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<span class=""><a href="http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/mayor-parker-signs-language-access-executive-order/article_7b2310a8-a404-5e82-871f-f3e26a4b4551.html?mode=story">Mayor Parker signs language access executive order</a></span>
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Posted: <span class="" title="2013-07-31T23:32:00-05:00">Wednesday, July 31, 2013 11:32 pm</span>
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<span class=""><span class="">By <a href="mailto:examinernews@hcnonline.com">Submitted</a></span></span>
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<p>Houston Mayor Annise Parker today signed an Executive Order (EO)
establishing a policy to improve the delivery of services to Houston’s
diverse population. EO No. 1-17 addresses the language barriers that
many Houston residents face in accessing essential public information
and services in the areas of public safety, health services and economic
development.</p>
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<p>“Whether it is to help plan for a hurricane or ways to reduce the
possibility of becoming a crime victim, all Houstonians should have
access to vital information that the City provides,” said Mayor Parker.
"This executive order will bridge the access gap by making it easier for
residents with limited English proficiency to obtain essential public
information and services.”</p>
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<p>Over the next 60 days, all departments that
provide essential services directly to the public will designate a
language access coordinator charged with overseeing the development of a
language access implementation plan. City departments are to complete
their respective implementation plans within six months. The Office of
International Communities (OIC), a division of the Department of
Neighborhoods, will oversee and coordinate the planning process.</p>
<p>The language access order calls for the
translation of essential public information into five languages other
than English for which there is the greatest need among Houston
residents. OIC will conduct a data-driven language needs assessment,
working closely with City departments, international community leaders
and stakeholders and university-based experts to identify the five
languages that will be adopted into the plan. OIC will assist city
departments in the provision of language access services to the public.</p>
<p>The language access executive order is aligned
with Mayor Parker’s commitment to strengthening the city’s economy and
improving the quality of life for all Houstonians.</p>
<p>“We are the most diverse city in the country,”
said Parker. “That means we are a community of many languages. This
executive order challenges us to better serve our constituency, our
global business community and visitors. It’s a step toward making
Houston one of the most inclusive cities in the world.”</p>
<p>For more information, contact OIC at 832-393-0855 or visit <a href="http://www.houstontx.gov/oic">www.houstontx.gov/oic</a>.</p>
<a href="http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/mayor-parker-signs-language-access-executive-order/article_7b2310a8-a404-5e82-871f-f3e26">http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/mayor-parker-signs-language-access-executive-order/article_7b2310a8-a404-5e82-871f-f3e26</a><br>
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