Language and Communications Access
Our goal is to make the City of Boston accessible for everyone.
The Office of Language and Communication Access (OCLA) strives to empower speakers of all languages and communication abilities to receive the full spectrum of services offered by the City of Boston and play a critical centralized role in decision making.
Contact
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1 City Hall Square
Room 817Boston, MA 02201 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -
Feedback
Share your feedback with us by emailing:
Compliance Process
Our office in partnership with all city departments worked together to identify and create accessible programming, services and information for Boston residents to form their Language and Communications Access Plans. These plans will be updated biannually. We encourage Boston residents to share feedback with us regarding these plans. Our office and departments will work together to address accessibility complaints and learn and grow from every feedback.
Multilingual Demographic Data Report
Demographic Data ReportBrochures
Brochures
About the office
In 2016, Mayor Walsh signed a City ordinance to make the City more accessible for people who use languages other than English (LOTE) or have at least one disability.
In 2022, the City passed an amended language and communication access ordinance.
Three federal mandates support our mission. These laws protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or proficiency in English:
- Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title II
- Federal Executive Order 13166 (2000)
Our goal is to support City departments in three different areas:
InterpretationWhat is interpretation? When you listen in one language and then communicate what is said in a different language. We will offer services on-site and by telephone. We will be able to do this through City staff and third-party vendors. We will also offer interpretation in American Sign Language in person, as well as through Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).
TranslationWhat is a translation? When you take written text and convert it into another language. A translated document reflects the meaning of the original text as much as possible. We will work with qualified individuals and businesses to provide this service.
Assistive technologyWhat is an assistive technology? Tools and services that make life easier for those who need more support. These technologies include:
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Interpretation equipment
- Communications Access Real-Time Translation (CART)
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Contact
-
1 City Hall Square
Room 817Boston, MA 02201 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
-
Feedback
Share your feedback with us by emailing:
