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OKDHS Home > Library > Policy > OAC 340 > Chapter 1. Function and Structure of the Department > 11. Civil Rights and Nondiscrimation on Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, Age, Religion or Disability > 10. Interpreter Services Program
340:1-11-10. Interpreter Services Program
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Revised 5-11-01


(a) The purpose of this Section is to establish a uniform system for processing requests for interpreter services for clients, employees, applicants for services or employment, or children in DHS custody.  The Department provides, at no charge, interpreter services for DHS clients, applicants, and employees with limited English proficiency (LEP) or who are deaf or hard of hearing to overcome language barriers and provide equal access and equal opportunity to participate in DHS services and employment.

(b) This rule is applicable to all divisions and offices within the Department.   • 1

(c) Arrangements for interpreters are made as described in (1) and (2) of this subsection.

  • (1) LEP or bilingual interpreters.  Each county office or facility maintains a list of employees and members of the community available to provide interpreter services. The list designates the interpreter’s name, contact number, and language.  In areas where the client population served by a program is 5% or more non-English speaking, a formalized procedure for bilingual services and literature in the respective language must be provided.
  • (2) Deaf or hard of hearing interpreters.  DHS provides, at no cost, oral or sign language interpreter services to anyone who is deaf and needs an oral or sign language interpreter to receive or continue to receive DHS services, or retain or maintain employment with the Department.  DHS has a contract to provide qualified interpreter services statewide for all deaf persons desiring either American Sign Language, Manually Coded English, or oral interpretation except when services are specifically authorized through the Interpreter Services Program of the State Department of Rehabilitation Services.  Clients or employees may contact the statewide contractor directly to request services.  The statewide contractor's name and toll free telephone numbers are listed on DHS poster number S96038 OKDHS, Notice of Interpreter Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Posters are placed in prominent places in DHS offices and facilities.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:1-11-10

  1. The Department ensures the applicant, client, or employee understands:

    • (1) a qualified interpreter is provided at no charge; and
    • (2) a family member or relative may not be qualified to serve as an interpreter due to:
      • (A) lack of familiarity with specific technical terms; or
      • (B) the possibility of breach of confidentiality or reluctance to reveal critical personal information to family members or friends.
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Last Updated:  9/9/2011
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Street address: Sequoyah Memorial Office Building, 2400 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Mailing address: P.O. Box 25352, Oklahoma City, OK 73125
(405) 521-3646
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