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Federal Financial Assistance Compliance Notice and Language Assistance Plan Policy

  

CDT is in compliance with Department of Labor guidelines for programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Click to access the two sections of this page:
Federal Financial Assistance Compliance Notice
Language Assistance Plan Policy

  

Federal Financial Assistance Compliance Notice

Race, Color, National Origin, Sex
In addition to the protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination is covered by Title VI if the primary objective of the financial assistance is provision of employment or where employment discrimination causes or may cause discrimination in providing services under such programs. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance.

Individuals with Disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity which received Federal financial assistance. Discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of employment against persons with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job.

If you believe you have been discriminated against in a program of any institution which receives Federal financial assistance, you should immediately contact the Federal agency providing such assistance.

  

Language Assistance Plan (LAP) Policy

  1. Purpose and Authority
    The purpose of this policy is to establish effective guidelines, consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, for personnel to follow when providing services to, or interacting with, Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals.  Following these guidelines is essential to the success of our mission to preserve affordable housing across the United States.
  2. Policy Statement
    CDT is committed to providing equal access to all its services, programs, and activities. We recognize the importance of effective communication and strive to eliminate language barriers that may prevent LEP individuals from fully participating in our programs. CDT will take reasonable steps to provide language assistance services to LEP individuals in a timely and effective manner.
  3. Definitions
    – Limited English Proficient (LEP) Individuals: Persons who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English.
    – Language Assistance Services: Interpretation or translation services provided to facilitate communication with LEP individuals.
    – Interpretation: The oral transfer of a message from one language into another.
    – Translation: The written transfer of a message from one language into another.
  4. Identification of LEP Individuals
    To ensure meaningful access to services, CDT will:
    – Assess the language needs of the population served by CDT by reviewing demographic data, client feedback, and staff observations.
    – Identify LEP individuals at the point of contact through self-identification or staff assessment.
    – Maintain records of LEP individuals and their language preferences for future reference.
  5. Language Assistance Measures
    CDT will provide the following language assistance services:
    – Oral Interpretation Services:
    – Provide qualified interpreters for in-person and telephonic interpretation.
    – Train staff on how to access and utilize interpretation services
    – Written Translation Services:
    – Translate vital documents, forms, and informational materials into the primary languages spoken by LEP individuals in the community.
    – Ensure that translated materials are available and easily accessible.
    – Signage and Notices:
    – Display multilingual signs in public areas to inform LEP individuals of the availability of language assistance services.
    – Include notices in multiple languages on the CDT website and in outreach materials.
  6. Staff Training
    CDT will ensure that all staff members are aware of the LAP policy and trained on:
    – The importance of providing language assistance services.
    – Procedures for identifying LEP individuals and accessing interpretation and translation services.
    – How to work effectively with interpreters and translators.
  7. Monitoring and Evaluation
    CDT will regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the LAP policy by:
    – Collecting feedback from LEP individuals and staff regarding the accessibility and quality of language assistance services.
    – Reviewing and updating the LAP policy and procedures as needed to address changing demographics and language needs.
    – Ensuring continuous improvement by incorporating best practices and new technologies.
  8. Responsibilities
    The following roles are responsible for the implementation and oversight of the LAP policy:
    – LAP Coordinator: Designated staff member responsible for overseeing the LAP, ensuring compliance, and addressing any issues related to language assistance services.
    – All CDT Staff: Responsible for identifying LEP individuals, providing or facilitating access to language assistance services, and reporting any challenges or successes in implementing the LAP.
  9. Contact Information
    For questions or more information about the LAP policy, please contact:
    LAP Coordinator
    Community Development Trust (CDT)
    Name: Sade Ogunkeyede
    Address: 1350 Broadway, Ste 700 New York, NY 10018
    Phone Number: 212-271-5097
    Email Address: sogunkeyede@cdt.biz