renewal notices often arrived only in English.

Language access becomes even more critical during crises, according to Nam.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, LEP individuals faced significant difficulties accessing government relief programs due to a lack of language services, particularly in the early stages of the pandemic,” she says. “Without systemic improvements in language access, these challenges will continue to impose significant psychological and economic costs on individuals, families and entire communities.

“I feel honored to have the opportunity to speak up for immigrants and refugees when they are in dire need of political and policy support.”