A crowd of people crossing a New York City street at sunset.

Office of Language Access

Overseeing New York State's language access services for millions of New Yorkers with limited English proficiency.
Overview
Language Assistance Services

There are millions of New Yorkers who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. For these New Yorkers, their Limited English Proficiency status presents potential barriers to accessing important government programs and services.

The Office of Language Access provides critical oversight and coordination across New York State agencies to ensure that the statewide language access policy, which Governor Hochul expanded in April 2022, is implemented efficiently and effectively. The Office of Language Access is a part of the Office of General Services, which also supports New York’s language access policy by maintaining the State contract through which agencies are able to access vendors that provide interpretation and translation services.

Join the Office of Language Access in Celebrating
Immigrant Heritage Week

From April 15th to April 21st, the New York State Office of Language Access at OGS celebrates Immigrant Heritage Week!

Observed since 2004, Immigrant Heritage Week highlights a significant moment in New York City’s history: April 17, 1907, the day when 11,000 immigrants – the largest number recorded at the time – entered the U.S. through Ellis Island.
New York State Celebrates Immigrant Heritage Week April 15 - 21

American Sign Language

New Yorkers speak more than 800 languages. To make sure all New Yorkers can access government services and benefits— no matter how well you communicate in English— Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York State’s language access policy into law and created the state’s Office of Language Access.

 

Under New York's language access policy, agencies must provide interpretation services in any language and translation services in the top 12 most common non-English languages spoken by Limited English Proficient New Yorkers.

Submit a Complaint
What if someone does not receive adequate language assistance or is denied services?
It is the policy of New York State for covered agencies to provide language access services for public services and programs. If you or someone you know feel that you have not been provided with adequate language access services, including translation or interpretation, please fill out our language access complaint form.

American Sign Language

Submit a Complaint

View
Language Access Resources

Browse various language access resources, including the Your Language Access Rights in New York State brochure, our American Sign Language interpretation video series, the Person-First and Identity-First Language Glossary and much more.
Language identification tool.