CLICS/CLICS2024A/commsumm.nsf
PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PUBLIC TESTIMONY
INTERIM COMMITTEE LANGUAGE ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD
Date Oct 22, 2024
Location SCR 357
Public Testimony - Committee Discussion Only
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10:13:55 AM |
Ms. Morgan Turner, representing Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified on the importance of language access services in Colorado. She noted in particular that the two-hour booking window for translators is often not sufficient because committees do not always run on schedule. Octavio Gomez, representing Boulder County, testified on expanding language access at the State Capitol. He noted that work at the state level can inspire local governments to enact similar policies, and he discussed the value of plain language. Ms. Sophie Shea, representing Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified on the importance of investing in resources to improve accessibility. She discussed the disparities in distributing election materials.
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10:22:11 AM |
Mr. Gomez and Ms. Shea responded to a question about the role of community organizations in encouraging English language learning. Mr. Gomez also noted that most English material is written in inaccessible language as well. Ms. Shea added that many people who can speak English are more comfortable speaking another language. Ms. Shea responded to a question about data on language needs. Mr. Torres commented on restorative justice and its role in making services available to immigrants.
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10:31:19 AM |
Ms. Carriero-Contreras
noted that English is frequently not accessible even to English-speaking
people, again discussing the importance of plain language. Ms. Turner responded
to a question about priority web pages to translate: testimony sign-up,
instructions for requesting interpretation, bill summaries. Mr. Lee Shainis,
representing Simplify Language, testified on his work training organizations
to use plain language. He described the way people feel excluded when they
do not understand communication, both translated and in English. He added
that translation is more effective when the original English is accessible.
Mr. Shainis responded to a question about how to resolve the tension between
plain language and statutory detail. He provided examples of how to simplify
language in communication.
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