Retroactive Application of a Federal Planning Model in Appalachia 2012 Summit for Language Access in the Courts

Guidance from Above...

 Cyber security / Internet Policy  Modernization of the Patent System  Bringing Technology from “Lab to Market”  21 st Century Digital Infrastructure  Electronic Transparency / Accountability  Learning Technologies  Manufacturing / Robotics  Federal Chief Information Officers  Open Data Initiatives  Presidential Innovation Fellows  First U.S. Chief Technology Officer

West Virginia state courts provide foreign language interpreters and interpretation/translation services to all persons of Limited or No English Proficiency (LEPs), including parents of non-LEP minors. This service is provided in all criminal and civil settings during all hearings, trials and motions, and in important interactions with court personnel. In cases that are the state’s responsibility, the Court will also provide interpreters for case and witness preparation. Interpreters are provided at no cost to the user, regardless of any ability or perceived ability to pay, as meaningful access to the courts is the right of all citizens, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 

“Wired in West Virginia Jails (of All Places)” by Margaret Boitano “Ironically, it’s one of the nation’s poorest, most rural states that’s pioneering this practice. The system was born of necessity.” “The applications are going to be endless... It’s going to be up to the folks around the state to dream up ways to use it.”

 Initial investments in infrastructure can result in long-term savings  Recognize and address limitations  Prepare  Explore creative funding opportunities