You have the right to a free interpreter
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You have the right to a free interpreter and important written information in your language at most:
- Schools
- Public programs
- Courts
- Police
- Public housing, and
- Hospitals/Doctors.
You have the right to:
- Talk to the court about your case,
- Apply for benefits,
- Talk to your child’s teacher,
- Talk to the police or your doctor, and
- Get important written information
all in your own language.
Programs that get money from the federal government must give everyone access to services. If you do not speak English well, you still have this right. Those programs cannot discriminate against you because of your national origin or your language. This means the staff should:
- Communicate with you in your language,
- Serve you as quickly as possible, and
- Treat you with respect.
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